Using Book Awards and Notable Lists to Create a Reader’s Advisory Knowledge Base

Abstract

I believe it’s not a stretch to say most librarians enjoy a robust list or book award, and I am no
exception. I have been enamored with book awards and lists since becoming a librarian in 1999.
I used awards to expand my knowledge base for literature and nonfiction, create displays and
bookmarks, and initiate discussions with patrons and staff to explore reading interests. For novice
reference librarians, researching lists and awards is an effective way to develop links within a finite
set of books or authors, and as knowledge of genres and styles grows, it will become easier to
effectively conduct reference interviews and communicate with patrons. My number-one rule for
reader’s advisors (RAs): Be curious!