Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Winter 1-30-2024
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Readers’ advisory (RA) can be informally defined as match making between readers and books, with a librarian functioning as matchmaker. Published literature agrees that RA is an important professional practice when carried out by librarians; and that RA is important for increasing literacy, benefitting individual readers and also their communities. The literature describes new types of book clubs and displays that provide RA services for patrons in attractive, less direct ways than the standard RA interview. This paper reports on and examines the benefits of two library initiatives, book clubs and displays, that function as less direct forms of RA. How do library book clubs act as RA agents? What kinds of book clubs provide effective RA and for whom? What value do RA and book clubs bring to a community? Displays in the library have a role to play in RA by suggesting books to patrons and providing a more discreet level of interaction. How can library displays provide RA? How can patron interaction with library displays be encouraged? Librarian led book clubs and displays are a vital part of full spectrum readers’ advisory. Less direct RA is needed to reach more readers benefitting them and their community.