# Readers' Advisory Competencies A framework for readers' advisory work in libraries [ Contact Us ](https://about.ebsco.com/novelist/contact) # Recommended Learning Resources [ ](#) - [Overview](/novelist/readers-advisory-competencies) - [Readers' Advisory Competencies ](/novelist/readers-advisory-competencies/competencies-list) - [Recommended Learning Resources](/novelist/readers-advisory-competencies/recommended-resources) # Recommended Learning Resources This curated set of articles, books, web pages, and other materials is designed to complement the [Readers’ Advisory Competencies](https://about.ebsco.com/novelist/readers-advisory-competencies). It is not intended to be exhaustive. Instead, the list is intentionally selective, offering a strong starting point with high-quality resources that support learning and practice without being overwhelming. If you have suggestions for the list, please email them to . ### Books - [Crash Course in Readers' Advisory](https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/crash-course-in-readers-advisory-9781610698252/) A practical, accessible introduction from 2014 that focuses on how to engage with readers effectively in real-world settings. Particularly helpful for Competency 5: Relational Advisory, with clear examples and actionable techniques. - [Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library: Third Edition](https://alastore.ala.org/content/readers-advisory-service-public-library-third-edition) A foundational text from 2005 by Joyce Saricks that continues to shape the field. It provides a comprehensive framework for advisory work and is relevant across all competencies, making it essential reading for both new and experienced practitioners. - [Reading Still Matters: What the Research Reveals about Reading, Libraries, and Community](https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/reading-still-matters-9781440855764/) Published in 2018, draws on research to connect reading, library services, and community impact. Especially useful for deepening understanding of Competency 1: Advisory Philosophy & Strategy and Competency 4: Fostering a Reading Culture. ### Articles - [Engaging Readers](https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/Engaging-Readers) This 2022 article is subtitled, *Readers’ Advisory + Reader Engagement = Reader Services for Our Times*, and is a great overview of how readers' advisory has evolved. Perfect for understanding Competency 1: Advisory Philosophy & Strategy. - [From Book Appeal to Reading Appeal: Redefining the Concept of Appeal in Readers’ Advisory](https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/674034) This 2014 article expands the concept of “appeal” beyond books to the broader reading experience, helping shift advisory conversations toward reader-centered outcomes. Helpful for diving deeper into Competency 1: Advisory Philosophy & Strategy. - [Improving the Model for Interactive Readers' Advisory Service ](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239780238_Improving_the_Model_for_Interactive_Readers%27_Advisory_Service) An article from 2006 that explores how advisory interactions can be more dynamic and responsive. Useful for strengthening Competency 5: Relational Advisory through improved service models. - [Reading experience librarianship: working with readers in the 21st century ](https://www.emerald.com/jd/article-abstract/77/1/259/201702/Reading-experience-librarianship-working-with) A forward-looking piece from 2020 that reframes the librarian’s role around the reading experience. Particularly valuable for Competency 1: Advisory Philosophy & Strategy and Competency 4: Fostering a Reading Culture. ### Reports & Data - [Community Reading Event Impact Report](https://web.archive.org/web/20241206112341/https:/static1.squarespace.com/static/5ae8ec5f70e8024a05804e7a/t/5c00229e6d2a73e6ae5478a5/154351274) A Panorama report from 2018 that provides data and insights into how reading initiatives influence communities. Helps build understanding of Competency 1: Advisory Philosophy & Strategy, Competency 3: Collection Awareness & Insight, and Competency 7: Tools & Trends. - [The Readers' Advisory Survey ](https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/RA-By-The-Numbers-The-Readers-Advisory-Survey) Offers data from 2021 on how libraries deliver advisory services and how those services are evolving. Useful for grounding decisions in evidence related to Competency 1: Advisory Philosophy & Strategy and Competency 7: Tools & Trends. ### Recorded Presentations - [LibraryReads Readers; Advisory 101 ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylKIDfn_sLc&list=PLMxcJNsyVy3jBOSDpF4ow9oEdYHvLatuZ&index=4) A clear introduction to core advisory principles and practices, making it a strong entry point for Competency 1: Advisory Philosophy & Strategy. Recorded in 2019. - [Neal Wyatt looking at non-fiction readers’ advisory, and thinking about readers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8xMqqDDXbA&list=PLMxcJNsyVy3jBOSDpF4ow9oEdYHvLatuZ&index=24) Provides practical insights into working with nonfiction readers and broadening advisory approaches. Supports Competency 2: Story & Media Knowledge, Competency 3: Collection Awareness & Insight, Competency 4, and Competency 7: Tools & Trends. Recorded in 2020. - [The State of Readers' Advisory ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVPrJ8xzOo0&t=13s) Reviews trends and emerging directions in the field, helping contextualize current practice within Competency 1: Advisory Philosophy & Strategy and Competency 7: Tools & Trends. Recorded in 2021. ### Websites & Blogs Check in with these sites regularly to stay current with publishing trends and titles. They are particularly useful for Competency 2: Story & Media Knowledge, Competency 3: Collection Awareness & Insight, and Competency 7: Tools & Trends. - [BookPage](https://www.bookpage.com/) – Offers accessible reviews and curated recommendations across genres. - [BookRiot ](https://bookriot.com/)– Provides timely, diverse perspectives on books and reading culture. - [Fantastic Fiction](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/) – A strong tool for tracking authors, series, and read-alikes. - [LibraryReads](https://libraryreads.org/) – Highlights librarian-recommended titles and emerging favorites. - [LitLovers](https://www.litlovers.com/) – Supports book group work with discussion guides and recommendations. - [NPR Books](https://www.npr.org/books/) – Features thoughtful reviews and literary coverage with broad appeal. - [RA for All](https://raforall.blogspot.com/) – Focuses specifically on readers’ advisory practice and professional insight. - [Ron Charles](https://substack.com/@roncharles) – Commentary that models how to talk about books. ### Conferences & Awards For those able to travel or specialize, these events offer immersive learning and direct exposure to authors, trends, and communities of readers. They are especially valuable for Competency 2: Story & Media Knowledge and Competency 7: Tools & Trends. - [ABA Regional Conferences](https://www.bookweb.org/events/regional-trade-shows) - Events that offer insight into bookselling trends. - [Bouchercon](https://www.bouchercon.com/) – Deep dive into mystery and crime fiction communities and authors. - [ComicCon](https://www.comic-con.org/cc/) – Explores comics and related media, including film, television, and gaming. - [Guadalajara Book Fair](https://www.fil.com.mx/ingles/) – A major event for Spanish-language publishing and readers. - [Killer Nashville](https://www.killernashville.com/) – Focuses on crime genres with author and publisher participation. - [Nebula Conference](https://nebulas.sfwa.org/nebula-conference/) – Centers on science fiction and fantasy writing and trends. - [Romance Writers of America](https://www.rwa.org/rwa-annual-conference) – Offers insight into a highly engaged genre readership. - [StokerCon](https://www.stokercon.com/) - Focuses on horror genres with a special Librarians’ Day included. - [Thrillercon](https://thrillertx.com/pages/thrillercon) – Highlights thriller and suspense writing, trends, and audience interests. ### Professional development - [Learn with NoveList ](https://about.ebsco.com/novelist/products/learn-with-novelist) A subscription-based service that provides training and tools to build readers’ advisory skills over time, supporting ongoing development across multiple competencies. ![Slightly blurred photo of an adult instructor training other in a classroom](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/bc7abfed-f268-4783-87fe-5842bf56390b/professional-overview-training-promotional-slider-460-jpg.jpg) ![Slightly blurred photo of an adult instructor training other in a classroom](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/bc7abfed-f268-4783-87fe-5842bf56390b/professional-overview-training-promotional-slider-460-jpg.jpg) ## 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.](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/dec60d0f-9f57-41c3-991f-62af5f356744/libraryaware-promo-slider-librarian-on-computer-460-jpg.jpg) ![A librarian wearing a purple scarf on her computer.](https://assets.ebsco.com/asset/dec60d0f-9f57-41c3-991f-62af5f356744/libraryaware-promo-slider-librarian-on-computer-460-jpg.jpg) ## 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 Previous Next ### #### Have feedback to share? [ Contact us ](/novelist/contact)