Nonfiction Readers' Advisory in Two Parts: Thought and Action
Subject: Everything and nothing.
Thought: Knowing Nonfiction, and Knowing Nonfiction Readers
Different ways to think about nonfiction: Genres, Subject Interests, Styles
Two genres, up close: True Crime and Biography
A word about "nonfiction that reads like fiction."
Next: Knowing Nonfiction Readers
Action: Title Awareness, Direct and Indirect, Tips
Nonfiction RA Tips
1. Consider both subject and "mood" cues.
2. Wikipedia everything.
3. Watch for "deal breakers"--this stuff is real.
4. Try to keep up with current events and pop culture.
5. Don't be afraid to mix F and NF, especially on displays and booklists. (Always indicate which titles are NF.)
6. Find an RA buddy.
7. Write down everything you can, re-use it, and don't be afraid to find and use your own "gems."
Something to remember: "Algorithms aren’t magic...Books are messy and the reasons humans like them are messier."
(http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2011/09/getting-good-at-goodreads-1.html#ixzz1YPMy7Bni)
RESOURCES
Burgin, Robert, ed. Nonfiction Readers' Advisory. Libraries Unlimited, 2005.
Cords, Sarah Statz. The Inside Scoop: A Guide to Nonfiction Investigative Writing and Exposes. Libraries Unlimited, 2009.
Cords, Sarah Statz. The Real Story: A Guide to Nonfiction Reading Interests. Libraries Unlimited: 2006.
Drew, Bernard A. 1000 Most Popular Nonfiction Authors. Libraries Unlimited: 2008.
Reisner, Rosalind. Read On...Life Stories: Reading Lists for Every Taste. Libraries Unlimited: 2009.
Roche, Rick. Real Lives Revealed: A Guide to Reading Interests in Biography. Libraries Unlimited: 2009.
Saricks, Joyce. Readers' Advisory Service in the Public Library. ALA: 2005.
Wyatt, Neal. The Readers' Advisory Guide to Nonfiction. ALA: 2007.
Zellers, Jessica. Women's Nonfiction: A Guide to Reading Interests. Libraries Unlimited: 2009.
QUESTIONS? Please email me any time at realstory@tds.net.