Week 16 Prompt

How reading and books have changed for me since I was a child:

Ebooks are one of the biggest changes since I was a child. My parents made sure that I always had access to books, whether it was them buying children's books, gifts from family and friends or books from the library. But they were always print books. When I was really little they would read them to me and then I would read them myself as I got older. There were not as many options then as there are now. Now there are more options such as board books for the little little kids which offer a variety of ways to experience the book such as touch-and-feel, lift-the-flap, etc. There are also audio books that children have access to as well as ebooks that they can get free from the library. A lot of primary books also have included a CD so that the story can also be read out loud while following along in the book.

Future of books/publishing:

This may be because I am also a creative writer but there is a shift from traditional publishing to self-publishing. It is gaining in popularity among not only writers but also readers as well. The majority of the authors who choose to self-publish their books now are making sure to put in the time and effort to produce a quality work, making sure that it is edited by a professional and having a professional cover created. Traditional publishers do not completely dominate the market anymore since self-publishing continues to grow in popularity. So one of the changes could be that we might find more self-published works in libraries and not only ones from local authors.

I like to hope that we will read more in the future, especially younger kids. So often they come into the library needing to find a book from a specific genre because it is for an assignment and one of the first things they say is that they don't like reading at all and that they want a short book that just meets the requirements set by their teacher. In the future I would like to see this change. It would be great if more people enjoyed reading and made it a part of their lives, even if only a few pages at a time. I think that the popularity of ebooks and audiobooks will continue to grow, especially with ebooks being cheaper than print copies but I think that there will always be readers who prefer print copies.

Week 15 Prompt

Three ways my library does or could market the fiction collection:


Social Media Posts: Many of the social media posts for my particular library that deal with the actual items included in the fiction collection are the same "See what's new..." with a picture that is similar to what many other libraries have. Facebook is the social media site that my library uses but they do not actively promote the fiction collection and it is not consistent when they do. I think that they should include posts about individual items, especially if it is an item that someone has loved. Something like book cover with the caption: "Favorite read in historical fiction from Holly: The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran. Nefertari must overcome her family's past to build a better future. She gains her chance not only for that but for the love of a lifetime when she catches the eye of Ramesses the Great. Will their love be enough for them to build a stronger Egypt together or will the forces working against them be too much? You'll have to read it to find out!" This not only promotes the historical fiction genre within the collection but because it is a recommended read it also makes it more personal and could help it stand out in the news feed. A couple of us write YA reviews and we do post those on FB but there is not much for the rest of the fiction collection. I would also recommend the library use Instagram and Twitter as well to reach other age groups within their target audience, especially since the algorithms on FB hide many posts. I would also suggest including other types of posts such as fun "What character would you be in a Jane Austin novel?" type quizzes that can be found. Those would be fun and could help with engagement on the social media page. Hashtags should also be utilized.

Bookmarks: For our library the children's department always has tons of bookmarks that are popular not only with the kids but the adults also sometimes take one as well. But there are not bookmarks in the rest of the library. I think would be a great opportunity, especially if they were created to be unique to the library. The library does have a blog which sometimes has information about the fiction collection. (I would suggest for the blog that staff recommendations and reviews, and even a place for comments from viewers for other recommendations/reviews to be included.) But the bookmarks could include a QR code which could lead to the blog. (This next part would depend on cost and what material was used.) In children's we created bookmarks in which we each picked a color (mine was purple) and it would say "Highly recommended by Miss Holly!" and these would be put in books we had selected and placed on the top of the shelves. We used card stock for our bookmarks so that we could print more if needed and those books got picked so much more. A few staff members could choose recommended reads and maybe the books might get noticed more. Or instead of just having it say recommended read, it could contain a list in a fun font and they could have them at the circulation and information desks that patrons could take. They like bookmarks and these could promote the fiction collection and maybe help someone find their next favorite read. Pictures could also be taken of these recommended reads with their bookmarks or just of the bookmarks themselves and be posted online.

Read-a-like/Genre lists: Again this is something that my library only does for children's but not for YA or adult fiction. Having these types of lists around the library, especially at the desks could help patrons find awesome new books. It's also something that they can take. Usually they are in pamphlet form and that could also work as a bookmark. They can not only show what variety the fiction collection genre wise has but also awesome fiction books included. Something like "If you liked The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah then you might like..."But they shouldn't all be like that, I think it would be fun and unique to also appeal to what patrons like in the form of other media but in a way that can promote the fiction collection. Something like: "Fan of Supernatural? Then you'd like Covet (Fallen Angels #1) by J. R. Ward." These can also be put on bookmarks, posted on social media and placed on the website to make sure that patrons, those in person and virtual can see them. Having genre lists could help patrons find other books in a genre they already love such as Historical Fiction, Mystery, etc. These could be a mixture of new and older titles. 

Week 14 Prompt

If it was up to me whether or not LGBTQ and African American fiction should be separated into their own collections, I would say no. I would choose to keep them in with the adult and teen fiction collections. Now that does not mean that I wouldn't create displays with only those on them but that would be to highlight those books, not keep them separate from the rest of the fiction collection. I think it would do more harm than good, even though in this scenario, patrons have requested this. If the other genres within fiction are not being separated into their own areas then neither should these two, just because it might make some uncomfortable to have it there. Libraries are meant to be a safe place where patrons can come find information and great books and taking certain genres from the main collection, not to highlight them but because others do not like them takes away from that. A few reasons that I feel it should be included in with the rest of the fiction are:

1. In many instances, readers find new books and authors they love by browsing. If they are not sure whether or not they would like one of those books then they might not even go to those areas, but if the books stay within the main collection, a patron might discover a new book or author that they now love but might not have found if it had been somewhere else. 
2. Readers who already love those genres might feel judged or uncomfortable having to go to a separate area to find the books they want to read, especially if they are worried that other patrons might be watching them and judging what they choose to read. 
3. If libraries will not censor books and other materials or remove items from a collection just because someone or a group does not agree then items should not be removed from the main collection to another area just because a group does not think that they belong. Unlike wanting these genres moved so that they can be highlighted and celebrated, asking for them to be moved so that they do not have to see them goes against what libraries are all about and that is providing information and knowledge to all without judgement and making sure that the patrons that want to read those genres have access to them. 

Week 13 Prompt

Personally, I think it's great that adults like to read YA and New Adult. I read both and there are a lot of adults that come into my library and ask for those books as well. Most of the new adult, especially new adult romance seems to get lumped in with romance but YA is definitely kept separate. I think libraries and librarians should make sure that readers feel comfortable reading and looking into YA. I think that could help with the impression that YA is only for older teens and not for adults. Most YA is promoted with teens in mind and it would be a great idea to include adults in that as well, even if it's just including YA books in read-a-likes or suggestion lists along with the adult fiction/non-fiction. Many people read for enjoyment and it's completely okay to not like a certain genre after reading something in it but I think it can be limiting when people think they shouldn't read something because "it was written for teens." or something similar. I think it would be helpful to survey adult readers as well to find out if they like and read YA so that librarians could take that into consideration with promotion and collection development.

Young Adult-Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1) by Laini Taylor

Summary:

Karou is unique: she's human but she was raised by demons. They took her in as a baby and are the only family she's ever known or wanted. She's always wanted to know more about her family and the world they come from. Even though she is allowed a small glimpse into their world, she's kept in the dark for her protection. That changes when black handprints begin appearing on doors all over the world, including the door that leads to her family. Soon after this begins she meets Akiva, an angel who's haunted by the tragedy in his past. He's angry, cold, and is working to punish those he deems responsible for the death of the woman he once loved. He soon finds that his heart is not as closed off as he thought when he meets Karou, who he is drawn to even as he tries to fight it. They're on opposite sides of a war but when secrets are revealed they'll have to choose: a side or each other.

Young Adult Characteristics:

• Younger main characters: Karou is 17 and though Akiva is an angel, appears 17 even though he is much older. They age differently so he does not seem older. 
• Issues faced: Even though this is a paranormal YA novel, the characters are facing important issues and topics such as love, war, family, etc. Even thought the characters are younger it does not take away from the issues they are facing. Karou is a teenager and fights with her family but she still loves them and in the story, works to protect them. This causes a conflict later with Akiva that she has to deal with. Karou also has to help her best friend end up with a boy she likes so even in the paranormal YA we get instances of the typical teenager that helps make the story better.
• Likable characters: Karou is an extremely likable character. She's funny, sarcastic, kind and a well rounded and developed character. Even when Akiva is considered an "enemy" he is still a character that readers seem to gravitate to. He's tortured and damaged but he's strong but like Karou, he makes mistakes and all this makes him a well rounded character as well. He's not as outgoing as Karou but when the reader gets to see those glimpses of the happy and warm Akiva, it makes them that much more powerful.
• Pacing: Like most YA this is a fast paced story. It is action filled with slow parts to give the reader a breather but it is a quick read. It unfolds in a way that keeps the reader turning pages, wanting more of the story.

Read-a-likes:

YA:

• Marked (House of Night #1) by P. C. and Kristin Cast (Strong female protagonist in a paranormal YA)
• Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1) by Becca Fitzgerald (Angels)
• Fallen (Fallen #1) by Lauren Kate (Angels)
• City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare (descendants of angels)

Adult: (I chose to include Adult read-a-likes since like our prompt for this week, many adults also like YA and might want read-a-likes in adult books as well.)

• Covet (Fallen Angels #1) by J. R. Ward (Angels)
• Angel's Blood (Guild Hunter #1) by Nalini Singh (Angels)
• Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter (Angels)

TV Show recommendations: (These two shows immediately came to mind when I was thinking about this book so I thought I would include some other media recommendations.)

• Shadowhunters (Based on Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. It's awesome.)
• Supernatural (It's got demons and angels and I think readers would enjoy the series. Also, Cas is amazing.)

My opinion of Daughter of Bone and Smoke:

I loved this book! I could not put it down and was immediately thankful that I had checked out all three in the trilogy so I could continue the story and start the second book. I liked that this switched up the typical angel and demon type of story and put a unique twist on it. This is one of those books that I would immediately recommend if someone came in asking for a paranormal YA. It is a large YA book but it is one of those books that as you're reading you don't feel like you're reading a huge book, it's fast paced and intriguing and kept me hooked from the beginning.

Week 12 Prompt

Reader's Advisory Matrix: You Can Do It: Strength by Jasinda Wilder (You Can Do It #2)

Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

Highly narrative (reads like fiction)

What is the subject of the book?

In the second book of this trilogy, Jasinda is going beyond her eight week plan for health and wellness and adding in more strength training and other exercise aspects. It also builds upon the eating habits built in the first book.

What type of book is it?

It is part memoir part with the beginning as she tells her story and how she got where she is now and  plan for wellness.

What is the pacing of the book?

It is a very quick read and enjoyable.

Describe the characters of the book:

Jasinda, the author, is the main character since this is mainly about her journey to health and wellness but it also focuses on her husband and fellow author, Jack and their six children. All have gotten healthier because of these lifestyle changes.

How does the story feel?

Inspiring. She really wants the reader to relate and know that they can succeed with the plan.

What is the intent of the author?

To inspire and help the readers be the healthiest they can be.

What is the focus of the story?

Jasinda's health journey and how it can help others.

Does the language matter?

Yes, it is what makes it so readable.

Is the setting important?

Not for this book, no.

Are there details? Charts, graphs, etc.?

Yes: pictures, recipes, and info graphs that are very well described and useful to the reader.

Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience?

Yes to all three. It is not only trying to teach but to inspire. But Jasinda is also trying to show that she has been where many readers have and that they can succeed too. It is clear that she is rooting for them.

Why would a reader enjoy this book?

1. Characterization
2. Narrative continuum
3. Learning/Experience

Non-Fiction: You Can Do It

You Can Do It by Jasinda Wilder

You Can Do It Trilogy #1

Summary:
Jasinda Wilder asks one thing of the reader of this non-fiction book: will you give yourself eight weeks to try a new way to lose weight and begin a lifestyle change that will their health for the better. The main aspect of this lifestyle change is to give up sugar. She details an eight week plan where you slowly start to ween yourself off sugar and change your eating and exercising habits. Before you get to the plan she tells her story and how she got to where she is health wise. She also includes awesome recipes and fun extras.

Narrative Continuum: This novel is very easy to read and it reads like a first person novel. The way Jasinda wrote this book is as if she was sitting there talking with the reader. It makes it a quick and easy read and there is a clear progression of this "story."

Subject: Fans of Jasinda's fiction works expect fun and humor and even though this book has some serious aspects of it, it also delivers on the lighthearted humor that readers have come to expect from her. She is very open and honest about her health journey.

Type: This is part memoir part health, weight loss guide.

Appeal: 

Pacing: A great thing about this book is that the reader does not have to bring any knowledge of the subject into the reading because it is explained early on in the book. It is very narrative and quick to read.

Characterization: The author does want the reader to identify with them. Jasinda has gone through this process and details it in great depth.

Storyline: There is a great flow to this book. It is very readable and even though it is non-fiction, it reads like a fiction story.

Intent of Author: This book is mainly to educate but it also hopes to inspire and encourage readers who might be going through the same things she did or starting this journey to be the healthiest they can be.

Subject focused: While this book is very subject focused, the story is vital to the book as well. It adds to it and makes it more readable and enjoyable.

Detail: This book does have a lot of detail including, illustrations about the way to do the plan and recipes with pictures.

Learning/Experiencing: This book is a nice blend of the two. In the beginning Jasinda is sharing her story but it gets into more of teaching moments with her explaining the plan and why she is recommending the choices she is.

Language: The language in this book is part of what makes it so successful and easy to read. It is fun, lyrical and feels as if she is talking to you. It makes it a quick read.

Setting: The location is not part of the book.

Tone: The tone of this book is very light. She wants to inspire readers and that comes through in the writing.

Read-a-likes:

• 21 Days of Eating Mindfully by Lorrie Jones. 
• Running Like a Girl: Notes on Learning to Run by Alexandria Heminsley
• Trim Healthy Mama Plan by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison

My Opinion of You Can Do It:

I loved this book! I had read a few of Jasinda's romance novels before so I was already a fan of her writing and when I found this I thought I would give it a try. I thought was very easy to read and an enjoyable read as well. She does a great job of adding detail and facts in a way that just fits the flow of the story and plan. It doesn't feel like an information dump. It was a very inspirational read.