Reader's Advisory Toolbox

Everything and then some, to help staff and build your Reader's Advisory program!

• Book Annotation Form - use to review and record what's in a book.

• Top 5 Picks - an easy way to promote the "top five" titles or authors of a particular genre.

• Staff Picks - highlight what the library staff enjoy reading.

• Display Ideas - don't forget the power of a product placement!  Use holidays, events, seasons, current events, local happenings etc to display library material with a common theme.

• Programming Ideas - big or small, programming is a great way to incorporate an event, books and the public.  What is happening local that the library could participate in?  Can the summer reading program also have a family component?  Think big, think small but think how does your library fit into the community?  What can be improved upon or tried for the first time?

• Book Talks -  a fun way to interact with customers.  Organize a weekly or monthly book talk in your library.  Does library staff visit local places (schools, retirement communities etc) how can those visits be used to promote reading?

• Booklists - whatever is created on paper should also be posted online. 

• Local Newspaper - write a regular column (or similar article) to promote the library, books, reading or all of the above.

• Wiki - provides open communication on books, authors, library events, questions etc between library staff and customers.  Staff can log on to make changes and customers can review current library info.

• Blog - a great way for staff to post info and thoughts on books, authors, library events or library related material.  Customers can post comments or send email with questions.