The November 1 issue of Library Journal continues the "Redefining RA" series. This month's topic is "Keeping up with Genres" and discusses Genre Studies - forming groups that read a variety of books in specific genre, then meet to discuss the genre and share likes (and dislikes). That's a bit difficult to do in a group the size of our RAVALA interest group (not to mention that we are spread out over multiple locations), but it might be something that an interested group at a branch might want to try to gain some depth in a particular genre.
From the article: "There can be little better way to build RA skills and create both functional teams and a public service tone in the library than sinking into a genre for a while and working together to discover its appeal."
You can find the LJ article here
Is a genre study worth trying? Could a group as large and spread out as our interest group pull it off, or is it best left to smaller branch groups? Have you ever tried "sinking into a genre" (especially one that's outside your typical reading habits?)
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5 comments:
We did a genre study at Smoky Hill a few years ago, and it was quite fun and helpful. Reading outside your comfort area gives you some books to recommend when patrons ask about something like action adventure or romance, if those don't happen to be your thing. I think it's a great idea. It would be good to include media as well as books.
I haven't been in an official genre study group, but I have been trying to read a variety of graphic novels this year, just to learn about them. It has been really interesting and I can now say which ones I like better than others and why - at least on a basic level - even though I still don't know much about the authors and illustrators. An organized group might help to fill in the gaps!
A localized study group is a great way to dig into different genres. It just takes organization and interest. Also, a genre RA class is offered from time to time as a staff training and this is a good way to become aware of the different genres, how some of them have become integrated, and the authors who write them.
Susan C.
Genre studies would be a great way for staff to become familiar with books/authors which they might not choose to read on their own. I know it would help me! But since our group is so large, I doubt that we could initiate an ALD one. It would have to be done at each individual branch (or combining nearby branches). It might be something to consider......
perhaps this is a subject we can discuss at our December 11 RAVALA meeting!
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