Readers’ advisory for tweens in public libraries

Abstract

Auckland Libraries: Te Kauroa – future directions 2013–2023 gives the directive to librarians to ‘create and nurture readers’. This research project, conducted in 2015, set out to answer the question of how librarians in public libraries can effectively create and nurture tween readers through readers’ advisory practices. Data were gathered through interviews with librarians and focus groups with tweens, to consider both sides of the readers’ advisory transaction. It was found that public library staff can and do effectively create and nurture tween readers, so long as certain practices are in place: maintaining a foundation of knowledge of tween books; sharing enthusiasm about the books and reading; giving tweens choice; and, in keeping with reader-response theory, recognising the individual nature of what constitutes a ‘good’ book and getting to know the reader through asking open questions about previous books enjoyed.