Table of Contents
SELF DIRECTED READERS' ADVISORY
Examples of Self-Directed Readers’ Advisory
Displays
◾ Quick Choice Zones- new book stands, staff picks, recent returns.
◾ High turnover/ express collections.
◾ Browsing zone for recent returns.
Printed Resources
◾ Reading Lists.
◾ Genre Guides.
◾ Spine Labels.
◾ Arrange Collection by Genre.
◾ Shelf Talkers.
Objectives
◾ Help browsers identify titles in their preferred genre.
◾ Signage is used to facilitate access to readers’ advisory services.
◾ Promote read-a-likes for high demand items.
◾ Draw attention to particular areas of the collection.
◾ Promote RA programs and services.
Guidelines
Measures are in place to promote discoverability of leisure reading collections and services.
Suggested performance indicators
◾ resources are up-to-date.
◾ number of items added to/taken from display.
◾ circulation.
◾ percentage of total circulation of library materials from book displays.
◾ benchmark circulation against ‘standard’ library collection.
◾ number of items read in the library.
◾ observe customer interaction with displays.
◾ number of printed resources distributed.
◾ use a unique URL or QR code. Measure resulting website visits.
◾ benchmark circulation before and after promotion.
◾ use LMS to monitor items promoted on book lists.
◾ compare the turnover of various genres.
◾ customer satisfaction.
READING ORIENTED PROGRAMS
Examples of Reading Oriented Programs
◾ Reading Discussion Groups
◾ Facilitation or provision of materials to community book/reading discussion groups
◾ Author Events
◾ Reading-Oriented Programs and Events
◾ One Book, One Community Programs
◾ Summer/seasonal Reading programs
◾ Reading challenges
◾ Book talk sessions,
◾ Reviews on radio or in media
Objective
To provide the community with a range of activities related to library services and collections that enrich the lives of community members who choose to attend.
Guidelines
Reader education programs and activities in the library are appropriately advertised and promoted.
Suggested Performance Indicators
◾ number of participants/members
◾ retention of members
◾ number of events
◾ attendance numbers of library members and non-members
◾ satisfaction rate
◾ number of groups using book club materials
◾ circulation of book club materials
◾ cost per loan of book club materials
◾ book club price point
◾ resources are up-to-date
◾ customer satisfaction
◾ number of media mentions of program
DIGITALLY BASED READERS’ ADVISORY
Examples of Digitally Based Readers’ Advisory
◾ Dedicated Readers Advisory Resources page on website
◾ Book Suggestions via social media
◾ eNewsletters
◾ Reading suggestions in catalogue
◾ Library Blog
◾ Community book reviews
◾ Asynchronous (form based) readers’ advisory
◾ Online chat reading discussion
◾ Databases
Objectives
Library members see the website as a trusted source of reading suggestions and readers’ advice
Guidelines
Library communicates information about new items, services or programs to customers, using means such as email, RSS, website, mass media, social media.
Suggested performance indicators for digitally based Readers' Advisory
◾ Social Media likes/comments/reach
◾ Clicks on promoted links
◾ Impact on circulation
◾ Number of requests received
◾ Response turn-around time
◾ Customer satisfaction survey
◾ Number of visits to readers’ advisory pages on library website
◾ Time spent on readers’ advisory pages
◾ Visits to library catalogue via readers’ advisory pages
◾ use of NoveList & other RA databases
◾ Resources are up-to-date
◾ Customer satisfaction survey
STAFF TRAINING
Objectives
◾ Appropriately skilled and trained staff deal with information and readers’ advisory requests.
◾ Library staff are proactive in offering assistance and promoting services and resources to customers
Guidelines
◾ Appropriate training in information service, technology assistance and readers’ advisory work and procedures are provided to all staff.
◾ Staff have a responsibility to maintain their reference and readers’ advisory skills and knowledge to a professional standard by participating in training and self-development/education.
◾ Readers Advisory Competencies are used as part of performance review.
Suggested performance indicators
◾ number of library staff trained in Readers Advisory
◾ training is up to date
◾ staff satisfaction with training program
◾ implementation of suggested improvements
◾ staff are familiar with Readers Advisory trends and best practice