
Tips for Getting the Best Book Recommendations from Your Librarian
“You’re a librarian? You must love to read!”
“You’re a librarian? You must know a lot about books!”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard declarations like these when people find out I’m a public librarian. Books are the first thing that come to mind for most folks when they think about libraries and librarians. This is a generalization, of course, since public libraries offer much more than just books these days. Plus, there are myriad different kinds of librarians, some who don’t handle books on a regular basis at all. In my case, however, I definitely fit the bookish stereotype, and I’ve found that most public librarians have a strong penchant for the written word.
With this widespread librarians-love-to-read assumption, I was surprised by how few library patrons asked me or my co-workers for recommendations when I first started working in a public library. Upon reflection, however, I realize that asking a librarian for a book recommendation might be uncomfortable or intimidating. I’m a stranger, I’m behind a big imposing desk…why would anyone want to talk to me about what they should read next?
Well, I am here to say that I am dying to help you choose your next book, and chances are the librarian at your local branch is too. We want you to leave the library with a title that you’re going to love. Recommending books (or readers’ advisory as it’s called in library land) is not an exact science, though. If you’re going to take the plunge and ask a librarian for title suggestions, there are some things you can do to make sure you get the best out of the interaction.