Assignment: Go into a library where you are unknown attempt to have readers' advisory done.
Summary: I fulfilled this assignment at a midsize library that has a separate Reference desk. I went up to the reference desk and asked for help finding a romance book. I told the librarians that I like rom-com type romances not harlequin type romances. They asked a few questions and recommended two authors: Jennifer Cruise and Sharon Sala. They also suggested an autobiography. They didn't use any tools, just made off the cuff suggestions based on books they like. Overall think it could have been more successful. I like Jennifer Cruise,, but as I've already read some of her books it wasn't anything I didn't already know about. The other two options they gave me didn't really peak my interest. They didn't take the time to find out why I liked the books/authors I said I liked. That information might have made there recommendations more successful.
That being said they were really nice and after I told them why I was really there we had a nice conversation about readers advisory, gardening (they have a seed library!), and life in general. They even offered to show me around the library and explained how their collection was set up.
Hi Tasha! This is my first time visiting your blog. I wanted to say that I absolutely love your design and theme - so creative! I am a little surprised that the librarian did not perform any searches and just made off-the-cuff suggestions. I have done that before if it's a genre with which I am very familiar, but generally speaking, I use Goodreads a lot for my reference suggestions, especially their book lists. It was nice, however, that they showed you around the library. Even though the RA service could have been a little better, it still seems as though the librarian wanted to provide you with great service by showing you around as well as telling you about programming. The seed library sounds cool!
ReplyDeleteHi Tiffany,
DeleteThanks! I've always had a thing for rainbows. :) I was surprised they didn't do any searches too. I use Novelist and bookseriesinorder.com a lot. It was definitely an interesting experience.
Hi Tasha, I would like to say I'm surprised that they didn't use any tools or ask any questions to reveal why you liked the books you like, but I think the reality is that many reference staff get poor RA training.
ReplyDeleteI've been working in libraries for a number of years and while I know the reference interview process I often freeze on RA and feel like reference interviews and RA are totally different, even though they are taught to paraprofessionals as basically the same. I have seen many coworkers also freeze and give poor answers.
I actually only know a few coworkers from my library system that are actually GOOD at RA.
Great write up!
ReplyDelete