Readers' Advisory Competencies

A framework for readers' advisory work in libraries 

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Introduction 

Modern readers’ advisory is a relationship driven practice that positions every library staff member as a catalyst for patrons’ deeper engagement with reading and with the library. These competencies describe the art and practice of readers’ advisory and define a shared commitment to it. By intentionally building a culture of advisory services, libraries elevate the patron experience, strengthen their communities, and deliver an impact that lasts far beyond a single interaction. We hope libraries everywhere will use this framework to ensure that helping readers find stories that matter to them remains an essential and visible part of library service. 

Slightly blurred photo of an adult instructor training other in a classroom
Slightly blurred photo of an adult instructor training other in a classroom

New standards for all staff

[The Readers' Advisory Competencies...] "create a new standard for identifying the knowledge and skills necessary for all staff to succeed at readers' advisory, featuring core, advanced and expert levels to help inform libraries on the training and development needed for excellent advisory customer service."

— Dodie Ownes, Adult Services Librarian, Denver Public Library

A librarian wearing a purple scarf on her computer.
A librarian wearing a purple scarf on her computer.

Self-directed pathways

"Building a community of readers starts with building a library community of readers’ advisory. These Readers' Advisory Competencies are a valuable resource for supervisors who want to target training for front line staff and for refining or expanding duties in position descriptions. For staff at all levels interested in advancing their careers in readers’ advisory, the competencies provide a self-directed pathway for professional development."

— Kaite Stover, Director of Reader Services, Kansas City Public Library

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