The Best Book Database You’ve Never Heard Of

This content has been archived. It may no longer be accurate or relevant.

From Book Riot:

 Recently, I was looking for books on (as it happens) readers’ advisory. Readers’ advisory is what happens when you go to the library and request a book recommendation. The librarian may ask you some questions about what kind of book you typically like, the style of writing you enjoy, and more to get at what makes a book a “good” book for you. In any case, I wanted to know more about how to do readers’ advisory well. So, in search for books on readers’ advisory, I hopped on the information highway we call the internet and headed to my local library’s website. Then, I navigated to the library’s database page and pulled up the best book database you’ve never heard of: NoveList.

. . . .

So, what does the NoveList book database actually do? The most basic and useful function of NoveList is the Title Read-alikes feature. Type a title into the search bar, hit search, and click on “Title Read-alikes.” Within seconds, you’ve got a list of books similar to the one you’ve searched for. Selected by curators, the books are accompanied by a reason they’re included on the list. There are also a pair of icons that allow users to agree or disagree with a given selection, which, when clicked, leads the user to an email form to share their opinion. For those taking their list to the library, there’s an easy print button. The Title Read-alikes is easily the feature I use the most, but there are plenty of others worth highlighting, too.

Meanwhile, the advanced search in this book database is a thing of beauty. Want something new? Try selecting the “Forthcoming” box. Trying to fill a Read Harder challenge that depends on author background? Scroll through the “Author’s Nationality” or “Author’s Cultural Identity” box.

Link to the rest at Book Riot

3 thoughts on “The Best Book Database You’ve Never Heard Of”

  1. I thought this was some kind of online database that you could use for free, but when I clicked on their link I found out this is a product that you must purchase (this is breezily mentioned in passing at the very end of the complete Book Riot article). Nothing wrong with that, it’s a product, but not what I expected when I read this report. Maybe I’m out of touch. I guess libraries have to pay for everything, don’t they? Caveat emptor.

  2. “Selected by curators, the books are accompanied by a reason they’re included on the list.”

    “Scroll through the “Author’s Nationality” or “Author’s Cultural Identity” box.”

    The what? 😛

Comments are closed.