2019 Readers’ Advisory Activities Survey

Many users of libraries, and certainly those who don’t use libraries, may have never heard of Readers’ Advisory Service, even if they’ve experienced it firsthand. The service is basic to public libraries, even though its impact on the publishing industry has generally been underrated or ignored.

The Directory of Readers’ Advisory Activities, compiled by a dedicated committee of librarians, documents and explains the many activities public librarians currently use to help their patrons find books they will enjoy reading—whether in direct face-to-face conversations or via myriad indirect online engagements. In the Spring of 2019, the Panorama Project surveyed more than 400 librarians from 335 U.S. public library systems in 40 states to catalog and measure the variety and impact of public library Readers' Advisory activities—including activities that take place onsite and online.

Survey Highlights

83% of the librarians who responded said that their library/library system markets itself as a place to discover books and get reading recommendations

  • 68% accept email requests for personal recommendations

  • 57% Use online recommendation request forms

  • 33% Provide personalized recommendations via social media

99% create featured book displays in the library

  • 44% promote staff picks

  • 44% promote new titles

  • 37% promote news/current events-related picks

  • 19% promote under the radar titles

71% create recommended reading lists

  • 72% promote staff picks

  • 62% promote new titles

  • 54% promote news/current events-related picks

  • 49% promote under the radar titles

70% promote their reading lists on the library website

  • 54% promote via Facebook

  • 48% promote via the library’s email list

  • 27% promote via Instagram

  • 25% promote via Twitter

94% organize reading groups/book clubs, book talks, community reading events and/or online events

  • 82% host events in the main library

  • 49% in branch libraries

  • 38% in local community centers, retirement communities, etc.

83% host author visits and readings

  • 63% host local indie-published authors

  • 38% host in partnership with local bookstores

  • 28% host publisher-sponsored events

93% work directly with individual authors for events

  • 34% work directly with publishers

  • 30% work with one or more local booksellers

  • 23% work with a speaker’s bureau

74% sell books at events indirectly (using a local bookseller)

  • 27% sell books directly (sourced from the publisher)

  • 23% sell books directly (sourced from a distributor)

For additional insights into public library activities that impact book discovery and sales, see our follow-up research initiative: Public Library Events & Book Sales Survey.