The second type of Reader’s Advisory is indirect reader’s advisory or passive reader’s
advisory, which doesn’t involve an interaction between the librarian and the patron. However,
the librarian influences the patron without being directly engaged by crafting, for example, eye-
popping displays that create a positive atmosphere toward reading and the library.
Traditionally, passive reader’s advisory was the majority of assistance in the library. The goal
is to create a community of readers.
The COVID-19 epidemic changed online
patron-librarian behavior by increasing RA online since library staff couldn’t
meet patrons in person, and the physical books in our libraries were
inaccessible. Even after the panic
subsided, the internet remained popular as a means to connect through online
book clubs, and online book recommendations became more popular even after we
returned to normal.
Online passive reader advisory is
helpful for people who do not traditionally seek direct reader advisory. For example, people may think the librarian
is too busy to approach the desk or a question about reading suggestions is too
trivial. People feel that they might be
judged on their reading topics or be embarrassed due to the librarian being of
the opposite gender. Another population
that passive reader’s advisory can reach is teens or young adults. You can reach many of the teen population by using social media and passive reader advisory. The main benefit of passive reader advisory is that it has a very low budget, and the staff doesn't have much time, so it is perfect for small and large libraries.
Hi Brenda! I love this topic. It's funny, because it's easy to forget that the displays librarians make is a form of readers' advisory. We're directly influencing what patrons read by hand-picking books or films based on a theme. I've used social media myself to promote books, so I know how helpful it can be to just put something together without the pressure of someone sitting across the desk from you who might not have time for you to find the perfect book at a gentle pace. I agree, a LOT of patrons are nervous to approach me at the desk (a couple have told me its because I actually look intimidating...) so sometimes I have to approach them when they look lost and we end up having a great consultation in the stacks!
ReplyDeleteGreat summary!
ReplyDelete