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A Secret Revealed
I am going to reveal a dirty little secret in the librarian world…we have not read every book ever published. Why is this a dirty little secret? Because when someone asks me to suggest a book for their student, child, friend, parent, or even their dog, they expect me to have an answer, and I always deliver. Yes, librarians have read a lot of books and can usually start with some knowledge of more popular titles, but it never fails that we eventually get stumped with a very specific request. The secret reason I can find a book they want to read is because of one amazing website. No, it is not Amazon – although Goodreads and Amazon help from time to time. The number one resource I use for Reader’s Advisory* is a database called NoveList Plus.
There are two different types of NoveList database access links: NoveList K-8 Plus and NoveList Plus. The first link is for grades K-8 and will not include adult titles in the suggestions. The second link will include all suggestions. We are lucky to have access to the NoveList databases through the Hamilton East Public Library. When you click on the link, you will need to log in with your HEPL card number. If you do not have a public library card, did you know you can get one just for teaching in Hamilton County? Take your staff badge to the public library to get a card number. You can then use any of their resources for one school year. Educator library cards need to be renewed every year.
There are two different types of NoveList database access links: NoveList K-8 Plus and NoveList Plus. The first link is for grades K-8 and will not include adult titles in the suggestions. The second link will include all suggestions. We are lucky to have access to the NoveList databases through the Hamilton East Public Library. When you click on the link, you will need to log in with your HEPL card number. If you do not have a public library card, did you know you can get one just for teaching in Hamilton County? Take your staff badge to the public library to get a card number. You can then use any of their resources for one school year. Educator library cards need to be renewed every year.
Getting Started with NoveList
Once you have some information on the student and can log in to NoveList, there are lists you can peruse or you can type in the title/author of a book or subjects that the reader already likes. It will then suggest similar titles based on various aspects of the book or author’s style. As a classroom teacher, I would print/write the list of book suggestions for the student to keep. For more detailed information on ways to narrow your search, watch the video I created with an example search. There are some great tips!
Ultimate Goal
My ultimate goal as a librarian is to create lifelong readers and learners. With this tool in everyone’s pocket, we can only hope to create even more happy readers in the world. I think letting people in on my “secret” will help grow the network of book lovers. There are many ways to encourage reading (and not enough days in February to share them all), but NoveList is a great place to start! *Reader’s Advisory is a fancy Master-of-Library-Science way of saying “interviewing readers about their interests to help them find books.” It is important to note that you may need to do a short interview with the reader before you start searching. The questions you ask can help dive deeper into what the reader liked about previous books or interests. Here are some basic questions I have my high school students use in my Library Media Studies course. Reader’s Advisory What was the last book you read and enjoyed? If you don’t enjoy reading, what activities, shows, or hobbies do you enjoy in your free time? What specifically do you like about that book/show/hobby? (plot, characters, setting, genre, etc.) Why would you recommend it to someone else? What parts stand out to you the most?
Reader’s Advisory
*Reader’s Advisory is a fancy Master-of-Library-Science way of saying “interviewing readers about their interests to help them find books.” It is important to note that you may need to do a short interview with the reader before you start searching. The questions you ask can help dive deeper into what the reader liked about previous books or interests. Here are some basic questions I have my high school students use in my Library Media Studies course.- What was the last book you read and enjoyed?
- If you don’t enjoy reading, what activities, shows, or hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?
- What specifically do you like about that book/show/hobby? (plot, characters, setting, genre, etc.)
- Why would you recommend it to someone else? What parts stand out to you the most?
Lucy Misetic
High School Librarian
High School Librarian
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