Blogs

The NJLA Marketing Section is actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with other sections as we prepare for the Joint Conference, February 17–19, 2027 . We’d love to join your session/proposal or explore combining ideas. Proposals are stronger when they bring multiple sections and perspectives together! A couple of ideas we’re currently exploring: New Buildings/Library Locations: A panel exploring the advocacy, communication, outreach, and marketing challenges libraries face before, during, and after a major renovation, expansion, or new building project. America 250: A panel where libraries share candid experiences, successes, challenges, ...

Readers’ Advisory Resources Worth Having in Your Back Pocket by Grace Croken Readers’ advisory can sometimes feel intimidating, but the good news is you don't have to have read everything, you just have to know where to look. Whether you’re new to RA, or just building out your toolkit, here are some resources worth checking out. Professional Reviews Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal/School Library Journal, Kirkus, Horn Book, BookList, and BookPage : The leaders in professional book reviewing. These journals and magazines go beyond plot summary and genre to consider craft, audience, appeal factors, and reading levels. These reviews ...

A Quick Guide to Genres and Readers’ Advisory for Adult Services by Grace Croken What defines a genre? What is it about a specific genre that draws people in? Understanding the distinctions between fiction genres is key for successful Readers’ Advisory interaction, helping to better connect readers with books that match their interests and preferences. This guide goes over some of the most popular genres in adult fiction, and notable authors that make up the genre canon. Realistic Fiction Contemporary fiction portrays realistic characters experiencing real-life situations and problems. These stories take place in a real world setting and ...