2. Who am I?
Hold a Master in Library and
Information Science from
FIMS at Western
CNIB Library, Boston Public
Library and Markham Public
Library
Held a variety of positions in
the Oshawa Public Libraries
Vice Chair of OPLA’s Readers’
Advisory Committee
3. Engaging Readers
Local Initiatives in public libraries
RA Services, Staff Training
Programs
RA Committee
Mandate
Work of the committee
4. Engaging Readers
Oshawa Public Libraries
Direct Readers' Advisory
One on one recommendations - RA conversation
Personalized Reading Service – form based RA
Visiting Library Service
Outreach – book clubs in the community
Programs for readers
5. Engaging Readers
Oshawa Public Libraries
Indirect or “Stealth” Readers' Advisory
Read-alike and Themed booklists - print and online
Reading map posters and pathfinders
Shelf talkers
Displays in library and at programs
We try to make reading suggestions a part of everything
we do
6. Readers' Advisory Training
Oshawa Public Libraries
RA librarian offers training each quarter
Genre Talks
Book sharing sessions at staff meetings
Webinars from EI and SOLS
RA Committee's Core Competencies Toolkit
RA in a Day
7. Programs for Readers
Mystery Author Festival
Pass the Book (Community Read)
Genre talks and Book Chats
Book Clubs
Book Club in a Bag
Book Club Celebration
8. Readers’ Advisory Committee
Develops and promotes adult RA service in public
libraries
Provides a forum through which public library staff can
meet, exchange ideas, and promote services
Ensures educational opportunities are provided for
staff working with adult readers
9. Readers’ Advisory Committee
Raises the standards and strengthens the guidelines for
RA services province-wide
Advocates and promotes RA excellence
Honours excellence in service to adult readers
10. RA Core Competencies
A comprehensive document providing RA training
materials.
1. Collection Knowledge
2. Readers’ Service Skills
3. Readers’ Advisory Conversation
4. Reader Development
•
First 2 competencies are on the OLA website
11. RA Core Competencies
1. Collection Knowledge
Understanding of, and familiarity with, the depth and
breadth of materials and resources in the branch
and/or system, including material in all formats and
media, both fiction and non-fiction
12. RA Core Competencies
2. Readers’ Service Skills
Developing and maintaining a system for exchanging
information in a nonjudgmental environment for the
purpose of suggesting reading materials that support
the reading interests of our customers.
13. RA Core Competencies
3. Readers’ Advisory Conversation
Interacting with readers to match their needs and
interests to library materials.
Using interview skills to clarify customers’ interests
Assisting and advising customers on the selection of
materials in a variety of genres, subjects and formats
and at an appropriate reading level
Understanding the appeal factors of books,
14. RA Core Competencies
4. Reader Development
Developing customers` awareness of their own
reading interests, the ability to articulate why
certain books appeal, and the ability to make
connections to similar books.
15. RA in a Day
•
A day-long event features the
leaders in RA
•
•
•
Guest speakers, authors, interactive discussions and
roundtables
Allows staff across the province to share RA
knowledge
Recognition of Excellence in Adult RA - Award
16. RA in a Day – themes
The Many Faces of Our Readers:Including
Diverse Communities in the Reading
Experience
Getting Your Community Reading
Reaching Virtual Readers
17. RA in a Day Speakers’ List
•
Rachel Van Riel, Opening the Book
•
Raymond Mar & Keith Oatley, On Fiction
•
Duncan Smith, NoveList co-founder
•
Neal Wyatt, non-fiction readers’ advisory
•
Authors: Terry Fallis, Charlotte Gray, Kelly
Armstrong, Deborah Harkness, Elizabeth Ruth
18. How can you get involved?
•
•
•
READ and be prepared to talk about your reading in a
professional way
Be knowledgeable about readers in your community
and events they might be interested in
Join professional associations and assist with RA
programs
•
Attend events and share in the reading culture
•
Participate in reading activities in your job