RA for All: RA for All Roadshow Stops at ILA Annual Conference

Thursday, October 20, 2016

RA for All Roadshow Stops at ILA Annual Conference

Today I am presenting at the Illinois Library Association’s Annual Conference with two different groups directed at two difference audiences. This post has all of the information with links to the slides.

First, from 11:15am -12:15pm I am presenting RA Rethink with Amanda Blau [YS] and Heather Booth [YA]:

You can live without a 3D printer, but without readers’ advisory, you’re not doing your job. Readers’ advisory belongs in every library, no matter your budget or size. A robust and modern program that embraces whole collection discovery is one that inspires staff, engages patrons, and builds stronger library communities. Reconnect with this core service and empower staff at all levels to connect users with your collection. A panel of Readers’ Advisory advocates will address the needs of children, teens, and adults, offering “rethinks” that will harken back to the basics of this core service and incorporate 21st Century possibilities.

This program is geared toward all public library staff who work with any age level of leisure readers.

Click here for slide access

Then from 3:15pm - 4:15pm I am excited to announce my first time presenting to an Academic Library Staff audience-- I Want to Read a Book for Fun!: Successful Readers’ Advisory Techniques in Academic Libraries which I am co-presenting with Carolyn Ciesla from Prairie State College:

Academic libraries function as the closest library for two sets of patrons-- the students and the employees. As circulation and reference stats decrease, libraries are increasingly looking for ways to bring users into the building. One way to increase library use is by reminding library patrons that on top of fulfilling the traditional, educational role, the library offers leisure reading options as well. This presentation will highlight ways academic libraries can enhance their popular materials collection and increase patron use and involvement, including marketing and outreach opportunities.