The RA Interview

Down to the Nitty-Gritty

The Readers' Advisory interview is one of the most challenging aspects of RA, especially when it comes to romance readers. Now, don't be discouraged; it's completely do-able, even for a romance R.A. novice. As we discussed earlier in my posts Why Romance Readers' Advisory?, romance readers are used to being judged and dismissed for their taste in literature. So, we really only have a short window in which to connect with the reader. In First Tuesday: Romance Readers' Advisory, Kim Storbeck gives R.A. guru Joyce Saricks' advice, while you, personally, do not have to be a fan of the genre, you, as a library professional, could help break down barriers for your patrons and customers by admitting you have read romances. You invite the reader to have a conversation about their likes and dislikes, who they have enjoyed reading, what worked for them and what didn't. The R.A. interview is a little different for Romances than traditional readers' advisory interviews. While you may still discuss the elements addressed in the Readers' Advisory Handbook: story, characters, mood, language, setting, and author voice, the romance R.A. interview follows more of the characteristics of romances.