My Booktalk Your Way to the Friendliest Library in Town program has been on my slate of "basics" programs for years, but over those years, it has gone through a huge transformation. It used to be all about talking at patrons with prepared statements and now it is about encouraging impromptu conversations. You can click through to see a recent version of that presentation.
The key to that transformation is conversation starters. I have many posts with conversation starter examples here. But recently, I have added an exercise as well, to take it all a step further and turn your conversation starter questions and conversations into displays. In other words, taking the work you are already doing and helping it help you serve patrons more efficiently and effectively.
Here is the link to that form. I have also posted its content at the end of this post. I will be adding it to the 10 Rule of Basic RA page as well.
The idea here is that you can use these questions in small groups of staff to practice sharing books with readers through natural language questions. This allows you to have a conversation, and removes the instinct to make the RA interaction all about a transaction. I always suggest trying it out in staff only groups a few times first though because it is different. Not having an end point or a prepared statement about a few titles is a bit disconcerting at first. But it doesn't take long for staff to realize that talking about books without an end goal is literally why they became a library worker.
Also, using the same conversation starter with different people illustrates how the same questions can lead to completely different interactions.
Once staff are comfortable, they can move on to trying out these conversation starters with patrons.
The more conversations we have with patrons, the more relationships we build. Relationships lead to more checkouts and engagement. That goes a lot further than putting a single book in a readers hand when they ask for something to read.
Conversations with different people also ensures that we get a side array of titles mentioned and suggested. Relying on the same 4 staff members to always come up with the ideas makes for stale and receptive displays, lists, and suggestions.
Setting up the expectation that the library is a place where people come to talk about books, book news, what they are reading, what they want to read, etc.... will also lead to more RA questions.
Once you practice among yourselves, you will not only see how focusing on having a conversation makes your RA Service better, but you will also have a list of titles that you can confidently suggest to others.
This is what I teach when I offer my Booktalk Your Way to the Friendliest Library in Town program. I put people in small groups while I am there in person, and then send them off with the the form to ask patrons as well.
But we don't only have to ask verbally. Turn these six questions into books marks, with one question on the top of each. Leave them out on your displays, at the end of rows, on your desk. Also, put them in every book on the holds shelf. Place a note at the bottom to have them return it with their item. Gather the answers and turn them into the displays with the titles I suggest below.
Ask your staff as well. Get as many people involved as possible. Keep a spreadsheet of the answers and mark when books show up multiple times because not only will these titles make for great displays, they will also be excellent suggestions when you are in a hurry. And if a book is mentioned by a wide swath of readers, you can suggest it with more confidence.
And these questions are not specific to any service area. You can make a list for children and teen as easily as adult. The same questions will serve all service areas.
Remind patrons that their answers will be used to build displays and make lists (you can note that on the bookmark as well). This is very important because it goes toward the conversation leading to relationships as I mentioned above. Patrons will come back to the library to see a book they mentioned on a display. No you won't be noting who suggested it anywhere on your displays or lists (in fact, do not ask for names on the bookmarks to ensure privacy), and some books will be mentioned by multiple people, but when a patron sees a book they mentioned on a display, they will know you heard them. They will see that you truly want to be in conversation with them.
And, they will tell their friends. Don't underestimate this. I have seen it happen. I have seen patrons bring a friend to show them a display where a book they suggested is featured. This not only solidifies your relationship with that patron, but its is the start of a new one with the friend.
Feel free to use this exercise sheet with your staff or patrons. And if you have success (or questions), let me know. I can feature you here on the blog.
What book made you forget you were reading?
Turn answers into a "Get Lost in a Good Book" display/list
What was the book you had the most fun reading?
Turn answers into a "Fun Reads" display/list
What book do you recommend to everyone you know?
Turn answers into a "Sure Bets" display/list
What was the book that most surprised you?
Turn answers into a "These Books Surprised Our Readers" display/list
What is your favorite “Under the Radar Book”
Turn answers into a "Forgotten Favorites" display/list
What is your favorite type of story?
Use the natural language answers to come up with fresh list and display ideas.
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