by Sarah Statz Cords
Welcome to our continuing RAO Interviews series, where we talk with a variety of library staff and readers’ advisors for their real-world (a.k.a. “the frontline”) perspective. Today’s interview is with Jody Wurl, who is a teen and Web services librarian for Hennepin (MN) County Library. She coordinates the content of the TeenLinks website, and is a booklist selector for BookSpace, specializing in graphic novels and speculative fiction. She is also the co-author of “The Brood of Frankenstein,” an article on YA horror in School Library Journal.
How long have you have worked as a “reader’s advisor”?
Friends/family have been asking me for book recommendations since high school because I was such an avid reader but I’ve been a “professional” reader’s advisor since 1996.
Would you say you are getting more or fewer RA questions on a regular basis?
I’m in an unusual position as a Web Librarian where I’m not on the public desk. Based on our statistics, our online reader’s advisory sources have incredibly high use. We’re in the process of redesigning our website; in our needs assessment from the public, information about good books to read is consistently in their top 3 requests.
What do you find most frustrating about RA work?
Getting people to ask us for recommendations at the Info Desk so you can have a conversation. Whenever I look up a specific title for someone, if it’s not in I’ll offer “since that title’s not available can I find you something else you may like to read?”
Do you feel your work as an RA, or in general, is supported by your library and administration?
We have a wealth of online tools to help staff at the desk but limited in-person staff sharing/training. We have a broad collection and great online support because everyone recognizes that connecting people with good books is one of our major marketing “brands.”
What resources, tools, or training do you wish you had more access to?
Genre refreshers for areas I don’t read in. The more of this that takes place online the easier it will be to “catch up.”
Tune in tomorrow for the conclusion of our interview with Jody Wurl!
