Secret Shopper

My reader's advisor, looking a little nervous, started things off by asking "What are your interests?" and "Who is an author you have read that you like?"  She relied on Google searching, Goodreads, the library's catalog and her personal knowledge to find recommendations. For an author read-alike to Lorrie Moore she suggested Julian Barnes or Ann Beattie (whom I am now reading with pleasure). She suggested "To Sleep in the Stars" by Chris Paolini, a sci-fi award winner, to satisfy the interest I expressed in the genre.

Things got a little sticky when I requested a romance novel. I admitted that I wasn't very familiar with the genre and consequently wasn't sure what to choose.  My advisor did not seem very interested in recommending this type of book, saying that she did not read romance herself so couldn't offer any help. Rather than attempt a search or ask more questions (my suggestions for what she could have done better), she indicated that most of the romance books were in the paperback section and suggested that I browse there. Happily my advisor's fumble was picked up by her co-worker at the information desk who suggested the Bridgerton series which "people are raving about." 

Hearing about Bridgerton called to mind how much I like Jane Austen and when I mentioned this my advisor really brought out her A-game. Using her own personal knowledge, she suggested that I might like  Elizabeth Edmonson's “Mr. Darcy’s Daughters” or titles by Rebecca Ann Collins that set Austen’s world and characters before or after the original stories. Sensing my lukewarm response to this she asked if I had read anything by Edith Wharton (I had not) and recommended “Age of Innocence” which she quite liked but admitted that some people found “dry.” I said I don’t think I mind dry. She then recommended William Thackery’s “Vanity Fair” describing it as “scandal-y,” which sounded good to me.  

With these suggestions I was able to find a "good book" although most of the titles we discussed that I wanted were, unfortunately, at another library, on hold, or checked out.

Overall, this experience was what I expected and I would go back to this advisor again. I felt we built a rapport as our conversation progressed.  She did use some appeal factors to describe books to me but didn't specifically ask me about appeal factors that I enjoy. I really appreciated that she checked in the catalog for availability, didn't rush our conversation, and seemed to genuinely care that I found a "good book" all of which made this a positive experience.

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2021 at 1:49 PM

    It really looked like your advisor turned things around and felt more comfortable towards the end. I’m glad the co-worker was there with suggestions though. It seemed like it was awkward for a little bit. I too wished my advisor asked more questions about appeal factors that I enjoyed. I did a live chat with my advisor, so I couldn’t see my advisor’s body language. My advisor portrayed a sense of ease. Though, one of the genres that I mentioned I enjoyed was YA and she happened to be a youth services librarian so that was in her comfort zone.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tess B.February 14, 2021 at 11:16 AM

    I'm sorry your advisor was a little difficult to work with, we all have our off days. Good on her coworker for picking up where she left off! It's always okay to ask for help, especially if finding it difficult to get a good recommendation to a patron.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Melissa M.February 14, 2021 at 5:42 PM

    Wow. It surprises me that the person helping you wasn't willing to see past her own taste and help you find what you were asking for. Yes everyone has off days but, finding a patron what they like, even if it's something we aren't interested in, is the job. I'm glad that they were able to give you some good recommendations in spite of that blunder. I haven't read Bridgerton, but I can tell you that the series on Netflix is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  4. WilsonIMFebruary 14, 2021 at 6:06 PM

    It seems to me that overall you had a good experience, despite some difficulties. I guess the most positive thing I found regarding your interaction is that you were able to build a rapport with the person(s) who was (were) assisting you. Maybe a second visit will build on this experience and allow you to find more favorite reads!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Erin CataldiFebruary 16, 2021 at 8:57 AM

    I have noted the above responses towards participation.

    ReplyDelete

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