Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library

"Do you have anything else like this?"

In public libraries, reference librarians are often called on to make recommendations to readers, sometimes in genres that they don't personally read. Learning how to frame a discussion and articulate the appeal of a book, author, or genre marks the essence of a successful readers' advisor.

Readers' advisory is defined as, "patron-oriented library service for adult leisure readers," according to Saricks, a noted expert on the subject. In the completely revised third edition of Readers' Advisory Service for Public Libraries, Saricks updates this critically acclaimed how-to guide, making it more helpful than ever. As reference librarians seek support in guiding adult readers, they've come to trust this authoritative resource.

It has been expanded and improved with:

• Easy ways to create "read alike" lists, identifying what else is "like" a favorite book
• Practical guidelines for conducting the advisory interview so it's a comfortable exchange
• Confidence-boosting tactics for drawing on reviews to make recommendations
• Methods for incorporating nonfiction into the discussion
• More resources and online tools

Using the proven strategies in this newly updated, back-to-basics overview, librarians providing readers' advisory services will find the answers they need to help customers make appropriate choices.