Readers' Advisory
Skills and Tips
Cathy Belben, Librarian, Burlington-Edison High School
May 2007
What is "readers' advisory"?
Readers' Advisory is the process of connecting a reader with a book. The
most effective readers' advisory consists of a one-on-one conversation between
two readers that ends with one, or both, finding a book to read that has been
recommended by the other. School librarians usually learn a series of useful
questions to ask individual students when they come looking for a book to
read--see the section below on "how a readers' advisory is conducted."
Why learn how to conduct readers' advisory?
Anyone who works with current or potential readers can learn to conduct an
informal readers' advisory session--and many probably already do without knowing
it. But learning some skills can help teachers, parents, and others connect
students with books that match their interests, reading levels, and curricular
needs. Students do struggle sometimes to select reading material, and educators
can help them make the most beneficial and enjoyable choices by asking good
questions.
Who conducts readers' advisory?
Librarians usually conduct readers' advisory conversations, but teachers and
parents can also learn how to ask good questions that will provide them with the
information they need to lead students to books they will read. Teachers who
become equipped with readers' advisory skills can even teach students how to
have readers' advisory conversations with their peers so they can recommend
books to one another.
When is readers' advisory held?
Readers' advisory occurs, loosely, anytime one reader talks with another about
recommended reading material. More formally, it occurs when a teacher or
librarian talks with a patron about his/her reading interests and needs.
How is a readers' advisory conducted?
Here's the strategy I usually use:
1. Student enters library and is walking around, browsing the shelves.
2. I approach and offer help. "Can I help you find a book?" is my usual opening.
3. Are you looking for a book to read for pleasure or to complete an assignment?
4. If the student is looking for a book for
research, I ask a series of questions aimed at helping meet the
reader's needs:
| Is there a certain topic you're interested in or need? If so, what is it? |
| Do you need a book that you can check out, or just one that you can get information from here in the library? |
| Do you need a whole book, or can we find a chapter or section that will help you? |
| I then guide the student in the use of OPAC, and help him/her find the book. |
5. If the student is looking for a book for pleasure reading, I ask another series of questions:
| Are you looking for a certain kind of book? (If so, what? Romance? Mystery?) |
| Have you ever read a book before that you liked? What was it? |
| Do you have a favorite author? |
| What are your favorite movies and/or TV shows? (This can really help me know what entertains them, and then I can find books that are similar in style or plot). |
Where can I learn more about readers' advisory
| Genreflecting |