Week 7 Reader Advisor

Our task for this week was to look up several websites and jobs in relation to a readers advisory position. We don't really recognise this as a separate task in Australia, it's sort of put-upon the existing library staff to educate themselves in order to assist their patrons. There are many sites we can use to help us to keep up with the latest release information. Listed below are several, I particularly like the 3rd website listed, but I would always refer to Goodreads as well.

Websites

http://www.readersadvisoronline.com/ranews

Readers' Advisor News

An e-newsletter published quarterly by Libraries Unlimited, this is a good resource with many articles regarding trends and other items on issues, this release is particularly aimed at Reader's Advisories who may work in an Academic Library and recreational / pleasure reading services.


 http://www.readersadvisoronline.com/blog/index.php??ws=WS_RA&as=blog%2findex.php&token=1A3E54B96CC87894CB2562DB3DD226B8

The Readers Advisor Online

The readers advisor online is a blog which is based on Libraries Unlimited's Genreflecting Advisoy Series.It has been created or readers' advisors and people who work wih readers. Look here for the latest news, tips, fun stuf, and a list of books both non-fiction and fiction which are about to be published. There is a plethora of links on this page which would be useful.

http://www.ebscohost.com/novelist/novelist-special/readers-advisory-blogs-you-may-have-missed

NoveList - Readers' Advisory Blogs you may have missed

This is a great article, originally published in March 2012 in the RA News Newsletter, which includes a list the author suggests should be checked at least once a week. They provide quite a lot of information which would be useful, particularly for someone employed (or wanting to gain employment) as a readers advisor.

These jobs are all in the United States, and I'm stunned at the fact that the salary is not very good for a position which requires a College Degree.

Jobs

https://www.governmentjobs.com/jobs/937258/library-technical-assistant-reader-advisor
This position was for a Library Technical Assistant - Reader Advisor. The wage range was $26,139 - $48,361 p.a., as a full-time position at the State Library at Richland County. SC.The responsibilites were :
Provides comprehensive reader advisory service to Talking Book Services patrons.  Selects recorded, Braille and large type books and matches all to selected reader interests.  Responsible for one-to-one contact with patrons via telephone, mail, email and in person.  Responds to incoming calls throughout the day as scheduled.  Advises patrons in the selection of books.  Researches general reference questions.  Keeps patron computerized request files current and processes request lists received by mail, phone, or in person.  Keeps patron records accurate and current.  Reviews new reader applications and initiates contacts.  Creates computer profiles on new readers and updates current profiles.

https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs/ral.html
This position was for a Readers Advisory Librarian with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission; Monday to Friday 8 - 5pm, and the pay was $2,500 - $2,600 per month. This position was advertised at the end of 2013, and initially I thought it was the same as the previous one, but it's in a different state, so that's not the case.

This position provides reader’s advisory, reference, research, and technical support services for the Talking Book Program. This position provides service via telephone, email, postal correspondence, and in person to patrons with visual, physical, and reading disabilities that prevent them from reading standard print. Work is performed in a call center environment. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

http://www.darienlibrary.org/general-information/we-are-hiring-part-time-readers-advisor
This position is part-time, 10 hours per week, primarily weekend hours at Darien Library in Connecticut.  The pay is $15 per hour, but the required qualifications are a college degree! You are also 'preferred' to have enrolled in a library science or information science graduate program.

The Darien Library is looking for an enthusiastic librarian to join its Readers’ Advisory department. Readers’ Advisors staff the Library’s Welcome Desk and do a little bit of everything, but most of all, are counted on as trusted recommenders of books and other entertainment. We are big believers in the power of librarians connecting readers with their perfect book, and are always looking for new ways to do so.