Definition

Readers' advisory is a library service dedicated to answering the question, "What's a good book to read?" In the past this has meant uniformly recommending books to improve the reader's mind. Today readers' advisors are more interested in suggesting leisure reading (fiction and narrative nonfiction) based on knowledge of the individual reader's interest. Readers' advisors also do indirect readers' advisory (see below), which does not involve one-on-one interaction.

Direct Readers' Advisory

Direct RA means using direct communication with the reader. This could be a reference librarian conducting a readers' advisory interview, a circulation clerk talking with readers about their selections at the checkout desk, using IM software or email to chat with readers about books.

Indirect Readers' Advisory

Indirect RA uses print or electronic information rather than direct interaction to help readers find materials to take home. Here are examples of indirect RA:

• Displays
• Bookmarks/booklists
• Forms
• Promoting tools
• Librarian reviews/staff picks
• Library Web site
• Catalog
• Reader Alert programs
• Shelf-talkers
  

History of Readers' Advisory