When The Atlantic Monthly published “The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read Books” in November of 2024, there was a lot of buzz. This, along with a recent study from Harper Collins Publishers (UK) which presents a bleak view of reading among young people and their parents, could be discouraging. However, libraries are in a perfect position to foster a love of reading and encourage it as a pleasurable activity. We are fortunate that the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) can help library staff improve their readers’ advisory skills as a part of this important work.

NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 Plus

NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 Plus offer read alike books, curated book lists, and educational articles to help library staff gain knowledge and provide excellent readers’ advisory. With features such as the ability to find books that have been mentioned in the media, check the order of titles in a series, and select tags to create custom lists, these eResources can help create displays, offer on-the-spot suggestions to patrons, and design reading challenges.

Curated Lists

Using “best of” lists to craft lists for what to read next or what to read while there is a long hold list for a popular book is one way to become familiar with a wide variety of genres. “RA Toolbox: ‘Best of’ and Award Lists” in RUSQ: A Journal of Reference & User Experience by Craig Clark compares titles among several popular lists and offers suggestions about how to use those, along with other tools such as NoveList Plus, LibraryReads, and trade journals such as Library Journal and Booklist, to improve your RA skills.

Readers' Advisory Websites

Another idea that may draw patrons in is to offer readers’ advisory via your website. “Designing an Effective Readers’ Advisory Website for Your Library” in Public Libraries describes the process that one librarian uses to feature books online. The article also suggests creating an online quiz to help patrons find books. This is a great way to provide exposure for books and authors that might not be as well-known and to make the process of finding a book fun and interactive.

Learn from the Experts

Becoming better at readers’ advisory is an ongoing process. “Listening to Advisors: A Conversation About Readers’ Advisory Services, Practice, and Practicing” in Reference & User Services Quarterly reminds us that even the most experienced library staff continue to hone the craft. No matter where you are on your journey, use MeL to find tips, tricks, and advice to help every patron discover the joy of reading. 

If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp@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. 

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.

Laura Warren-Gross

MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries 
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services  
517-481-2022 

warren-grossl@mcls.org

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