Passively Recommending Books

It's almost New Year's Day and time for those articles and books about how we can all be better in 2023. I am not a huge fan of the theme of "New Year, New You" because we don't need to be a new person. There are always opportunities to do something new and different. I would suggest that that is the direction for your New Year's displays.  One option is "Learn Something New." Get with the programming librarians and have some local experts come in and teach your patrons new hobbies or skills. There are always things about cooking, crafts, gardening, sports, the outdoors, and so forth that your patrons may be curious about.  Here's a picture of a display I did in 2019:  Don't forget that you can use your language programs, local services, and materials as part of learn something new! Tie together your databases to a Learn Something New book display or list with QR codes or links. Add bookmarks to the books. Don't restrict what you mean by

  True crime has soared in popularity thanks to podcasts and documentaries on streaming services. It is possible to highlight the parts of your collection that would appeal to fans of the genre while also being conscious of the victims, survivors, and their families. I'm not including a list of titles about the more famous serial killers because those are easy to find and likely get a lot of circulation in your library.  I'll link to the Goodreads reviews for the books so you can see what other readers thought since I've not read all of the titles below. Remember to include lists/signs/QR codes for your digital collections if you make a book display inside your library.  Setting up a book display or a book list is not a test; don't stress out over how close a read alike is. Every reader comes at a book from a different place. Also, Use popular titles to draw in readers to the other books on your display. You won't have every lower profile or smaller press/imprint bo

  When I presented at TBLC's VIP Conference, I was asked about free alternatives if your library does not subscribe to a database like Novelist. Here are a few of my suggestions. As always, your mileage may vary and everyone has different tastes. It's not an endorsement of any of them.  Goodreads : While you might use it as a way to connect with other readers and to track your own reading during the year, it is also possible to use it for readers advisory. You can search for a trope like haunted house, bounty hunter, enemies to lovers and then click on Listopia. The lists created by readers will load and you can search them for the right book for your patron. It also works for other things  like Polish literature or Queer science fiction. If you spend some time searching, you can note the best lists. Also, when you log books include some notes about who else might like that book, what other books it reminded you of, and what the tone, setting, and characters were like. If you

  I neglected to upload this and I apologize. If you would rather have an emailed copy, please let me know.  Here is the presentation I did for TBLC's VIP Conference which focuses on paraprofessionals. Providing inclusive readers advisory is honestly just about doing some work in advance & not relying on the quick Google search.  Later on in the weekend, I will provide a list of Novelist-like resources for those who don't have library access. (If your library is open to exploring a subscription it is a great resource for library workers and the public.)

 In preparation for a few presentations I'm giving this fall, I will be uploading my slideshow here for use by those who are interested after they see the presentation. I will also be creating some lists of resources on various genres so that any library worker can provide their patrons with better readers advisory!

Any of the major library eBook/eAudiobook vendors will allow you to set up your own displays for your patrons to discover. There are obvious uses - highlighting cultural awareness months, celebrating holidays, and participating in events like Banned Books Week.  Another great way to use them is to provide both passive readers advisory for patrons who wish to explore your digital collection on their own as well as to support paraprofessionals when they are called upon to provide readers advisory on the phone, in virtual chat, or while on a public service desk. Even if a patron wishes to read a physical book or listen to a CD audiobook, having an easily accessible digital collection/list/shelf available will give your staff a place to start. They will be able to see authors, series, and subject headings that can give them some direction.  Readers Advisory specialists can ask front line staff what kind of RA questions they are receiving and what sort of books patrons are discussing with t

 There are so, so many possible book challenges that you can suggest to patrons looking to find some great new reads in 2022. I found one comprehensive list here . Adapt them for your library and create a year-long passive program with some sort of swag to be gained by completing it.  Add links to your catalog and/or ebook collection when you post a link to the reading challenge or a PDF of your own challenge. You can use it as a weekly post to your social media or library blog. It's a good way to remind patrons of the older titles in your collection.  What I'm going to do is take a look at a few of the lists and make some suggestions for horror titles that can be used for the challenge. As a passive programming idea, you could solicit suggestions from the library staff who run any of your book clubs whether genre-based (mystery, romance, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, historical, etc.) or age based (youth, YA). Don't forget to include large print and audiobooks. Add them to a so