Library Advisory Services Supporting Interests and Entertainment - June 20, 2006 Meeting Notes
Viewer's Advisory: Presentation by Heidi Bullard, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County
History of the Viewer's Advisory training:
Reference and Reader's Services Council was formed a few years ago
Heidi has a background in film-making and film and photo archives and was very concerned with viewer's advisory. She was asked to be on this council, which deals with advisory, policy, discussion, etc.
Heidi has done the viewer's advisory training 4 times for PLCH
Viewer's Advisory is becoming more and more important
Currently, PLCH circulates more a/v materials than books (the stats are almost 50/50, but a/v has a lead)
The a/v box can be confusing or misleading and patrons need us to tell them if something really is a great movie
The simple act of connecting with the community adds value to all our services and keeps patrons coming back to the library
Viewer's Advisory deals with film information and film reference - there are usually 3 great resources at every library:
Your catalog
The Internet Movie Database (IMDb.com)
Will give you recommendations
All Movie Guide (allmovie.com)
Music Advisory
Music Advisory Committee
Clermont County has a committee that trains staff on advisory for Country, Christian, Heavy Metal, Folk, and Children's music
This committee will explain samples of music, subgenres, and top sellers in each category
All Music Guide (similar to All Movie Guide): allmusic.com
What should we name this Interest Group?
Reader's Advisory Interest Group isn't too catchy
LASSIE - Library Advisory Services Supporting Interests and Education
What are the goals of this Interest Group?
RASCALS, a group at PLCH, described their trainings as roundtables and workshops, making it very informal and optional
Discussing common training gaps
Discussing common problems
Sharing tips & tricks
Sponsoring roundtables about what works, etc.
Some other issues we'd like to address:
I Wish I Knew…
I Wish Patrons Would Stop Asking Me…
Tips & Tricks
Staff Picks - use the name of staff members so patrons get to know your staff
Roundtable Ideas
What works at your library? Bookmarks, display ideas, etc.
Book Lists - bring lists from your library and talk about what works
Relationship among advisory: readers, viewers, and music advisory
How much advisory do you do at your branch?
What do you pass on?
What is personal opinion and how do you qualify it?
What are you doing on your website? Online advisory?
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