WEEK FIVE PROMPT

For example, Booklist will not publish negative reviews, while Kirkus has no problem with it. eBook only books, which are increasingly popular (especially in the romance genre) see little or no reviews in professional publications unless they have a big-name author, and then still it’s usually on RT Reviews or other genre heavy publications. How does this affect collection development?

I work only in circulation, so this is all new to me. But, personally, I think for those who are in charge of purchasing materials it makes it more difficult for them to select the best of the best for their patrons. Libraries have a limited budget when it comes to buying books for their collections. It is crazy to think the staff has read everything out there let along the influx of new books being churned out from authors. So, it becomes necessary for them to rely on honest reviews whether favorable or negative. It helps them sort out the necessary and up-to-date materials for their patrons. It is a shame that eBook gets little or no review from professionals since quite a few authors and publishers are using that platform and many patrons enjoy this method.

eBook romantic suspense novel, blog, and Amazon.

Do you feel they are both reliable? How likely would you be to buy this book for your library?

Amazon is a household word. It was founded in 1995 by Jeff Bezos and it began with books. Amazon’s goal has been to connect their customers (readers) with their next favorite read and help authors find their next audience. So, given the company’s reputation, I trust the review.

As far as the blog, it presents both good and bad things about the book. This reminds me of Hallmark movies which are clean and make you feel good, but the plot is the same every time. I might research the person writing the blog to see reviews of other books that I may know personally before I trust it.

I would not buy this book, because it is always the same story and as I said above, watch Hallmark channel or Netflix for a good fix. It would be a waste of money and lose its appeal. It’s not a classic and it will not command a continuous audience.

How do these reviews make you feel about the possibility of adding Angela’s Ashes to your collection?

The reviews tell ‘it like it is’, but they also add a ray of hope to the tragic story. Even though the author has experienced an awful childhood, per the School Library Journal Review, “he manages to make the book funny and uplifting… Young people will recognize the truth in these compelling tales.” Kirkus Review adds a positive statement with “McCourt magically retrieves love, dignity, and humor from a childhood of hunger, loss, and pain.” The reviews show this type of book could help and inspire readers who could identify with the author and adversity, giving them encouragement to keep on.

Do you think it’s fair that one type of book is reviewed to death and other types of books get little or no reviews?

It’s not fair, but it is all money and popularity driven. Famous authors sell books and reviews know that is what readers want to see reviews about.

How does this affect a library’s collection?

 I know for example at our main library, the ‘popular’ fiction authors have way too many copies of the same book, e-book, and audiobook for every new book they write. And there is a long waiting list to read them! So, of course, the library purchases many copies. But, what happens when everyone has read the new release? The books just take too much space and where do they put the next new release? Then it is time to ‘weed’ the collection.

How do you feel about review sources that won’t print negative content?

 I understand why they don’t. Really no one wants to hear why one shouldn’t buy a book. These negative comments don’t help pay the bills. The reviewers want to get paid for their critiques and make readers like them. 

Do you think that’s appropriate? 

 I think there could be a happy medium where the reviews would give the good and bad points but do it in a diplomatic way to leave it up to the reader to make the final decision.

I do not buy for my library, but I like the idea of consulting reviews before I decide to read a book. I am new to review sources. I do like to have both sides and I like that Kirkus will not shy away from telling the truth and I also like the reviews from Goodreads. I looked up some of their reviews about books I have already read, and they were spot on from my point of view. I will say I would rather have just a very very brief synopsis of the book because I do not want to know any details ahead of time. I like to be surprised on my own.