Secret Shopper

Librarian: Hi, How can I help you?

Me: I’m looking for something new to read.

Librarian: Okay, what are you in the mood for?

Me: Something with really well-developed character(s) who grow throughout the story. Something that takes you on a journey with them. I find books that are dark and depressing more interesting.

Librarian: (stands up and walks around the desk) Come over here, these are some of our newer books… (pulls Shuggie Bain from the shelf and hands it to me)

Librarian: This one just won the Booker Prize and it’s really dark. A co-worker just read it and said it was really good. 

I read the inside cover and my interest was piqued. This book is one that I would be interested in reading. I told the librarian it sounded really good and thanked her for her help. 

This was a recent readers advisory interaction in a public library. On the surface, it seems that the book the librarian chose was easily identifiable based on my current reading tastes, but the truth is that a lot of research went into her being able to recommend a book on the fly. 

Knowledge of the library collection: To be able to recommend a title, the librarian must first be familiar with the current collection. It is good practice to browse your library’s shelves and flip through unfamiliar books that catch your interest. Flip through and learn about the titles that are in heavy circulation as well, as this can also aid in identifying a requested title when very little information is provided by a patron. 

Talking about books with co-workers: Walk around your library and discuss what you are reading and watching with your co-workers. Find out what they are reading and watching outside of work and encourage them to share their thoughts. This way, when a patron approaches you seeking a book recommendation, there are titles that will come to mind with a personal review from a trusted source associated with it. In the above example, a past discussion with a co-worker made the book, Shuggie Bain, come to the librarian’s mind instantly. 

Knowledge of awarding winning books: The librarian was aware of recent award-winning titles. There are many, and to keep up with current and past winners, the American Library Association and BookBrowse both publish a list awards given each year. 

Tools and techniques that could make this interaction better:

Readers Advisory form: Have a form ready to hand out or the web address handy of your form online. Encourage patrons to provide information on their reading interests to the library so that librarians can do what they do best – find good reads. 

Ask the reader to come back: Always find a way to encourage patrons to come back to the library. An invitation to continue a discussion about what they think about what they read is one way. Offering to find other titles they may like is another.