This practical guidebook fills a much needed gap in the sphere of readers' advisory works as it takes into account new technologies, genres, and means of performing readers' advisory. A total of 22 short chapters are divided into five parts:
- 1.
Getting to know your materials.
- 2.
Reviewing and evaluating materials.
- 3.
Marketing, promoting, and sharing materials.
- 4.
Programming.
- 5.
Expanding readers' advisory services.
The slim volume packs a big punch and not only gives tips for getting books into the hands of readers, but it also offers advice on evaluating collections, writing reviews and planning literary programs in the library. The editors found writers to focus on their specialties, from how to perform readers' advisory for nonfiction and graphic novels to reviewing audiobooks and reference materials. Of particular note is the first chapter by editor Moyer entitled “How to read a book in ten minutes.” Moyer breaks down this tried and true technique into eight very detailed steps, and follows the chapter with an easily reproducible worksheet. As with most chapters in the work, not only do the entries include instruction and insight on matching readers with books, but many also include examples, worksheets and samples which may prove quite useful for the practicing librarian, especially those new to the field or unversed in readers' advisory. Because not every librarian has the time to focus on readers' advisory, the section on marketing and promotion may be particularly useful as it provides successful examples of ways in which bookmarks, booklists and displays can be used without much fuss. Web sites and links to pre‐made booklists are included in many of these short chapters so that librarians can adapt them in order to better promote their own collections. The book is well organized and is easy to read; it is thorough enough to be used as a textbook for instruction. However, the short chapters and detailed index also make it a useful reference tool for reference desks everywhere. This work is highly recommended for all types of libraries.
