Research-Based Readers' Advisory

by Jessica E. Moyer

Written by RA expert Jessica Moyer with contributions from leading RA luminaries, Research-Based Readers' Advisory approaches research from two vantage the Research Review provides an expert overview of new research, and the Librarian's View, written by RA experts, discusses practical issues. Written in straightforward terms, this one-stop provides an easily accessible resource for reviewing everyday interactions with readers; includes real-world examples of RA changes based on the results of research; gives pointers for further research through reference lists at the end of each chapter; and, offers extensive coverage on a wide range of topics, including bookgroups and audiovisual readers' advisory, as well as collection development and management. Librarians and staff doing readers' advisory and LIS students can become better acquainted with readers' advisory research using the guidance offered here. This book also serves as useful background for readers' advisory training programs and continuing education in library systems.

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development, Library Science, Reference

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2008

Reviews

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the record, I would like to give this 3.5 stars. GoodReads. But I can't, and seeing as how large portions of this were review for me, I'm going with three. However, if RA is new to you (or you are new to it), you could do worse. It covers really all aspects of RA, and I really appreciate the focus on research. Or the lack thereof.

I read this as a portion of my professional development for the year (it's been five years since I left library school, and I don't want to get all intellectually flabby and complacent.) Happily, I think I left with the refresher I need, and even a few ideas to try in my library. Hard to ask for more. Hope it helps me be a better readers' advisor.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote a chapter for this book, originally titled 'Your Ultimate Orgasm, or Zen and the Art of Readers' Advisory.' The title 'orgasm,' and multiple 'orgasms' throughout the article were edited out, making my chapter much much less fun, and about 98% less-likely-to-be-read by anyone at all. What about me: will I read the book, or just read my own chapter over and over again, missing all those orgasms? Well, I think this is one to hop and skip around in. Which is to say I know some of the authors, and so I'll for sure read their chapters. Ultimately, this is probably a good bathroom book for readers advisors, even without all those orgasms, darn it.

[Emilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to the research that's been conducted in readers' advisory. It pointed toward some great articles and books that I plan to pick up later. It also included many websites I visited during the course of my reading that had helpful information (although some of them no longer exist and some of them were interesting as early examples of web based readers' advisory that are really not impressive given recent innovations). Reading summaries of all the research was helpful for me since I'm relatively new to the profession. This was a great short cut until I have time to read the original research (if I ever get time).

[Kathy KS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this to librarians all over the library, not just those designated "readers' advisors." The interconnections of all department and their importance in providing patrons with the items they want is highlighted.

As my esteemed colleague, and husband, contends, it's time to put the science back into "library science". This work does an excellent job in synthesizing the research that is being pursued by both librarians and others promoting reading.

[Kaite Stover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, I wrote a chapter for this book, too! I'm in Chapter 4. Unlike David, I don't reread my published works because I completely forget about them once I turn them in to my darling editors. However, I have read David's chapter in all it's unedited glory. It is The Awesome. Orgasms and all.

[AnnaBnana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great reference resource. It covers a lot of different topics and I like the juxtaposition of research and practice. Also useful because the author provides plenty of information about the popular/current research in each of the areas covered if you are interested in looking at a particular topic in further depth.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good - I really liked all the different perspectives. This is also the first RA book I've seen that takes AV Advisory into account... The chapter by David Wright should be holy scripture for anyone doing RA in public libraries.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best essay is wrttten by our very own Fabulous Fiction librarian, David Wright where he discusses the 'zen' of Reader's Advisory. A must for all who engage with the public in a readers advisory role!

[Hannah Jo Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with Lillian. The best essay is the one written by David Wright. And I'd say that even if I didn't know him!

[Debye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable for approaches to reader's advisory. I do recommend reading it.