Readers' Advisory: RA Toolbox: "Best of" and Awards Lists

Abstract

The impetus for this column began on a Sunday morning while I was reading the New York Times. The Book Review section on September 1, 2024, did not present the traditional review format, but instead the headline read: “The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.” The list was originally published online in July 2024. In addition, the New York Times also created a survey for the public to enter their favorite books as a response to the list and published it online on July 18 as “Readers Pick Their 100 Best Books of the 21st Century” with very different results. As a readers’ advisor, I love a good reading list and I became curious as to the methodology of this particular list, how the selections on both the “experts” and public choices compared with American Library Association lists and awards, as well as the utility of the recommendations for RA librarians. Effective readers’ advisory requires a constant state of learning and building a knowledge base using online tools, print resources, and juried award or “best of” lists to deliver quality recommendations to or patrons.