Far more often
than might be expected, a patron approaches the adult reference desk in need of
readers’ advisory assistance. When asked
what the last book they read was, they explain they really don’t read much and haven’t
read in years, or decades, or that they have never actually read a whole
book. This raises a number of
questions: Are they not reading because
they have not enjoyed it in the past, or because it is difficult for them? What is their reading level? What can I recommend that will entice them to
read when they have not been interested before?
How do I identify a book that will make a difference in their attitude
to reading? The answers to these
essential questions dictate how the readers’ advisory interview should
unfold.
While
the scenario described above occurs fairly frequently, there is virtually no
literature on the adult reluctant reader—an adult who chooses not to read, not
necessarily because they have any issues with literacy. In 2012, only 54.5% of all American adults
read at least one book during the year with the percentage going down in
proportion to age. (Milliot 2013). One of the essential purposes of a library in
any community is to promote literacy. In
order to provide this service, we must address the needs for those that are not
familiar with the nature of the materials we offer. Resources exist for the young adult school
age reluctant reader and new readers struggling with literacy, but nothing on
could be found for the adult reluctant reader.
It seems that the existing resources for both scenarios could be helpful
in coming up with a method for readers’ advisory for the adult reluctant reader
(which does include the new reader).
Wow. What an interesting and important topic, and not one that I ever have really put much thought towards. I see so much talk and articles focusing on the population of the community that does read that I've never really put too much consideration to the other part of the demographic and to why. Research on who these people are and why they don't read could bring some important and useful insight into the area for libraries. Good job.
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique topic for your paper. I never considered this demographic before, at least in any sort of depth. I mean really, what books do you offer this type of reader? Also, the first initial RA interview would be critical in developing and maintaining trust between the librarian and the patron. No pressure on the librarian, haha! What resources did you find to help librarians with this type of patron?
ReplyDeleteI looked at the type of methods and suggestions for reluctant YA readers and new readers and adapted those for the reluctant adult reader. I actually have had this scenario on numerous occasions! Thank you for your comments.
DeleteI looked at the type of methods and suggestions for reluctant YA readers and new readers and adapted those for the reluctant adult reader. I actually have had this scenario on numerous occasions! Thank you for your comments.
DeleteWhat an interesting topic! We had a man at our library come in a few years ago who told the librarian that he did not read much and struggled with reading. With the guidance of a couple of those on staff at the time, he found a series in the junior section that really captured his interest and read through that and then another. In the past two years he has moved to the adult section and has found similar series - at the adult level - that he reads and enjoys. I did not work at this library when this process started, but now help him at times find new books and authors. It is neat to see the other librarians excitement over how far he has come. He was over 60 years old when he first came to the library and asked for assistance.
DeleteThat is really awesome! ! I just started volunteering with Indy Reads at the beginning of the year in a reading lab. Unfortunately, I can only go once a month so I don't know if there will be people who come regularly. That must be really rewarding for the employees at your library!
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