Readers’ Advisory

1. Readers’ Advisory Christine Tuttell LSIS – 5505 Capstone Project – August 2, 2011

2. Definitions and of Readers’ Advisory • Readers' advisory (sometimes spelled readers advisory or reader's advisory) is a service which involves suggesting fiction and nonfiction titles to a reader through direct or indirect means. This service is a fundamental library service; however, readers' advisory also occurs in commercial contexts such as bookstores. Currently, almost all North American public libraries offer some form of readers' advisory. Source: Readers’ advisory. (2011). Retrieved July 29, 2011, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Readers'_advisory • Readers’ advisory is the process of helping someone find something to read. It is the most basic form of promotion librarians do. Our collections are physical products we have to offer; readers’ advisory is our chance to make the best use of those collections. (Sullivan, 2005, p. 96) • Readers’ advisory is usually thought of as finding recreational reading, as opposed to finding books for homework assignments or books on how to draw or play a sport. So readers’ advisory often means finding fiction books for the customer, similar to hand-selling in an independent bookstore. (Peck, 2010, p. 2) • Readers' Advisory Services are defined as the library staff providing suggestions and guidance in finding interesting materials for readers in the library. This can, and often is, informally done at the circulation desk when desk workers get to know the library users' preferences and suggest other similar titles that they might enjoy reading. Many libraries are offering more formal Readers' Advisory Services both at designated service desks, on the library's website, and through programs offered to library users where new and topical titles are discussed and suggested. Source: Readers’ Advisory. (2005, October 29). Retrieved July 29, 2011, from Library Success: http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Definition

3. Target Audience My readers’ advisory program will service two audiences: • K – 2 students – which are comprised of non-readers and beginning readers • 3 – 5 students – which are comprised of avid readers and reluctant readers

4. Developmental Theories • Stages of Psychosocial Development, Erik Erikson Stage 4 – Industry vs. Inferiority - This stage covers the early school years from approximately age 5 to 11.Through social interactions, children begin to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments and abilities. • Stages of Cognitive Development, Jean Piaget The preoperational stage occurs between ages two and six. Language development is one of the hallmarks of this period. Piaget noted that children in this stage do not yet understand concrete logic, cannot mentally manipulate information, and are unable to take the point of view of other people, which he termed egocentrism. The concrete operational stage begins around age seven and continues until approximately age eleven. During this time, children gain a better understanding of mental operations. Children begin thinking logically about concrete events, but have difficulty understanding abstract or hypothetical concepts. • Source: Psychology. (2011). Retrieved July 29, 2011, from About.com: http://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial_2.htm

5. Mission Statement • The mission of the Readers’ Advisory program is to recommend books for children in grades K – 5 which will: • appeal to their personal and academic interests • generate excitement about reading • instill a life-long love of reading

6. Readers’ Advisory Program Overview Direct Communication Indirect Communication Pre-recorded booktalks available on website Book displays Bibliographies and pre-printed book lists Peer recommendation lists Book marks If you like…then try.. Summer reading list theme Links to web sites promoting books to youth The Readers’ Advisory Program will be made up of two distinct types of communication. The direct communication (active) with students will include personal interaction. The indirect communication (static) will include bibliographies, displays, web pages. • Readers’ Advisory Interview • Custom booklist tool – available through library web site • Booktalks (live)

7. Readers’ Advisory Interview (Direct) When a student approaches the librarian for advice on a book the librarian should conduct an interview to determine the reader’s likes, dislikes and previous reading choices so their help is effective, efficient and best meets the needs of the reader. Questions to consider: • What grade are you in? • Is this for homework or to read for fun? • Can you think of a book you have read before? (younger students) • Can you think of a book you read and liked? (older students) • Is this for you or your brother or sister? • Would you like something true (nonfiction) or a made up story? • Do you have a favorite book series? • Do you have a favorite author? • Do you like books that are scary or funny? • Is there a hobby or sport you like? • What movies and TV shows do you like? (Peck, 2010)

8. Kids Custom Book List Tool (Direct) • Questions • Name, gender, age, e-mail (teacher or parent) • What types of books do you like? • What have you read? • List 5 books/authors you liked and why • List 5 books/authors you do not like and why • Do you have a favorite series? • What kind of movies do you like? • What type of books you do like best? • Easy vs. hard • Funny vs. serious • Safe, relaxing vs. a little scary • How long do like your books? – less than 100 pages, 100 - 250 pages, over 250 pages • Tell us about characters you like. male/female – age • Where do you like your stories to take place? US, around the world, futuristic, fantasy, historical • What do you like to read about? Friends, family, sports, books made into movies, animals Source: Kids Custom Book lIst. (2011). Retrieved July 30, 2011, from Wake County Public Library: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/users/wakecty/web/ris_kids.html The kids custom book list is a survey tool that patrons can fill out online and receive a book list customized to their reading preferences. The online survey consists of 10 questions. Once the questions are answered students submit the survey and a list of book titles (4 -10) will be e-mailed or held at the library for pick up.

9. Booktalks (Direct) • Keep it brief • Booktalk more than one book at a time • Never give away the ending • Relate the book to a movie or TV show • Booktalk at the reference desk and in the stacks, not just in formal presentations Book talks are brief “sneak previews” of a book. They should not be a book review or a summary but rather a persuasive speech on what the book is about and why it is appealing. (Peck, 2010)

10. Indirect Communication The librarian is not always available to work with patrons directly so resources should be put in place guide and encourage students to make appropriate book choices. In addition, many students do not want to approach the librarian for various reasons so these tools are beneficial in reaching those students. • Pre-recorded booktalks available on website • A variety of booktalks should be available in video and podcast format. Students can view these at their convenience • Book displays • Inviting book displays should be strategically set up around the library. They can be set up by genre, theme, author, etc. • Bibliographies, pre-printed book lists, Summer reading lists themes • Bibliographies and book lists should be pre-printed and available near book displays and at the circulation desk. These lists should be organized in multiple ways: age level, genre, If you like…then try, authors, etc. • Peer recommendation lists • Peer recommendations can be set up in a book display and as pre-printed booklists • Book marks • Can be customized with book lists, book summaries, author information, program information, etc. • Links to web sites promoting books to youth • Links should be added to the library web site so students can utilize various resources at their convenience

11. Estimated Budget for Readers’ Advisory The Readers’ Advisory Program would be part of the librarians daily responsibilities therefore his/her salary will not be included in budget estimates. Custom Book List Tool (development and maintenance) $ 1,000 Pre-recorded book talks (flip camera, digital voice recorder, computer for uploading) $ 1,000 Book Display materials $ 500 Book Lists (designing and printing) $ 500 Peer recommendations (book displays and printed lists) $ 250 Bookmarks (customized and commercial) $ 500 Updating website $ 500 Total: $ 4,250

12. Five Benefits of the Readers’ Advisory Program • Make students aware of books that they were not aware of • Generate excitement about reading through engaging booktalks • Instill a love of reading at an early age • Get to know students likes and dislikes on a more personal level • Give reluctant readers options that will ignite their desire to read

13. Topic Summary The readers’ advisory program is designed to encourage students to read. This encouragement is done by providing students with quality literature. It is also done by encouraging children to diversify their reading habits with books that offer different subjects, settings and genres. The librarian should remember that while teachers teach reading, librarians promote it (Peck, 2010). We should be book ambassadors for all students. Which means we need to be aware of the books that will also engage reluctant readers. Our library booktalks, book lists and library collections need to be as diverse as possible in order to best meet the needs of all the learners we service. Finally, the readers’ advisory service should be promoted to teachers, students and parents. Awareness is the key to any successful program therefore money should be set aside in the budget to promote the readers’ advisory service. When teachers, students and parents are made aware of the programs that the library has in place they will utilize them. Once they find the readers’ advisory program a valuable resource they will continue to support it, especially in these difficult budgetary times.

14. References • Kids Custom Book lIst. (2011). Retrieved July 30, 2011, from Wake County Public Library: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/users/wakecty/web/ris_kids.html • Peck, P. (2010). Readers' Advisory for Children and Tweens. Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited. • Psychology. (2011). Retrieved July 29, 2011, from About.com: http://psychology.about.com/od/psychosocialtheories/a/psychosocial_2.htm • Readers’ Advisory. (2005, October 29). Retrieved July 29, 2011, from Library Success: http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Definition • Readers’ advisory. (2011). Retrieved July 29, 2011, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Readers'_advisory • Sullivan, M. (2005). Fundamentals of Children's Services. Chicago: American Library Association. • Young Adult Library Services Association. (2011). Retrieved July 29, 2011, from American Library Association: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/yalsamemonly/yalsamounder/yalsamotopics/readersadvisory.cfm