Romance Fiction is immensely popular, making up the largest share of consumer book purchases (Saricks 132). Therefore, a library patron is very likely to request advice on locating print and nonprint materials in the Romance genre. Providing effective integrated advisory services, opens all aspects of the library's collection to the patron (Dunneback, xi). A library program inviting patrons to view popular television shows that reveal a strong book connection, effectively bridges the popular show with similar print materials, "Watching a show so inextricably entwined with books can also facilitate the transition from TV viewer to reader," (Lau). In her article, "Getting Lost: Books, Television, and Integrated Advisory," Lau uses the ABC drama series Lost to connect viewers with read alikes by focusing on thematic parallels, noting book references in the show and of famous writers and thinkers mentioned in the show, drawing viewers to print materials, "In their efforts to gain insight into the labyrinth of Lost, fans read the books that appear onscreen or are referenced on the show, based on the assumption that the books complemented or interacted with the show’s plot or themes." Book clubs, blogs and online sites offer fans a forum to discuss the books read as a result of the popular show, further engaging viewers with all inclusive library materials.
Romance readers expect either a "happily ever after" or a "happy for now" ending, (Dunneback 184). Because this ending is highly important to Romance readers, a subtle display dividing Romance print materials by either their "happily ever after" or "happy for now" endings and cross referencing those titles with audiobooks and videos that share the same ending style, may assist users in experiencing their favored Romance ending in an alternative format.
Interactive displays provide patrons with readily available advisory services. Romance fans value strong characters, "Characters play an important role in romance stories as readers frequently identify and empathize with the lead characters. Readers often have strong opinions on the types of characters they will or will not read..." (Dunneback 199). A lift the flap prominently located bulletin board display provides an interactive way for patrons to find their preferred character traits in all Romance medium options. Similarly, a display highlighting the grabbing first lines of Romance books, e-books, audiobooks and movies is another interactive, easy to use tool to entice patrons to explore Romance formats they may have not yet experienced. The Magpie teen librarian created the below pictured display to attract teens to good reads.
Works cited
Dunneback, Katie and Mary Wilkes Towner. "Everything Romance." Libraries Unlimited. 2010, p. xi-xvi.
Dunneback, Katie and Mary Wilkes Towner. "Introduction: Integrated Advisory." Libraries Unlimited, 2010, p. 183-225.
Lau, Andrea. "Getting Lost: Books, Television, and Integrated Advisory." Public Libraries Online, 30 April 2013,http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/getting-lost-books-television-and-integrated-advisory/. Accessed 12 February 2018.
Magpie Librarian. "Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover...But What About It's First Line? A Teen Library Display," https://magpielibrarian.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/dont-judge-a-book-by-its-cover-but-what-about-the-first-line-a-teen-library-display/. Accessed 12 February 2018.
Saricks, Joyce. The
Readers’ Advisory Guide to Genre Fiction, American Library Association,
2009.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI like your explanation of the romance genre! But I also like how you described a display that's interactive with the patrons. It helps them try out the books in a low-risk atmosphere, without them talking to a librarian. I like the idea of grabbing attention by reading the first lines of the book! That's really creative!
Thank you. Personally, as a patron, I would much rather find the answer myself than try to explain my request to a librarian [which might be time consuming], so I highly value interactive displays. Thank you!
Deletethank you. I very much love the Librarian's Picks displays...and I use them a lot when selecting books...any passive assistance I can get is great.
DeleteMy library has done something similar to this called blind date book. We wrap up books and just put a short description of what the book is. I like this different types of passive readers advisory and it get people out of their comfort zone. Good job on you post.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
DeleteI like the idea of the "blind date book"...does your library do it for adults and teens? Thank you.
I like the level of interaction your idea has! It makes the act of selection more game-like!As a patron, I probably would be too scared of taking home a bad-date to participate, but it sounds really fun!
DeleteI've seen Blind Date with a Book but I've never seen judge a book by its first line! I love it ! how unique. Great post, full points :)
ReplyDelete