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Readers' Advisory and Reference Services: Popular Materials

Popular Materials Lists

Librarians can't read everything, so it's important for them to stay up-to-date on what's popular and what's being recommended in the media. This may be from magazines, TV shows, or books turning into movies.

The boxes below will assist in understanding what's new and popular to be able to recommend materials to library patrons. These lists can also be helpful when a student or patron asks for a book by an incorrect title but knows it was featured on the Today Show, for example.

New Releases

Scan the calendars and websites below to see what books will be available for purchase, reading, and viewing soon. Pre-order popular authors like Lee Child or Mary Higgins Clark to make sure they get into the hands of readers as soon as possible.

Book Reviews

Reviews are a great way to see what other people are thinking about new books and authors. Reviews are one of the best discovery tools for collection development and readers' advisory. Below are some of the more popular reviewing resources:

Currently Popular

Many people look to best-seller lists or a famous person's book club to decide their next read. Make sure the library stays up-to-date with the most popular books around.

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Many of these resources and programs are funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.