Crash Course in Readers' Advisory

by Cynthia Orr

The question "can you recommend a good book?" can be one of the most daunting you face, notwithstanding the fact that recommender tools are ubiquitous. Often, uncertainty arises because, although librarians are called on to perform such services daily, readers' advisory is a skill set in which most have no formal training. This guide will remedy that. It is built around understanding books, reading, and readers and will quickly show you how to identify reading preferences and advise patrons effectively. You'll learn about multiple RA approaches, such as genre, appeal features, and reading interests and about essential tools that can help with RA. Plus, you'll discover tips to help you keep up with this ever-changing field.



There is no other professional book that covers the full spectrum of skills needed to perform the RA service that is in such great demand in libraries of all kinds. Helping readers find what they want is a sure way to serve patrons and build your library's brand. You will come away from this easy-to-understand crash course with the solid background you need to do both.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Professional Development

190 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2014

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate how readable this textbook is, which is fitting since so much of it is about getting people to read. To that end, some of the advice and takeaways seem a little obvious, but that might be a pro for someone just coming to librarianship. And it is a smidge older, and a few of the views come off a little condescending towards patrons. On the whole, though, I think it’s a solid resource for readers’ advisory.

[Abby Hargreaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crash Course in Readers' Advisory offers an excellent overview of readers' advisory services in public libraries, from face-to-face suggestion and readers' advisory reference interviews to display curation and design. Perhaps for the sake of brevity but still to the great detriment of readers, Orr leaves out service to children and young adults. This is especially unfortunate as readers' advisory services to these populations are crucial to maintaining their interest in the library as they age (and become taxpayers!). Where Orr might have discussed things like proxy readers' advisory (which she otherwise addresses) particularly in the scope of parents requesting for children (which I can tell you as a youth services librarian happens frequently), she does not. She also does not discuss direct service to children/young adults.

However, this is easily the most exhaustive and practical piece I've read on readers' advisory, with actionable tips, dozens -- if not hundreds -- of resources (though some have since become defunct through no fault of the author's), and a thorough take on readers' advisory service. Orr articulates much of what many readers' advisors are already doing, making it easier to talk about the service and improve in various areas. She does an excellent job explaining the very many aspects of the service and how it is so much more than just suggesting "good books."

tldr; Highly recommended for library professionals who serve in both customer-facing and non-customer-facing roles, though it could use additional info on serving the child and young adult populations.

[Lezlie Gits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I clearly missed my occupational calling. 😁

[Kathy KS · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Written in 2015, this book may seem to outdated to new librarians, but it provides a good summary about the history of readers' advisory in libraries, statistics and resources about reading, research, and fiction (mostly) in a variety of library types. Although principally designed to help public librarians, most all the information can be helpful to other types of libraries.

I have read many of the titles mentioned, both in the body of the book and the bibliographical section, but I believe most are still apropos. My own library career stretches from the 1970s to about Covid, so I have followed the readers' advisory world, in addition to related areas. Orr does mention the early 20th century research in the area, as well as how the field has adapted to new technologies and attitudes. I whole-heartedly agree that "books" still remain our brand, regardless of format. I spent my career trying to help readers find what they wanted. This might be a readers' advisory interview and finding read-alikes, cataloging with more subject headings and notes, or using interlibrary loan to obtain items not included in my library. The main disappointment is that we need more library schools to teach this area right alongside reference, collection development, and other subjects. Now I need to update and see if there's been any new significant works published recently.

Library students are often taught about Ranganathan's Five Laws of Library Science, first published in 1931. They are:
Books are for use
Every person his or her book
Every book its reader
Save the time of the reader
A library is a growing organism

I believe this strongly... especially the second and third! This book will help younger generations of librarians become inspired to continue this tradition of service.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource and relevant to today's public library.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good resources/web sites. I liked the morning routine the author suggested.

[Joseph]

This is a very good "crash course" book. It really sets up the librarian to work effectively with patrons, and the supplemental reading section is fantastic if you want to become an expert in the field.