Nicole Adams presented on serving fiction readers in libraries and beyond. She discussed initiatives at Oshawa Public Libraries to engage readers, including direct and indirect readers' advisory services, training programs for staff, and public programs. The Readers' Advisory Committee develops resources like the RA Core Competencies toolkit to promote excellence in readers' advisory services across Ontario libraries. The committee also organizes the annual RA in a Day event for library staff to share best practices in matching readers to materials.

1. Serving Fiction Readers
in the Library and Beyond
Nicole Adams
Oshawa Public Libraries
October 2013

2. Who am I?
Hold a Master in Library and
Information Science from
FIMS at Western
CNIB Library, Boston Public
Library and Markham Public
Library
Held a variety of positions in
the Oshawa Public Libraries
Vice Chair of OPLA’s Readers’
Advisory Committee

3. Engaging Readers
Local Initiatives in public libraries

RA Services, Staff Training

Programs
RA Committee

Mandate

Work of the committee

4. Engaging Readers
Oshawa Public Libraries
Direct Readers' Advisory

One on one recommendations - RA conversation

Personalized Reading Service – form based RA

Visiting Library Service

Outreach – book clubs in the community

Programs for readers

5. Engaging Readers
Oshawa Public Libraries
Indirect or “Stealth” Readers' Advisory

Read-alike and Themed booklists - print and online

Reading map posters and pathfinders

Shelf talkers

Displays in library and at programs
We try to make reading suggestions a part of everything
we do

6. Readers' Advisory Training
Oshawa Public Libraries

RA librarian offers training each quarter

Genre Talks

Book sharing sessions at staff meetings

Webinars from EI and SOLS

RA Committee's Core Competencies Toolkit

RA in a Day

7. Programs for Readers
Mystery Author Festival

Pass the Book (Community Read)

Genre talks and Book Chats

Book Clubs

Book Club in a Bag

Book Club Celebration


8. Readers’ Advisory Committee
Develops and promotes adult RA service in public
libraries
Provides a forum through which public library staff can
meet, exchange ideas, and promote services
Ensures educational opportunities are provided for
staff working with adult readers

9. Readers’ Advisory Committee
Raises the standards and strengthens the guidelines for
RA services province-wide
Advocates and promotes RA excellence
Honours excellence in service to adult readers

10. RA Core Competencies
A comprehensive document providing RA training
materials.
1. Collection Knowledge
2. Readers’ Service Skills
3. Readers’ Advisory Conversation
4. Reader Development
•
First 2 competencies are on the OLA website

11. RA Core Competencies
1. Collection Knowledge
Understanding of, and familiarity with, the depth and
breadth of materials and resources in the branch
and/or system, including material in all formats and
media, both fiction and non-fiction

12. RA Core Competencies
2. Readers’ Service Skills
Developing and maintaining a system for exchanging
information in a nonjudgmental environment for the
purpose of suggesting reading materials that support
the reading interests of our customers.

13. RA Core Competencies
3. Readers’ Advisory Conversation
Interacting with readers to match their needs and
interests to library materials.



Using interview skills to clarify customers’ interests
Assisting and advising customers on the selection of
materials in a variety of genres, subjects and formats
and at an appropriate reading level
Understanding the appeal factors of books,

14. RA Core Competencies
4. Reader Development
Developing customers` awareness of their own
reading interests, the ability to articulate why
certain books appeal, and the ability to make
connections to similar books.

15. RA in a Day
•
A day-long event features the
leaders in RA
•
•
•
Guest speakers, authors, interactive discussions and
roundtables
Allows staff across the province to share RA
knowledge
Recognition of Excellence in Adult RA - Award

16. RA in a Day – themes

The Many Faces of Our Readers:Including
Diverse Communities in the Reading
Experience

Getting Your Community Reading

Reaching Virtual Readers

17. RA in a Day Speakers’ List
•
Rachel Van Riel, Opening the Book
•
Raymond Mar & Keith Oatley, On Fiction
•
Duncan Smith, NoveList co-founder
•
Neal Wyatt, non-fiction readers’ advisory
•
Authors: Terry Fallis, Charlotte Gray, Kelly
Armstrong, Deborah Harkness, Elizabeth Ruth

18. How can you get involved?
•
•
•
READ and be prepared to talk about your reading in a
professional way
Be knowledgeable about readers in your community
and events they might be interested in
Join professional associations and assist with RA
programs
•
Attend events and share in the reading culture
•
Participate in reading activities in your job

19. No One Reads Anymore?

20. Thank-you and Keep Reading
Nicole Adams
nadams@oshawalibrary.on.ca