Secret Shopper Assignment

     I drove to a library several miles from where I live to do my secret shopper assignment. I had not visited the library for several years. It is much smaller than the one where I am employed. I was filled with anticipation when I entered the library because I was wondering how the interview would go. I also love to visit other libraries, comparing them to the library where I work.

     There was only one desk for the adult fiction/non-fiction area which doubled for circulation and reference. I did not notice any signs regarding readers’ advisory nor did I see any handouts with genre/author. I asked a middle-aged woman behind the desk that I was interested in finding a good book; however, I wasn’t familiar with authors and what was popular. Her response was, “Oh, I am the worst person to ask about that! I work in the office and really don’t know much about recommending which books to read. I guess I could look on the computer.” She commented that there were no librarians working that day (it was Saturday). The woman was pleasant; however, I could tell that she wasn’t sure what to do.

     As she was looking on the computer with a somewhat confused look on her face, I offered that I liked historical fiction. After a minute or so searching on the computer, she stated that the historical fiction was mixed throughout the fiction. She did not offer to show me where the adult fiction is located. I felt that the “interview” was over, thanked her for her help and went on my way. There were no other employees in the adult fiction/non-fiction area except a teenager shelving books.

     Although I was disappointed in the outcome of my visit, I realized that some small libraries may be understaffed on certain days with individuals who are not familiar how to conduct a readers’ advisory interview or simply suggest titles and/or authors to patrons. It would have been helpful if handouts such as annotated book lists and genre/author lists were available at the desk to assist patrons.

     It can be difficult for staff members other than librarians to be familiar with different genres and authors that are usually placed into them. As Saricks explains, “With new books published every year and authors continually pushing the boundaries of the genres in which they write, the prospect of staying current seems beyond even the most compulsive librarian!”

Saricks, J.G. (2009). The readers’ advisory guide to genre fiction. Chicago:ALA.