Introduction to Readers’ Advisory Services

Jessica E. Moyer, Ph.D.jessicaemilymoyer@gmail.com

jessicaemilymoyer.pbworks.com

Introductions

1. Your name and your library2. Best book or audiobook you have read

recentlyEx: Jessica E. Moyer, former librarian, current

professor at UWM, and avid reader.

What is Readers’ Advisory?

“[A] patron-centered library service for adult leisure readers. A successful readers’ advisory service is one in which knowledgable, nonjudgemental staff help fiction and nonfiction readers with their leisure reading needs.” (Saricks, pg 1, emphasis added)

“Quite simply, it is the act of putting people together with the books they love. Librarians, booksellers, literature teachers—anyone in the business of helping readers find the books they love—are readers' advisors”. Diana Herald, Genreflecting website

"An exchange of information between two people with the purpose of one person's suggesting text for the other's later reading interest."—Kenneth Shearer

Why We Like To Read

Reading Recommendations

Laws of Leisure Reading“Never apologize for your reading tastes” - Rosenber

g ’s First Law of Reading

“Every reader his [or her] book. Every book its reader” - S. R. Ranganathan’s 2nd and 3rd Laws of Library Science

The Rule of 50: If you’re under 50 years old, read the first 50 pages [of a new book]. If you’re over 50, subtract your age from 100, the result is the number of pages you should read before deciding whether or not to continue” Exception: Finish it, if the book is for a bookclub or a school assignment. - Nancy Pearl’s Rule for Reading

“ No two people ever read the same book.” Diana Herald, RAO Blog, 5/9/2008

Appeal Factors: Pacing

How quickly are character/plot revealed?Dialogue v. DescriptionShort sentences, short paragraphs, short chapters?Multiple plotlines, flashbacks, different points of view, straight line plot?Is the ending open or closed?

Appeal Factors: Characterization

Are characters fully developed or are they one dimensional stereotypes?Is focus on a single character or several who intertwine?Is characterization or characters the most important aspect of story?Is character developed during the series or in one book?Are there memorable or important secondary characters?

Appeal Factors: Storyline and Frame

StorylineDoes the story emphasize people or events?Is the focus interior/psychological or exterior/action?What is the author’s intent? Serious v. light; comedy v. drama?

FrameIs the background detailed or minimal?How does the book make the reader feel? What mood does the book evoke in the reader?Is a special background integral to the story?

How To Read A Book in 10 Minutes: A quick way to familiarize yourself with new

books1. Cover: What does it tell you? Is it embarrassing or dated?2. Jacket blurb: What does it tell you about the book/author?3. Typeface: How easy is it to read? Better for younger or

older readers?4. Heft - Can they carry it? Open and read it easily?5. Read a sample: First and last chapters, pages in the middle6. Evaluate--genre/type; pace; clarity. How does it fit into the

appeal factors?7. What is the format? Hardcover, paperback, illustrated, etc.8. Connect this book to other books.9. Who will enjoy this book?

Activity Time: Read a Book in 10 Minutes

1. Pick out a book that you have not read before, and preferably by an author you don’t know

2. Follow the steps on the previous slide. You have only 10 minutes so use your time wisely.

3. Make notes as you evaluate your book

4. Prepare to share your book with your classmates in a 30 to 60 second summary.

--What is the book about?

--What other books are like it?

--What kind of reader would enjoy it?

5. Share books with class

Rise of E-ReadingThe average e-book reader read 24 books a yearThose who read e-books report reading more in all formats. Those who own e-book readers tend to read more books30% of those who read e-content say they now spend more time reading, especially men who own e-reading devices and e-content consumers under age 50Access to content continues to be an issueThe majority of readers prefer to buy than borrow.Don’t own devices because: are: 1) they don’t need or want one, 2) they can’t afford one, 3) they have enough digital devices already, or 4) they prefer printed books

Rise of E-Reading72% read a printed book, 11% listened to an audiobook21% have read an ebook = 29% of adult readersThere are four times more people reading e-books on a typical day now than was the case in 201143% of Americans age 16+ (12/11) have either read an e-book or other long-form content in digital format on an e-book reader, tablet, computer, or cell phone88% of those who read e-books also read printed booksE-book readers are more likely to have bought their most recent book, rather than borrowed it, and they are more likely than others to start their search online.

Ebook Reader Demographics

Based on the % of book readers who read an e-book68% are between 18 and 49, 23% are 5-64More than 2/3 have at least some college educationMore than 70% live in households with annual incomes of over $50,000Some 89% of e-reading device owners say they read at least occasionally for pleasure, compared with 80% of all Americans 16 and olderSimilarly, 89% of e-reading device owners say they read at least occasionally in order to do research on specific topics that interest them

Format Preferences

Ebooks and RAE-books are not scary nor the end of the libraryStop worrying!  Ebooks are just another formatChange is coming: MMPB is only 9.7% of Adult book market and ebooks are 31.8%.Discovery and Access – how can advisors help readers find digital materials if our traditional resources are insufficient?

Be format neutralEmbrace online RABe innovative