The Enduring Role of Librarians in Recommending Books
Librarians at my local library were extremely helpful in finding books that I might like based on books I had previously checked out. Do librarians in your neighborhood still do this?
Indeed, helping readers find books is a fundamental part of librarianship. While it is true that libraries no longer hold information on previous checkouts due to the Patriot Act, librarians can still provide recommendations based on your preferences. You just need to keep a list of the books you’ve read yourself, and librarians can guide you towards similar titles.
The Changing Landscape of Library Services
The ability to track previous checkouts was once a valuable tool for librarians to recommend new books. However, concerns for privacy led to the implementation of the Patriot Act, which prevents libraries from holding onto such information. Fear not, though, as the core principle of reader's advisory remains robust and adaptable.
Librarians continue to offer recommendations based on personal preferences. Many libraries maintain a list of books based on these recommendations and publish them on their websites or distribute them as flyers. This personal touch helps readers discover new titles that match their tastes.
Reader's Advisory: A Fundamental Aspect of Librarianship
Especially at our local library, Leon Slatin Branch in Deerfield Beach, Florida, reader's advisory is a cornerstone of our services. Located in Century Plaza Shopping Center at 1856 W Hillsboro Blvd, our library offers readers a wealth of recommendations tailored to their interests.
How Does Reader's Advisory Work?
Librarians like to call this practice 'Reader's Advisory.' It involves understanding the vast diversity of books available and matching them to individual readers. While many librarians are dedicated readers themselves, they may not be familiar with every genre. For example, a librarian might be less knowledgeable in fantasy and mystery, requiring them to keep a close eye on what fans of these genres are reading.
Luckily, our local library utilizes a service called Novelist, which is embedded in the public library catalog. If a patron enjoys a particular title, Novelist can suggest 'read alikes,' providing detailed explanations of the similarities. This benefit extends to both patrons and librarians, enhancing the quality of book recommendations.
Embracing the Craft of Reader's Advisory
The concept of 'The right book to the right person at the right time' was popularized by Library Professor Marcella Grider at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She underscored the importance of matching readers with appropriate books, especially to boost their self-esteem. Novelist serves as a valuable tool in this endeavor, ensuring that all patrons, including new readers, find books that are both engaging and accessible.
Librarians’ professional training often includes a strong element of reader's advisory. It is considered one of the fundamental hallmarks of librarianship. By keeping up with the latest trends and utilizing resources like Novelist, librarians continue to deliver exceptional service in recommending books.