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Religion and Libraries:
Best Practices
Indiana State Library
Professional Development Office
Suzanne Walker
suwalker@library.in.gov
Indiana State Library
Professional Development Office
I am not a lawyer
And I never play one in the library!
A mandatory caveat
But who am I?
Suzanne Walker
suwalker@library.in.gov
Professional Development Supervisor
Indiana State Library
What is Religion?
 the service and worship of God or the
supernatural
 a personal set or institutionalized system of
religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
 a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to
with ardor and faith
 Merriam Webster
What is Religion?
 It includes formal organized systems of
belief and practice and informal individual
spiritualities. It also refers to adherents of
older religions (e.g., the major world
religions), newer religions (e.g., those
designated cults by some) and no religion
(e.g., agnostics and atheists).
 Religion in American Libraries – Q and A
Guides for Collecting
 Intellectual Freedom is basis for collecting
religious materials
 The Library Bill of Rights can give guidance
Intellectual Freedom
“A democratic society operates best when information flows
freely and is freely available, and it is the library’s unique
responsibility to provide open and unfettered access to that
information.”
Evelyn Shaevel, et al
ALA Intellectual Freedom Manual
Evolving Definitions
 "Intellectual Freedom is the right of every individual
to both seek and receive information from all points
of view without restriction. It provides for free
access to all expressions of ideas through which any
and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may
be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the
freedom to hold, receive, and disseminate ideas.“
 American Library Association.
 http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/basics/ifcensorshipqanda
Historical Foundation
 Bill of Rights, Amendment I
 Congress shall make no law respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press, or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of grievances.
Freedom of Inquiry
 The freedom to ask any question
 The freedom to receive a complete, and
impartial answer
 Equality of access
American Library
Association’s
Library Bill of Rights
Overview and Interpretations
Background on the LBoR
 Written by Forrest Spalding in 1938; adopted
by ALA in 1939
 Amended in 1961, 1967, 1980, and 1996
 Six amendments and interpretations provided
by ALA and ALA’s Office of Intellectual
Freedom
Article I
 Books and other library resources should be
provided for the interest, information, and
enlightenment of all people of the
community the library serves. Materials
should not be excluded because of the origin,
background, or views of those contributing to
their creation.
Interpretations to Article I
 All groups and viewpoints in the community
should be represented in the library’s
collection
 Dislike of author or group is not enough to
keep material out of the library
 Disbelief of a religion is not enough to keep
material out of a library
Article II
 Libraries should provide materials and
information presenting all points of view on
current and historical issues. Materials should
not be proscribed or removed because of
partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
Interpretations to Article II
 A good library should have something in it to
offend everyone
 Need materials that explain both sides to
current issues
 “Toleration is meaningless without tolerance
for what some may consider detestable.” -
ALA
Article III
 Libraries should challenge censorship in the
fulfillment of their responsibility to provide
information and enlightenment.
Interpretations to Article III
 Collection development policy important
defense to challenges to materials
 Know procedures when materials are
challenged
 An item being challenged should remain on
the shelves and be available for use until a
formal hearing
Article IV
 Libraries should cooperate with all persons
and groups concerned with resisting
abridgment of free expression and free access
to ideas.
Interpretation of Article IV
 Libraries should support groups who protect
first amendment rights.
Article V
 A person’s right to use a library should not be
denied or abridged because of origin, age,
background, or views.
Interpretations to Article V
 Library cannot assume role of parent or
guardian (In Loco Parentis)
 Only parents can make decisions on what
their children – and only their children – can
check out of the library
 Libraries can provide review materials for
parents to make informed decisions
 People with different religious views must be
allowed access to the library.
Article VI
 Libraries which make exhibit spaces and
meeting rooms available to the public they
serve should make such facilities available on
an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or
affiliations of individuals or groups requesting
their use.
Interpretations to Article VI
 Bulletin boards and display cases fall under
exhibit spaces
 Public space/meeting room policy should be
written and approved by the library board
Meeting Spaces
 Libraries can set policies regarding the use of
meeting rooms.
 If a library's meeting rooms are open to the public
for a wide range of purposes, use restrictions should
generally be limited to time, place,
and manner restrictions.
 Can create policies that will prevent groups from
abusing the meeting room privileges
 Policies would have to be enforced equally among all
groups that use the room, no matter what the subject
matter.
Can I Collect Religious Items?
 Yes.
 In Indiana about 40% of our population
practices a religion.
 We should collect the materials that our
public requests, or at least make those items
available.
 Why? Because we have a professional duty
to do so.
 Religionatlas.org / ALA Religion Q and A
More about Collections…
 Libraries should strive to be more inclusive
than exclusive
 Your collection should reflect the entirety of
your community
 See the Library Bill of Rights
 You want to provide access without appearing
to endorse any particular faith over another
Who is in my community?
 http://www.thearda.com/
 http://www.religionatlas.org/
More good stuff…
 ALA Religion Q and A
 http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/state
mentspols/otherpolicies/religionqanda
Policies
Collection Challenges
 Clear collection guidelines
 Standard challenge form
 Review & Appeal Procedures
 Final Decision
Wise Words
 Applying the principles and guidelines in [the
Intellectual Freedom] manual cannot ensure that the
rights of librarians and users will never be
challenged or that difficulties will not arise. But
adhering to these principles in every library is
absolutely essential if librarians and users are to
enjoy the full benefit of freedom of expression under
the First Amendment.
Judith F. Krug, Director (late)
Office for Intellectual Freedom
Some Ideas for
Purchasing
Book Guides
 The Librarian's Guide to Developing
Christian Fiction Collections for Children
By Barbara J. Walker
More religions…
 http://www.islamicfictionbooks.com/
 http://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/
 http://www.llewellyn.com/
 http://catholicfiction.net/
 http://buddhistfictionblog.wordpress.com/
 http://mldb.byu.edu/A%20Believing%20People/T
Other libraries…
 Provo City Library, Provo, Utah
 Charlotte Mecklenburg, Charlotte, NC
 Williamsburg Regional Library, VA
 Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN
Readers’ Advisory Books
 Genreflecting - 2013
 What Do I Read Next? - 2014
 Fiction Catalog
Readers’ Advisory Websites
 GoodReads
 Amazon for Reviews
Readers’ Advisory Websites
 Allreaders.com
 Gnooks.com
 Librarything.com
 Readalike.org
 Reader’s Robot - http://tnrdlib.bc.ca/rr.html
 Whichbook.net
 http://www.jackflannel.org/ra.html
RA E-Resources
 Fiction-L – Listserv through Morton Grove
(IL) Public Library
 NoveList
 NoveList Plus
Publications for Reviews
 Publisher’s Weekly
 Kirkus
 Booklist
What about my labels?
 “Libraries do not advocate the ideas found in
their collections or in resources accessible
through the library.”
- ALA Labels and Rating System
What about my labels?
 Could this be considered advocacy?
What about my labels?
 Could it be considered to be prejudicial
(trying to prejudice the patron a certain way)?
Why could this be a concern?
 “ Let's say that you decide to use Christian
fiction labels. In the interest of balance, would
you need to create labels for Jewish, Islamic,
or Buddhist fiction?...Some people might say
that the act of limiting your religious genre
labels to Christian implies that only Christian
fiction is worth identifying, thus giving the
appearance of subtle approval or endorsement
of that religion from the library.”
 Field Initiated Studies, Christian Fiction Labels - March 2005
Images are strong.
What if you are label happy?
What if you are label happy?
What if you are label happy?
Might consider going this route…
More on the Label Debate
 http://www.lrs.org/documents/field_stats/Chri
stian_Fiction_Labels.pdf
Religion is a hot button issue
This actual meeting today…
Libraries and Religion…
 Our LSTA Digitization grants have been used
to form partnerships with religious
organizations to digitize collections that are
historic in nature.
Libraries and Religion…
 For example, Indiana State University
partnered with the Sisters of Providence of
Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods to digitize Civil
War materials from their archives.
 Another example is a partnership we are
working on with the Mennonite community to
help them digitize their history as it relates to
Goshen and Indiana.
Libraries and Religion…
 Spaces – Many times churches have great
meeting spaces and will very often let your
library borrow their space for a program that
you offer that aligns with their mission
Libraries and Religion…
 Reading Camp held in Church basement
when library was under construction
 Suicide Prevention Community Meeting /
Partnership with School System, Public
Library, and Church
 Indiana Youth Institute holds Youth Worker
Cafés in some churches that librarians are
invited to attend
Bottom Line:
 Yes. Religion can be in the library.
 Fair and balanced collections.
 Perhaps in partnerships.
 Based on your particular community.
Questions?
Resources
 ALA
 www.ala.org
 Library Bill of Rights
 http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/statementspols
/statementsif/librarybillrights.cfm
 Interpretations to the Library Bill of Rights
 http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/statementspols
/statementsif/interpretations/Default675.cfm
 http://www.privacyrevolution.org
Resources
 http://www.lrs.org/documents/field_stats/Christian_
Fiction_Labels.pdf
 http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statementsp
ols/otherpolicies/religionqanda
 http://www.thearda.com/
 http://www.religionatlas.org/
Thank You
Suzanne Walker
Indiana State Library
Professional Development Office
suwalker@library.in.gov
317.232.3718

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Religion and Libraries: Best Practices

  • 1. Religion and Libraries: Best Practices Indiana State Library Professional Development Office
  • 2. Suzanne Walker suwalker@library.in.gov Indiana State Library Professional Development Office
  • 3. I am not a lawyer And I never play one in the library! A mandatory caveat
  • 4. But who am I? Suzanne Walker suwalker@library.in.gov Professional Development Supervisor Indiana State Library
  • 5. What is Religion?  the service and worship of God or the supernatural  a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices  a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith  Merriam Webster
  • 6. What is Religion?  It includes formal organized systems of belief and practice and informal individual spiritualities. It also refers to adherents of older religions (e.g., the major world religions), newer religions (e.g., those designated cults by some) and no religion (e.g., agnostics and atheists).  Religion in American Libraries – Q and A
  • 7. Guides for Collecting  Intellectual Freedom is basis for collecting religious materials  The Library Bill of Rights can give guidance
  • 8. Intellectual Freedom “A democratic society operates best when information flows freely and is freely available, and it is the library’s unique responsibility to provide open and unfettered access to that information.” Evelyn Shaevel, et al ALA Intellectual Freedom Manual
  • 9. Evolving Definitions  "Intellectual Freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive, and disseminate ideas.“  American Library Association.  http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/basics/ifcensorshipqanda
  • 10. Historical Foundation  Bill of Rights, Amendment I  Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
  • 11. Freedom of Inquiry  The freedom to ask any question  The freedom to receive a complete, and impartial answer  Equality of access
  • 12. American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights Overview and Interpretations
  • 13. Background on the LBoR  Written by Forrest Spalding in 1938; adopted by ALA in 1939  Amended in 1961, 1967, 1980, and 1996  Six amendments and interpretations provided by ALA and ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom
  • 14. Article I  Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
  • 15. Interpretations to Article I  All groups and viewpoints in the community should be represented in the library’s collection  Dislike of author or group is not enough to keep material out of the library  Disbelief of a religion is not enough to keep material out of a library
  • 16. Article II  Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
  • 17. Interpretations to Article II  A good library should have something in it to offend everyone  Need materials that explain both sides to current issues  “Toleration is meaningless without tolerance for what some may consider detestable.” - ALA
  • 18. Article III  Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
  • 19. Interpretations to Article III  Collection development policy important defense to challenges to materials  Know procedures when materials are challenged  An item being challenged should remain on the shelves and be available for use until a formal hearing
  • 20. Article IV  Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
  • 21. Interpretation of Article IV  Libraries should support groups who protect first amendment rights.
  • 22. Article V  A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
  • 23. Interpretations to Article V  Library cannot assume role of parent or guardian (In Loco Parentis)  Only parents can make decisions on what their children – and only their children – can check out of the library  Libraries can provide review materials for parents to make informed decisions  People with different religious views must be allowed access to the library.
  • 24. Article VI  Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
  • 25. Interpretations to Article VI  Bulletin boards and display cases fall under exhibit spaces  Public space/meeting room policy should be written and approved by the library board
  • 26. Meeting Spaces  Libraries can set policies regarding the use of meeting rooms.  If a library's meeting rooms are open to the public for a wide range of purposes, use restrictions should generally be limited to time, place, and manner restrictions.  Can create policies that will prevent groups from abusing the meeting room privileges  Policies would have to be enforced equally among all groups that use the room, no matter what the subject matter.
  • 27. Can I Collect Religious Items?  Yes.  In Indiana about 40% of our population practices a religion.  We should collect the materials that our public requests, or at least make those items available.  Why? Because we have a professional duty to do so.  Religionatlas.org / ALA Religion Q and A
  • 28. More about Collections…  Libraries should strive to be more inclusive than exclusive  Your collection should reflect the entirety of your community  See the Library Bill of Rights  You want to provide access without appearing to endorse any particular faith over another
  • 29. Who is in my community?  http://www.thearda.com/  http://www.religionatlas.org/
  • 30. More good stuff…  ALA Religion Q and A  http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/state mentspols/otherpolicies/religionqanda
  • 32. Collection Challenges  Clear collection guidelines  Standard challenge form  Review & Appeal Procedures  Final Decision
  • 33. Wise Words  Applying the principles and guidelines in [the Intellectual Freedom] manual cannot ensure that the rights of librarians and users will never be challenged or that difficulties will not arise. But adhering to these principles in every library is absolutely essential if librarians and users are to enjoy the full benefit of freedom of expression under the First Amendment. Judith F. Krug, Director (late) Office for Intellectual Freedom
  • 35. Book Guides  The Librarian's Guide to Developing Christian Fiction Collections for Children By Barbara J. Walker
  • 36. More religions…  http://www.islamicfictionbooks.com/  http://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/  http://www.llewellyn.com/  http://catholicfiction.net/  http://buddhistfictionblog.wordpress.com/  http://mldb.byu.edu/A%20Believing%20People/T
  • 37. Other libraries…  Provo City Library, Provo, Utah  Charlotte Mecklenburg, Charlotte, NC  Williamsburg Regional Library, VA  Nashville Public Library, Nashville, TN
  • 38. Readers’ Advisory Books  Genreflecting - 2013  What Do I Read Next? - 2014  Fiction Catalog
  • 39. Readers’ Advisory Websites  GoodReads  Amazon for Reviews
  • 40. Readers’ Advisory Websites  Allreaders.com  Gnooks.com  Librarything.com  Readalike.org  Reader’s Robot - http://tnrdlib.bc.ca/rr.html  Whichbook.net  http://www.jackflannel.org/ra.html
  • 41. RA E-Resources  Fiction-L – Listserv through Morton Grove (IL) Public Library  NoveList  NoveList Plus
  • 42. Publications for Reviews  Publisher’s Weekly  Kirkus  Booklist
  • 43. What about my labels?  “Libraries do not advocate the ideas found in their collections or in resources accessible through the library.” - ALA Labels and Rating System
  • 44. What about my labels?  Could this be considered advocacy?
  • 45. What about my labels?  Could it be considered to be prejudicial (trying to prejudice the patron a certain way)?
  • 46. Why could this be a concern?  “ Let's say that you decide to use Christian fiction labels. In the interest of balance, would you need to create labels for Jewish, Islamic, or Buddhist fiction?...Some people might say that the act of limiting your religious genre labels to Christian implies that only Christian fiction is worth identifying, thus giving the appearance of subtle approval or endorsement of that religion from the library.”  Field Initiated Studies, Christian Fiction Labels - March 2005
  • 48. What if you are label happy?
  • 49. What if you are label happy?
  • 50. What if you are label happy?
  • 51. Might consider going this route…
  • 52. More on the Label Debate  http://www.lrs.org/documents/field_stats/Chri stian_Fiction_Labels.pdf
  • 53. Religion is a hot button issue
  • 55. Libraries and Religion…  Our LSTA Digitization grants have been used to form partnerships with religious organizations to digitize collections that are historic in nature.
  • 56. Libraries and Religion…  For example, Indiana State University partnered with the Sisters of Providence of Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods to digitize Civil War materials from their archives.  Another example is a partnership we are working on with the Mennonite community to help them digitize their history as it relates to Goshen and Indiana.
  • 57. Libraries and Religion…  Spaces – Many times churches have great meeting spaces and will very often let your library borrow their space for a program that you offer that aligns with their mission
  • 58. Libraries and Religion…  Reading Camp held in Church basement when library was under construction  Suicide Prevention Community Meeting / Partnership with School System, Public Library, and Church  Indiana Youth Institute holds Youth Worker Cafés in some churches that librarians are invited to attend
  • 59. Bottom Line:  Yes. Religion can be in the library.  Fair and balanced collections.  Perhaps in partnerships.  Based on your particular community.
  • 61. Resources  ALA  www.ala.org  Library Bill of Rights  http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/statementspols /statementsif/librarybillrights.cfm  Interpretations to the Library Bill of Rights  http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/statementspols /statementsif/interpretations/Default675.cfm  http://www.privacyrevolution.org
  • 63. Thank You Suzanne Walker Indiana State Library Professional Development Office suwalker@library.in.gov 317.232.3718

Editor's Notes

  1. Ask the group for their input.
  2. Definition of intellectual freedom has changed over time. This is the current definition, but it has changed as librarians’ perceived roles have shifted.
  3. Free Speech has been expanded and interpreted to be freedom of inquiry.
  4. Without fear of judgment Without having to go through a restricted section – automatic barrier to access. Equality – access is freely available to all – regardless of any prejudices of artificial barriers. Librarians must first communicate the message that their libraries are open to all and available to everyone, even to those with no interest. Granted, such a stance seems overly easy to uphold, since it reflects traditional values among librarians, but it is essential and must be constantly reinforced.
  5. Forrest Spalding was the director of the Des Moines, Iowa Public Library
  6. Collection Development – balanced.
  7. If there is a large foreign language population, the library’s collection should have a Spanish-language (or whichever language) section, same thing if there is a blind or deaf population in the area. If not enough to have a separate section for these special populations, have to be willing to get these materials from another source Whether you disagree with the NRA or ACLU doesn’t mean you can keep materials from these groups out of your library In the 1970s and 1980s, some librarians wanted to keep music and movies out of libraries. It’s almost unthinkable to of libraries today without audiovisual materials. Today new formats include graphic novels, video games, computer software. New or different materials do not have to be scary.
  8. Balance
  9. We just finished an election. Did you have books about all of the candidates? With a current president, do you have books both supportive and critical of him? Think of other hot-topic issues like evaluation/intelligent design/creationism, abortion, stem cell research, religious critiques, politics, Know your enemy http://www.lita.org/Template.cfm?Section=interpretations&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=8530
  10. Libraries and librarians have to be strong in the face of criticism over unpopular materials in the collection. Just because individuals or groups may find something objectionable does not mean they have the right to prohibit others from reading, watching, listening
  11. Having a well-written collection development policy can help if citizens challenge materials Do you have steps in place when a patron challenges a book, movie, etc? Each person at the library should know what they should do
  12. Pretty self explanatory. Libraries should be supportive of those groups who protect first amendment rights.
  13. Pretty self explanatory. Libraries should be supportive of those groups who protect first amendment rights.
  14. Can’t deny or restrict use of the library based on patron’s origin, age, background, or views Common in turn of the 20th century to tell certain minorities they couldn’t read certain books because they were too advanced for blacks, immigrants, etc. Equality of access. Neutral. We do not judge – we welcome everyone. Has also been expanded to include gender, sexual orientation, etc.
  15. Because we cannot assume role of parent, we cannot make decisions about what minors look at or check out at the library as long as it is within policy (if there is no policy about what books a 15-year-old can check out, he is allowed to check out Stephen King, medical books, etc.) Parents can also hold on to children’s library cards, review what materials they have checked out, etc.
  16. Policy can state that display cases can be used only for library promotion, meeting rooms and bulletin boards can be used only for non-profit use and only for groups within library boundaries. But this needs be clearly defined in the policy. If County Democrats are allowed to use the meeting room, County Republicans must also be able to use the meeting room.
  17. From Counsel to ISL: Based on United States Supreme Court cases, Indiana Supreme Court cases, and 7th circuit Federal cases, the following appears to apply with regard to library meeting rooms: Libraries can set policies regarding the use of meeting rooms.  However, if a library's meeting rooms are open to the public for a wide range of purposes, use restrictions should generally be limited to time, place, and manner restrictions. Classes of use may be exempted so long as they are not viewpoint based.  For example, commercial sales and parties may be prohibited, but libraries should be careful about excluding specific religious or political organizations.  A number of U.S. Courts have found libraries in violation of the constitution because their room use policies prohibited religious and/or political meetings.  It is permissible to turn away a religious or political organization that wants to use the room to have a party, if parties are prohibited under the library’s policy.  This is an example of an acceptable viewpoint neutral exclusion. Of course libraries can create policies that will prevent groups from abusing the meeting room privileges, but those policies would have to be enforced equally among all groups that use the room, no matter what the subject matter.  For example, libraries can prohibit the “regular meetings” of organizations, so long as “regular” is defined with sufficient clarity.  Libraries can also include provisions for handling groups that disrupt the library, etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  18. Take some time to look at these two resources.
  19. Judith F. Krug, Director (late)Office for Intellectual Freedom
  20. Books to help with an actual RA interview -Genreflecting was and probably remains the first and best RA resource on genre fiction. Book is divided into chapters by genre. A great overview of the genre is given, subgenres are broken down, and then books under each subgenre are listed. Books are also organized by topic, which are the indexed in the back of the book. So if you have someone interested in books that take place in Indiana, you can look in the index under Indiana. Many books in the Genreflecting series, most dedicated to one particular genre so it can delve even deeper. -What Do I Read Next is a Gale product available in print or online. It comes out early, and it lists that year’s most popular genre fads and titles. Then it gives suggestions as to other titles people would like. -Fiction Catalog is usually seen as a great resource for collection development and evaluation, but it can also be used in RA. Each book has a summary and a subject that can be looked up in the index.
  21. These are all free websites. Librarything requires a username, and you can catalog up to 200 books at no cost. After that, there is a fee. But you can use a lot of the RA stuff with no cost ever. Allreaders.com-nice analysis of book, covering information about geography, pov of narrator, any sex in book. Book I looked up, one piece of info was wrong – just a reminder that there may be errors. Movie search as well-movie advisory is becoming very popular, too. Gnooks.com-Books, movies, music. Search by author and it gives other authors a patron may like (or movie or band/musician) Librarything.com-Website people can use to catalog their books. Suggestion generator based on catalog from computer and other users. Message boards about all kinds of books, both Fic and NF Readalike.org-IU website with details about authors and readalikes suggested Reader’s Robot-Search for titles using the appeal factors. Very detailed. Can get too specific and not get any results Whichbook.net-Allows you to find books on mood
  22. Fiction_L is an awesome listserv. You can e-mail the list requests on finding a title everyone has forgotten, ideas for book displays and booklists and readalikes
  23. Some libraries have staff fill out cards everytime they read a book. Some of the books in the bibliography have ideas what to include on the card. One the card, the staff member then has to include books and authors they think a reader would also like Sure bets list is a booklist when all else fails. This is a list of books that seem to have universal appeal across the board. Some RA departments do a formal interview for patrons. Some of these forms can be found in the resources listed at the end of the ppt. Then a formal reading list is created for the patron. These lists are kept, reviewed, evaluated so staff can pick the best books for the patron.