However I always find readers advisory challenging, particularly because my reading tastes don't always line up with those of my patron base. I also feel like I don't read as quickly as others so my catalog of current books that I've read isn't as robust as others. I try to keep current with popular authors and genres though, and I'm hoping this course helps me find some new readers advisory techniques.

Challenge is (especially for myself) when the reader is very precise in what they want and I cant seem to find a read a like close enough to what they want.

My most common challenge is, no matter how detailed a lexicon the industry creates, everyone has different ways of articulating and interpreting the same ideas. Sometimes this is driven by simple miscommunication, but others comes from popular terms surfacing through social tends and current events that don't have a perfect match to the language used in our databases. We are smart enough to connect the dots, but it does add delay every so often.

I am nervous recommending a book I have not read, because I can't personally recommend it, but I take comfort in that I am not limiting the recommendations I make to my tastes.

I dislike when I get asked an RA question and all my book knowledge flies out of my brain.

A challenge for me is finding a graphic novel, or perhaps an audio book for a primary school child, or teenager to have the parent insist that isn't really reading.

Dislike - staff not using relevant readers' advisory tools and expecting the same short list of titles to appeal to everyone - makes readers feel bad (and is a lazy move from staff and likely to lack diversity).

Challenges when people come in and ask for fantasy genre I haven't read many in this area.

Hate - When I can't get them the book in the format they prefer or when they really want it. Need to stop learning how to be a people pleaser!

Challenge - keeping up with new authors and reading trends

What I find challenging is when it seems like every book you recommend is one they already read.

Challenging - Being put 'on the spot' to think of options fairly quickly, especially when its in the context of a genre or demographic I'm less familiar with.

Challenge - Picking books that are not part of the genres I regularly read - e.g. Western novels

A challenging aspect is at times trying to help people who don't seem to know what they want and can be quite contradictory. I notice this happens more often with the very elderly, so it does require a lot of patience and an understanding that RA will never be an 100% success rate.

It's always a challenge when patrons expect a perfect recommendation instantly. I need to ask questions and fine-tune my suggestions to help them find what they really want!

One challenge: Looking for cues on the patron to see if we're taking too long, talking too much, or if the book is really what they're looking for

The part of recommending books that I find most challenging is honestly availability of materials. I get a lot of patrons who want to go home with a book that day, so finding one that fits their interests that is also physically (or digitally!) available that day can be a real struggle! I want the readers I help to go home with something they can enjoy, and it can be frustrating to find great options that aren't immediately available.