Free, 3 Part, RA Training From Booklist featuring Me and Others on March 14th

Click on the image to register

As I mentioned here, I am doing a FREE training with NoveList that focuses on the 2023 Year in Review. But only 1 month, and 1 day later I am also a part of a 3 hour (also FREE) RA training event via Booklist.

This one features many RA experts talking about a variety of topics and again, it is FREE.

Here are the details including the registration link:

Mastering the art of readers’ advisory involves ongoing study, both of major concepts that form the backbone of a good RA practice, and of the skills that make your RA practice effective in the day-to-day. This series of workshops, presented by Booklist, is designed to keep you up to speed on both the ideas and practice that will enhance your RA game. Learn from experts in the field about how genres relate to each other, how to talk to patrons about their leisure reading, and how to write an effective book annotation. Participants should have an understanding of the basic readers’ advisory concepts of appeal elements (character, pace, storyline, tone, and writing style).

In “Swoons and Screams,” librarians Robin Bradford, Alex Brown, and Becky Spratford will dive deep into the appeal of horror and romance for teens and adults, and explore how they are both genres of intense feeling, how they intersect and diverge, and what makes each genre so appealing to readers. Total session time: 55 minutes.

In “The Readers’ Advisory Conversation,” librarians Michelle Morris and Sheila Michaels will present a workshop on the RA conversation, offering practical tips and instructions on how to get the most out of your interactions with patrons. Total session time: 50 minutes.

In “Crafty & Concise Book Blurbs,” librarians and Booklist editors Heather Booth and Susan Maguire will present a workshop on writing annotations, focusing on how to hone in on a book’s appeal and present a concise description of a book that will entice patrons to read. Total session time: 50 minutes.

Register now for these free events on Thursday, March 14th beginning at 11 a.m. PST/ 1 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. ET to enhance your Readers’ Advisory practice! Sponsored by Penguin Random House Library Marketing and Sourcebooks. 

One registration form required for all three sessions. Each session will conclude with a Q&A. All sessions will be recorded and distributed to registrants after the live event. Booklist expects all participants to maintain an atmosphere of respect and fairness. Anyone who violates this standard of behavior, including engaging in any form of harassment, may, at the discretion of the organizers, be immediately removed.

I am super excited to both present and attend this event. First, Robin and I have been wanting to do a Swoon and Screams panel for years. In fact, it was on the schedule for ALA Annual in 2020 before the in person event was cancelled. And I have worked with Alex before. They are brilliant and an expert at serving teens. I am excited to work with them again.

Second, as much fun as Robin, Alex, and I will have, I cannot stress enough how useful the second two parts will be in your day-to-day work. Let me talk about the last one first. I have seen Susan and Heather's presentation before, and even as a seasoned vet of blurb writing, I learn something new from them every time. And, Michelle and Sheila are experts at helping readers in the library. You will learn practical tips that you can use immediately with readers. 

This event is 3 hours long, but it is FREE and they will email you recordings of each session after the event, if you register. So if you can only make one (or none) you can still learn. Most will not be able to spend all day, but Booklist knows this and is making it as easy as possible for you to get the training in a variety of ways. 

I really hope to see you there.