Download - Ra in public libraries
Serving Fiction Readers in the Library and Beyond
Nicole AdamsOshawa Public Libraries
October 2013
Who am I?Hold a Master in Library and Information Science from FIMS at Western
CNIB Library, Boston Public Library and Markham Public LibraryHeld a variety of positions in the Oshawa Public Libraries
Vice Chair of OPLA’s Readers’ Advisory Committee
Local Initiatives in public libraries
RA Services, Staff Training
Programs
RA Committee
Mandate
Work of the committee
Engaging Readers
Engaging ReadersOshawa Public Libraries
Direct Readers' Advisory
One on one recommendations - RA conversation
Personalized Reading Service – form based RA
Visiting Library Service
Outreach – book clubs in the community
Programs for readers
Engaging ReadersOshawa Public Libraries
Indirect or “Stealth” Readers' Advisory
Read-alike and Themed booklists - print and online
Reading map posters and pathfinders
Shelf talkers
Displays in library and at programs
We try to make reading suggestions a part of everything we do
Readers' Advisory TrainingOshawa Public Libraries
RA librarian offers training each quarter
Genre Talks
Book sharing sessions at staff meetings
Webinars from EI and SOLS
RA Committee's Core Competencies Toolkit
RA in a Day
Programs for Readers Mystery Author Festival Pass the Book (Community Read) Genre talks and Book Chats Book Clubs
Book Club in a Bag Book Club Celebration
Readers’ Advisory Committee
Develops and promotes adult RA service in public libraries
Provides a forum through which public library staff can meet, exchange ideas, and promote services
Ensures educational opportunities are provided for staff working with adult readers
Readers’ Advisory Committee
Raises the standards and strengthens the guidelines for RA services province-wide
Advocates and promotes RA excellence
Honours excellence in service to adult readers
RA Core Competencies
A comprehensive document providing RA training materials.
1. Collection Knowledge
2. Readers’ Service Skills
3. Readers’ Advisory Conversation
4. Reader Development
• First 2 competencies are on the OLA website
RA Core Competencies
1. Collection Knowledge
Understanding of, and familiarity with, the depth and breadth of materials and resources in the branch and/or system, including material in all formats and media, both fiction and non-fiction
RA Core Competencies
2. Readers’ Service Skills
Developing and maintaining a system for exchanging information in a nonjudgmental environment for the purpose of suggesting reading materials that support the reading interests of our customers.
RA Core Competencies
3. Readers’ Advisory Conversation
Interacting with readers to match their needs and interests to library materials.
Using interview skills to clarify customers’ interests
Assisting and advising customers on the selection of materials in a variety of genres, subjects and formats and at an appropriate reading level
Understanding the appeal factors of books,
RA Core Competencies
4. Reader Development
Developing customers` awareness of their own reading interests, the ability to articulate why certain books appeal, and the ability to make connections to similar books.
RA in a Day
• A day-long event features the
leaders in RA
• Guest speakers, authors, interactive discussions and roundtables
• Allows staff across the province to share RA knowledge
• Recognition of Excellence in Adult RA - Award
RA in a Day – themes
The Many Faces of Our Readers:Including Diverse Communities in the Reading Experience
Getting Your Community Reading Reaching Virtual Readers
RA in a Day Speakers’ List
• Rachel Van Riel, Opening the Book
• Raymond Mar & Keith Oatley, On Fiction
• Duncan Smith, NoveList co-founder
• Neal Wyatt, non-fiction readers’ advisory
• Authors: Terry Fallis, Charlotte Gray, Kelly Armstrong, Deborah Harkness, Elizabeth Ruth
How can you get involved?
• READ and be prepared to talk about your reading in a professional way
• Be knowledgeable about readers in your community and events they might be interested in
• Join professional associations and assist with RA programs
• Attend events and share in the reading culture
• Participate in reading activities in your job
No One Reads Anymore?