Bookmarks for Reader's Advisory on the Web
Advisor's Desk Tools
Adult Reading Roundtable Home Page - http://www.arrtreads.org/
Pages created by librarians at Rolling Meadows (IL) Library, under the auspices of their system's Adult Reading Round Table program aren't really accessible. However, the genre and subgenre definitions located here are expansive and provocative.
The Book Group List - http://www.iland.net/~awahl/
Archived book discussions, suggested titles for future discussion, lists of "best" books, and other help for those who want to get started in the world of book discussion groups--on-line or in person--are accessible quickly from this site.
BookSpot - http://www.bookspot.com/
This commercial site offers "book reviews, book awards and much more," just as advertised. The reviews in this case include those in major publications.
If You Like... - http://www.hennepin.lib.mn.us/pub/reader2reader/iyl.html
Fiction suggestions from librarians experienced in reader's advisory work at the Hennepin County (MN) Library are offered in list form, without annotations.
Looking at Books - http://www.lib.uconn.edu/cla/reviews/lookbook.html
Book reviews writen by members of the Connecticut Library Association are searchable by author and title. Many of the titles here are nonfiction and many reflect the reading interests of those with high tech careers and/or sensibilities.
Mosaicbooks.com / Book Clubs - http://www.mosaicbooks.com/bookclub.html
Use this directory to help patrons find local book discussion groups specifically for African American readers and/or interested in African American authors.
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve - http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/literature/
Be sure to check the hyperlinks to literary websites as well as the annotated lists of fiction and nonfiction, searchable by grade, topic, and award, as well as by title and author.
whichbook.net - http://www.whichbook.net/index.jsp
The next generation of Book Forager, this intentionally and intensively intuitive RA guide was developed and is maintained by a collaboration of the Chief Librarians of the UK, a synergistic software developer, and psychologists.
Advice for the Advisor
BCALA Literary Awards - http://www.bcala.org/awards/literary.html
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association publishes an annual list of literary recommendations for adults.
BookPage - http://www.bookpage.com/
The online version of this consumer publication includes dates and locations of upcoming author appearances, book reviews, and events that may stimulate reader interest in particular books.
Local readers make good advisors. Berkeley Public Library's Cover to Cover program generates lots of book advice that teen peers can appreciate.
The Internet Movie Database (IMDb). - http://www.imdb.com/
Check out the "new releases" section to find out which recent and upcoming movies are likely to stir reader interest in books on which these films are based.
no flying, no tights -- graphic novel reviews for teens - http://www.noflyingnotights.com/
The title refers to the fact that this library school students reviews graphic novels beyond the scope of superhero comics.
Salon.com Books - http://www.salon.com/books/index.html
This commercial Internet media company publishes daily updated content, including book recommendations and related reading news.
Public Tools
AllReaders.com Home Page - http://www.allreaders.com/
Users are confronted by a lengthy and complex survey when trying to take advantage of this "service" intended to get them to a book they'll enjoy.
Popular commercial site that takes casual readers to lists with scanned covers, movie tie-in notes, and other popular features.
brarydog - Your Homework Help and Web Companion - http://brarydog.net/department.asp?deptid=5
The Reader's Desk at the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County (NC) offers several special features for every age group. Popup windows provide information about books for babies, authors involved in NOVELLO, the library's annual literary festival, and opportunities to share book comments with other site visitors.
Constant Reader - http://www.constantreader.com/
Among its well-designed features, the WebBoard offers users a variety of book discussions (ongoing and archived) and lists, featuring classics and popular reading choices. There are specific instructions for posting appropriately, but one can drop in as a guest and read without posting.
Des Plaines Public Library - Readers' Services - http://www.desplaines.lib.il.us/readers/index.html
Des Plaines (IL) Public Library maintains an exemplary reader's advisory site, offering visitors both annotated lists and the chance to request individualized help from staff in identifying a desireable bound book, audiobook, or movie. Also included are staff-authored articles on different types of reading (e.g., "gentle reads") and suggested websites for more RA assistance.
MGPL Webrary® - Reader's Services Menu - http://www.webrary.org/rs/rsmenu.html
Morton Grove (IL) Public Library brings together several aspects of reader's advisory help: new materials lists, which are somewhat dated but nicely annotated; staff-constructed topical bibliographies, both fiction and nonfiction; book-related website links; and information on library-sponsored literary programs.
Sample chapters, movie trivia, and archival audiotapes of the author himself are included in this timely feature.
The Reader's Robot -- A Reader's Advisory Service - http://www.tnrdlib.bc.ca/rr.html
The Thompson-Nicola Library (Kamloops, BC) offers readers an original database browseable by "appeal," as well as by author, title, or key word. Reviewers are identified by first name only.
Who Reads What? - http://www.gpl.lib.me.us/wrw.htm
The Gardiner (ME) Public Library offers annual lists of which famous people are reading what--and what those readers find compelling in the titles they've selected.