Based on the Book

Anyone working in a library will tell you that books which are made into movies are popular with readers.  You will see long holds lists for books that have been just been made into movies, no matter how old the book it.  Woe is the acquisitions department when a blockbuster film is based on a book that is no longer in print or wide distribution.

At my library, we have a "Raves and Faves" program which features sure-fire reads in greater quantities which are often displayed near the entrance so that customers can quickly grab a great read.  We included "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed and "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova.  Needless to say, both titles quickly exited the library to fill holds.

A display of books and the films they are based on is a quick win for your collection as readers and watchers will be intrigued to see these collected together.  Good readers' advisors probably do not need a lot of aids to find these quickly but there are a lot of resources out there to find these items.

Mid-Continent Public Library offers 1450 book titles and the movies they inspired.
http://www.mymcpl.org/books-movies-music/based-book

Bookreporter does a great round-up of films in theatres which are based on books
http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books-on-screen

EarlyWord will give you a heads up for recent films being released which are based on books.
http://www.earlyword.com/books-to-movies-upcoming/

Online Readers' Advisory Services

Canadian public libraries are becoming more and more interested in their readers.  Cultivating good relationships with readers can translate into more library support through book usage.  With a rise in use of e-collections, libraries have to offer readers' advisory services in new ways that make them convenient for readers to use.  Providing reading suggestions can spread a readers' interest across the whole collection drawing attention away from popular titles.

Personalized book lists or reading suggestions are old ideas in the readers' advisory cannon but they are experiencing a resurgence in interest, both for libraries and readers.  Many libraries are offering web-based forms which allows readers to receive reading suggestions.  Here are a few successful services which may serve as a model for service in your library.

Kingston Frontenac Public Library's 3 for 3
http://reads.kfpl.ca/3-for-3/

This service allows readers to send the three authors or titles that they have read in the past and enjoyed to receive three new titles or authors to try.  Readers are encouraged to identify appeal factors for the books they enjoyed to provide something for the advisors to consider.  Readers will receive a response in a week.  Be sure to check out other lists and posts on their KFPL Reads site.

Toronto Public Library's Ask a Bookhead
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/books-video-music/books/booklists/

If you click on the green button at the top right hand corner of the page above, you'll be taken to a chat page where you can ask readers' advisory questions.  Library staff answer these questions on a daily basis and the information is available for others to read.  This service is one of a whole suite of services available for readers.  Check out Book Buzz, Toronto's online book club, for additional resources.

Vancouver Public Library's Books Just for You
https://www.vpl.ca/survey/index.php/72586?lang=en

Vancouver offers a traditional looking form for readers to complete for advisory services.  This is just one part of a fulsome offering of services for readers.  There is no additional information about how quickly you may receive the suggestions or how many titles/authors you may receive in return but it looks like you won't be disappointed.

Edmonton Public Library's Personalized Book Lists
http://www.epl.ca/services/personalized-book-list

Like Vancouver, Edmonton allows readers to complete a formal request for advisory services.  Book lists and other resources are available as well.  Check out their online chat!

Ontario Library Association - 2015 Superconference

The annual Ontario Library Association conference was held in Toronto from January 28 to 31.  This conference gives library professionals and other library workers an opportunity to meet and attend relevant workshops.  The content is varied and sessions include content for academic, special, school and public libraries.

In terms of readers' advisory content, there were some sessions which provided some training for library staff.  The Dewey Divas and Dudes offered reading suggestions for |LGTBQ teens.  Vaughan Public Library staff showcased their focus on developing readers' advisory services (no access to presentation).

With other committee members, I was able to meet with the co-chair of the British Columbia Library Association Readers' Advisory Interest Group.  This committee was developed after discussion with the Ontario Public Library Association's Readers' Advisory Committee.  Our lunch was a good opportunity to discuss readers' advisory issues in public libraries across the country.

As always, the Expo featured many authors and allowed libraries direct access to publishers and suppliers.

Overall, there could have been more readers' advisory content which means that those who have a passion for readers should be developing a session for next year's conference.