While visiting a local library I was anxious to approach someone about an RA question. Would they be capable of helping me? Would they want to help me? Would they answer my questions with 1 word answers? Would I be wasting my time?
Thus, I began this journey ...
There were not signs mentioning reader's advisory
There were no visible booklists
Reference desk was easily accessible
The reference desk was staffed with 2 eager librarians, both in nice attire
The staff member was approachable & friendly
So, I begin ... "I need a book to read."
I'm then barraged with a multitude of questions ...
What did you read last?
What did you like about that particular book?
Did you read it because of the author?
Is this a particular genre you like?
(I played dumb & asked what a genre was)
Thus,
Do you like to always read mysteries?
Do you like the book to be fast paced?
Do you like the characters to have personal relationships?
Does it matter about foul language or sexual content?
Do you have a preference of male or female authors?
I answered her inquiries and she clicked away on her keypad
Then, she asked a few more questions. She had pulled up Amazon I noticed.
She also told me about the "GN" display. She was very excited about this area in
the library because she had "begged" the library director to allow her to order books for this area.
Until a few months ago she said the only Graphic Novel materials were in the YA
area and she said there are lots of adults who also enjoy these books. I told her I had only read
two graphic novels in the past. But, I checked one out because
of her 
for the genre.
for the genre.
What a fun experience. I mentioned there are times when I want to know who writes like another author and if you aren't at work, what will I do? Thus, she mentioned a Reader's Advisory section on the library home page to help me and she mentioned other places to learn about books. By the new adult books The New York Times Best Sellers list is available and she mentioned a few periodicals that were in the Reading Room. She suggested an author I've never read (Jo Nesbo), told me about
emerging cultures to keep an eye on (like Urban fiction becoming more popular), she was
also familiar with a few series I brought up to see how "up-to-date" she was on other genres.
With the zeal this young lady showed for RA services, it was apparent she will
be a valuable tool to the library where she worked!
