Week 12 Prompt

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As an adult that highly enjoys Young Adult, New Adult, and Graphic Novels it is shocking to me that people could be so critical of what others choose to pick up to read. Reflecting on this prompt, I can't help but think of the digital content that I have created since the beginning of COVID-19 and want to share how I have been promoting these titles for adults and teens. I have made several videos on New Adult and Young Adult titles that I have recommended through short book recommendation videos. In these, I talked about what I liked about the book, the topics that are discussed, and why I, as an adult, thought it was worth it. I have also assisted with creating book lists that include a mix of Adult, New Adult, and Young Adult titles that fit within the same genre or theme. Additionally, we have a staff picks display at my work and on there I try to include picks of mine that include these formats. 

I also may have created some really fun Tik Tok book recommendation videos that include New Adult and Young Adult reads.

I think that the best way to promote these books to adults and ensure that we are able to serve adults who enjoy these titles is to read them yourself and get familiar with the genre. Then, when an adult does approach you looking for something, you have a whole arsenal of different formats that you can recommend to them. Some of these formats are not for all librarians, and they may struggle reading these titles. This is where I would encourage a librarian to bounce that patron to another librarian who might be more familiar with genres like this. 

Also, if any resistance is met within a library itself from patrons who do not think we should be spending money on these formats, I would encourage them to simply not read those titles and inform them that the library is for everyone and that includes everyone's taste. Taking a stance on this will encourage adults that do like to read these formats to be rest assured that we as a library see them and that their reading choices are valid. 

Comments

  1. Nicole ScurlockApril 11, 2021 at 4:42 PM

    Hi Darla,

    It sounds like this prompt was right up your alley! I agree with your statement, "... it is shocking to me that people could be so critical of what others choose to pick up to read." It is this kind of attitude that fuels the image of pretentious librarians. I've had several patrons check out with me at the counter and sort of "apologize" for not reading enough or not reading something they consider to be more literary. It breaks my heart to know that some people think that I am judging them for what they've chosen to check out! I do my best to reassure these patrons that we encourage patrons to check what they like and we hope that they enjoy what they check out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Storytime ScribeApril 11, 2021 at 6:08 PM

      Nicole,
      As a fantasy reader, I still remember some people in my family saying that "oh one day when you're older you will grow out of those dragon books" which didn't make me stop reading that type of material, but it definitely made me more discreet when talking about what I read. Which upon reflection, is just sad! I never want anyone, especially my patrons, to feel that kind of shame or embarrassment. Reading is reading, we should celebrate all the different genres that are out there.

      Delete
  2. AlexApril 11, 2021 at 5:28 PM

    I loved reading that you make book recommendations on Tik Tok! I don't have an account myself, but scroll through videos during my free time. It is really entertaining, and I think it is a great platform to reach teens and adults. Being creative for promoting these books is also important to keep in mind, and it sounds like you are doing a great job.

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    Replies
    1. Storytime ScribeApril 11, 2021 at 6:09 PM

      Alex,
      Thank you so much! I also scroll (probably too much) through videos and I love the trends that are out there.

      Delete
  3. Erin CataldiApril 14, 2021 at 4:39 PM

    I love that you did book talks on tiktok! That's awesome! Overall fantastic response. Full points!

    ReplyDelete

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