Imagine this: A patron comes to the desk gushing about a book they just loved and wants another that’s equally as amazing. The only problem is, you’ve never heard of this title, and you certainly don’t know what makes it amazing!
Or you're asked to suggest a new author by a patron who has read everything written by their favorite author, but all of a sudden, you can’t even remember what an author does, let alone name one!
As much as we love talking about books, it can be intimidating to be put on the spot like this. I know I used to put a lot of (unnecessary) pressure on myself in those moments. I felt like a failure if I couldn’t come up with the perfect title or author suggestion off the top of my head.
That is silly, of course. Even the most experienced librarian can’t possibly know everything about every book or every author. The next time you find yourself at a loss as to what to recommend, remember to use your tools! If your library catalog has NoveList Select, you and your patrons have a powerful readers’ advisory tool at your fingertips. You can use it to help answer all kinds of reader questions. Here are four example scenarios of how you can use the catalog to make easy recommendations:
Situation #1: When a reader loves a specific book
If a reader tells you, “I just LOVE the Sandsea Trilogy by Chelsea Abdullah and can hardly wait till the third book. What am I supposed to read in the meantime?” You can use NoveList Select’s Story Finder to match your patron with books tailored just for them. Even if you have never heard of the Sandsea Trilogy, you will find a whole set of vocabulary, right in your catalog, that you can use to confidently make informed recommendations.
“Oh, wonderful!” You might say as you furiously (I mean calmly and quietly) type Sandsea into your catalog search box and click on a title. “What is it that you love so much about this series? I can suggest some more Fairy tale or folklore inspired fiction if you’d like.” If they’re an adaptation and retelling fan, then you might suggest titles such as A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher, or For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten.
On the other hand, if they seem less than charmed by happily ever after spin-offs, then you might follow up with, “How about something else intricately plotted and evocative? If you want to stick with Fantasy fiction, you might enjoy Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James, or Uprooted by Naomi Novik.”
Keep mixing and matching until you find the combo that’s right for them!
Situation #2: When they’ve read everything by their favorite author
Maybe the next patron you talk to tells you, “I really like Kristen Hannah, but I’ve read all of her historical fiction books.”
“I see,” you muse as you once again type quickly and quietly to find a Kristen Hannah book in your catalog. “I can suggest some other authors you might enjoy.” The Similar Authors list in NoveList Select will give you several authors to choose from. And the reason why under each author will help you decide which one is the best fit for this reader.
In this case, you can ask some follow-up questions to determine what kind of writing style they enjoy. Since they mentioned Hannah’s historical fiction, they may decide to skip the authors that lean more toward romance and start with authors who explore different periods, like Julia Alvarez. Either way, NoveList Select has a wealth of information about each author's similarities and differences.
Situation #3: For when they need Book 15 in a series
Some readers love a good series. And no one wants to read a series out of order. So, when a frazzled caregiver comes up to you at the desk and says, “My child needs Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 15,” you don’t have to wonder where to look. Pull up any Wimpy Kid book in your catalog and see them all listed right there in reading order. “Oh yes,” you can respond knowingly, “The Deep End is the light blue one. Let’s see if it’s on the shelf.”
Situation #4: For when the library is closed
As you are talking to each patron, show them your screen and explain how they can always find even more recommendations right in the library’s catalog, anytime. Your library is the best place for readers to turn to when they need a good book. And with NoveList Select, they’ll never come up empty-handed again.
Lauren Campbell is a NoveList Librarian. She is currently reading The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah, and after writing this article, she must now also read For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten and Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James.
