Other information
Discussing clients' personal and lifestyle interests may also assist you to suggest appropriate reading directions for those wishing to expand their reading experience. For clients who are open to new reading experiences, it may be possible to suggest non-fiction and related fiction as reading lists or pathways. For example, a reader with an interest in horse riding may enjoy biographies of show-jumpers, books on technical aspects of riding and fiction with a riding-related theme such as "The Horse Whisperer" or the novels of Dick Francis.
The conversation about reading may offer opportunities to suggest participationin reading-related activities organised by the library or others. For example, these activities might include reading groups, online reading discussions, author visits, promotions and reading from suggested lists.
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It is important that you are aware of all of the reading-related activities in your library service and locality. Find out about what is currently on offer and planned for the near future. It is a good idea to keep a file on this which you can refer to. You may like to undertake this activity with colleagues so that your file is a joint resource. |
The discussion presents an opportunity for you to assess the reading ability of the client so that you can suggest reading materials at an appropriate level to meet their needs. If you suggest reading material at an inappropriately high or low level, this may deter the client from asking for guidance on reading in future. This is a sensitive area and tact is required.
You should take structured notes as a record of the interview. These notes will act as a basis for the subsequent selection on online reading resources.
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Before proceeding, create a template which you can use in future interviews to record your notes. |
Once you've done this, take a look at our Sample template...
