Integrated Advisory: Breaking Through the Book Boundary to Better Serve Library Patrons

Jessica E. Moyer, Editor

Libraries Unlimited

Reviews

"Advisory Beyond Books" by Mary Ellen Quinn

Readers’ advisory (RA) continues to grow in complexity and scope. It’s no longer just a question of connecting a patron to a mystery or romance author similar to one they’ve enjoyed in the past. Today, RA encompasses more of a library’s book collection and also, as laid out in Integrated Advisory Service: Breaking through the Book Boundary to Better Serve Library Users (edited by Jessica Moyer), applies to more than books. The title Integrated Advisory rather than Integrated Readers’ Advisory reflects the fact that reading is not the only activity considered here. Movies, television shows, video games, comics, audiobooks, and other formats are all part of the mix. The book is organized around genres, and the chapters were written by some of the most recognizable names in RA. Within most chapters, lists of titles in different media are arranged under types of plots and characters, as well as key themes. In addition, each chapter has a “Making Connections” section that discusses titles that cross over to other genres and a “Resources for Librarians” section that lists the key genre-specific print and online tools. An innovative guide to encourage librarians to think beyond the book when providing RA service.

Publisher's description

Integrated Advisory Service: Breaking Through the Book Boundary to Better Serve Library Users is designed to assist librarians in making connections between all the different media in library collections and advising patrons. By understanding genre similarities between fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, TV shows, video games, and movies, library staff will be better able to access and market the entire library collection, as well as reach out to and serve library patrons who they may not reach with traditional readers' advisory services.

Each of the book's chapters is organized around a genre (such as science fiction, women's stories, and others), with sections on integrated advisory, characters, plots, themes, and making connections across genres. Chapters are exploratory, introducing users and library staff to the key concepts of the genre and the importance of the different media. Each chapter also provides a variety of lists that will help both staff and patrons find materials based on genre interests.

This groundbreaking guide shows library staff how to break through media and genre boundaries, make new connections within the library collection, and better serve patrons.

Library collections today have grown beyond books and periodicals with numerous multiple formats, ranging from audiobooks and graphic novels to film, television show recordings, and even games, but until now, little has been done to maximize the connections between these media.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Related Publications and Presentations

Moyer, Jessica E.  “Integrated Advisory and Science Fiction.”  Guest Speaker, Readers’ Advisory course, Dr. Joni Bodart, San Jose State University, December 1, 2010. 

Moyer, Jessica E.  "Integrated Advisory and LIS education."  LU RA News, Fall 2010.

Neil Hollands and Jessica E. Moyer.  “It’s not just about books anymore…. The Future of Readers’ Advisory.” Table Talk, March 27th, 2008. Public Library Association Conference, Minneapolis, MN.