Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Web 2 Readers Advisory tools

In the Feb. 15, 2008 edition of Library Journal (p.32-33) an on-line readers advisory service is highlighted.

I took a look at the site ; http://www.wrl.org/bookweb/RA/index.html
and the web form looks very similar to a paper form for a readers recommend service that we provided a few years ago.

When we started readers advisory at RPL, staff had limited experience and training (this was many years ago), so this form that gave staff time to research recommendations and build skill was a good idea. However, as the staff improved their stills, they were better able to provide "point-of-need" service. Our public seemed to prefer getting an immediate recommendation rather than waiting for a recommended list. In addition, we have compiled over time a number of recommended reading lists around a variety of authors and reading interest.

However, in reviewing this article and looking at the on-line form, there may be reason to revisit this enhanced service. There is value in providing an in depth investigation based on a number of factors selected by the reader. It does encourage staff to dig a little deeper in developing recommendations -- skills that are also needed in other RA settings.

For now, I am adding the idea to this blog, to ponder further development of this idea. There are other web 2 readers advisory tools that I am eager to implement -- and want to accomplish those first!

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