Patrons
often have questions about what to read next. NoveList Plus,
an eResource from MeL.org, is a tool that can help provide readers’ advisory. Though
library staff become familiar with their collections over time, no one can read as widely or deeply as we would like. NoveList Plus can help broaden library workers’ ability to recommend the right book and create engaging displays that will draw attention
to hidden gems in any collection.
Premade Lists
Premade lists are a quick way to find books with a particular genre or theme. On the NoveList Plus home page, the left menu provides over 100 recommended reading lists, both
fiction and nonfiction, divided by age level (Adult, Teen, Ages 9-12, Ages 0-8). These lists are diverse in topic and scope. For example, the adult mystery category has 15 lists including
Cooking
Up Crime,
Vacation
Interrupted, and
Historical
Mysteries. Lists can be printed for patrons or used as a starting point for a book display or programming idea.
Readers’ Advisory Toolbox
Across the top of the home page, the
Especially For menu includes a Readers’ Advisory Toolbox designed to help library staff become more proficient at understanding genre and theme, recommending books, and creating booklists and displays for their libraries and patrons. This menu
also includes Working with Youth, a page of specialty resources designed for those who provide youth services. The articles are based on age range and provide programming ideas and information about diverse books.
Basic and Advanced Searches
NoveList Plus includes basic and advanced searches to find just the right book. The basic search box is on the home page along with a link to an advanced search page. In order
to perform better searches, NoveList Plus has a story elements guide called
The Secret Language of Books
that library staff can use to learn more about the best search terms to find books. The idea center also has
videos to help staff learn about the story
elements of appeal, theme, and genre and how to use them in a search.
Catch Reader Attention with Amazing Displays
Making a display of books to increase circulation takes time. The
Book
Display Ideas in the
Quick Links menu not only provides lists that can help library staff get started, but each list also includes a premade Library Aware poster that can be printed and used with the display. NoveList Plus has also a curated
Books
to Movies list which would make a great display to help patrons find stories they can read and then watch.
NoveList Plus
is a powerhouse eResource for readers’ advisory. From pre-made booklists to vast searching capabilities, library staff will find NoveList the perfect
MeL eResource for helping patrons discover that just right book.
If you are having any issues linking to items on this page, please explore the MeL
eResource Access Page. Contact
meldatabaseshelp@mcls.org
for help.
Brought to you by
Laura Warren-Gross from the MeL Team.
Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First.
Want more information on MeL? Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org,
or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery.
We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks.
MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only.
#IMLSGrant
Laura Warren-Gross
Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS)
1 800 530 9019 ext 152
