Special Topics Paper - Passive Readers' Advisory

My paper explores various methods of passive readers’ advisory services in a public library setting. Passive RA could be described as “indirect” in that it does not include the classic, in-person RA interview but still provides the service in a less direct way. Many library patrons have neither the time nor the inclination to engage in in-person readers’ advisory during their trips to the physical library. Perhaps they request materials online and then come in quickly to pick them up, or maybe they are shy and don’t care to approach staff for recommendations. Other patrons primarily use the library remotely and don’t come to the physical library much at all. All of these patrons deserve dedicated readers’ advisory services, and public libraries can take a variety of approaches to providing them.

I decided to approach passive RA through four categories of service methods: In-house, In Print, Online, and Out of the Box. In-house methods include displays, staff picks, and shelf-talkers. These are methods that can be easily employed within the physical library building. For in print methods I discuss booklists and bibliographies in the form of handouts, brochures, or bookmarks, and also a form-based RA service that can be used in-house or online. Online methods include RA through the library’s website, social media platforms, and the library catalog. These methods take a different skill set than the in-house methods, but some of the in-house methods can be replicated or applied to the online environment, as well. Integrating appeal terms into catalog records, the use of NoveList Select, and the promise of interactive, next-generation catalogs are all discussed. Finally, I approach a few out of the box methods that have been used in a few libraries with great success, including but not limited to asking patrons to submit pictures of their tattoos as a way to provide reading recommendations.

Public libraries are unique in that they serve an entire city, county, or district and must meet the needs of all citizens. Many public libraries do not have the financial means to subscribe to a service like NoveList that can aid in providing RA services, and even for those who can subscribe not all patrons will use the online service. Meeting patrons where they are, both within the physical confines of the library and in the digital world, takes effort, planning, and creativity. All libraries can engage in some of the methods I have described as a way to improve their overall RA services.