How To Recommend Books Like An Expert via Book Riot

A few days ago, Book Riot ran an article entitled "How to Recommend Books Like an Expert." It is written by a librarian but written FOR a general reader audience.

This distinction matters. 

In my programs where I train library workers to provide service to readers, I often cite how important of a resource Book Riot is to us for two reasons. The first, less important today but worth noting, is because their content is judged by the number of clicks its author receives. This means they are always trying to have content that resonates with people in the moment. Their mission to write articles that readers will want to click on helps us. because they are actively trying to address trends and provide timely content at a speed and in a manner we would never have time to do.  

But the second reason I recommend Book Riot as one of the best resources is on showcase in the article I am sharing here today. 

Book Riot writes every piece in a conversational voice that speaks directly to readers. It is welcoming and easy to understand. They make the ins and outs of the book world clear to its most dedicated readers. Their audience is filled with people who love to read, who mark reading as their biggest hobby, and who are voracious about consuming book news and information. 

We all win when Book Riot educates these readers about genres, what the most popular books are, etc.... And in this case specifically-- when they break down how to best match books with readers.

Click through to read it all.

A couple of thing I love about this post from our perspective at the library:

1. It is a great overview of what we already do, but written out for the average reader to understand. Sharing this with your patrons will go a long way towards creating more conversational based RA service. This will break down the mystery of why we ask all those questions that aren't just about books when helping them find their next read.
2. When I worked at the library, most of the staff were not at the Librarian level, and as the resident RA educator, I was often tasked with getting them up to speed on the basics of RA Service. This was for my staff (Adult and Teen), Youth Services, and Circulation. This article is an even better starting point for new hires than my 10 Rules of Basic RA Service. Think of this article as the introduction before the First Rule.
3. And I am sure the person who wrote the article is aware of my site, but not only is Book Riot one of my 5 Resources you cannot live without, they also mention NoveList and Literature Map as well-- 2 more of my top 5.
4. This article reminds you to keep using resources to stay up to date and gather more suggestions from others. Again, something I talk about all of the time.

So be aware of what Book Riot is writing about in general and specifically, use this piece to introduce your readers and new staff to what it is we all do at the library every day.

But also, be proud of yourselves and your work because Book Riot deems suggesting books to readers as one of the top, clickable topics!