Streaming Inspiration to Power Reader's Advisory
Of all the things I never had much time to do during “normal” life, I would say that sitting down to watch a television series on Netflix would be somewhere at the top of this list. Now that grad school, retail work, and school library volunteering no longer reign supreme, I’ve found a little more time to “Netflix and chill” like a pro.
These days, “What are you watching?” can be a just as valid question as “What are you reading?” As we navigate a second winter season of Covid-19, cold temperatures and limited outdoor activities have us all spending more time in the great indoors. (As I write this, it is snowing outside - all the more reason to cozy up with a good book or streaming series!).
Having just watched several Netflix series in a short period of time (I hesitate to use the word “binge” because of the many individuals who struggle with eating disorders), I come away with increased awareness of how popular streaming series, movies, and documentaries can and will have an effect on information-seeking and reading habits. Two shows that I ended up marathon-watching were based on books, Surviving Death and Bridgerton. One series was self-selected, the other came highly recommended from a friend. One is fictional, one is nonfiction/documentary style. I enjoyed both of them thoroughly, and found myself wanting to know more about the series, and/or read the book attached to it.
Bridgerton author Julia Quinn
I love when I see libraries and librarians who are leaning in to viewing trends to recommend books related to popular streaming series. This type of proactive, popular reader’s advisory not only meets people where they are, but it can be done so simply through multiple outlets:
Social media post: photo of a book currently popular on Netflix (or another streaming site), and ask direct questions to invite patrons to share their thoughts on the book, series, or the quality of the adaptation (“What would you have done differently?”) Think of it as passive book club programming!
In-house book display of curated titles
E-mail blast including read-alikes for popular adapted series (see Bridgerton read-alike article below for one example).
In-house bulletin board display: pin up photos of book covers and the streaming series adaptation. Think of clever ways to have patrons vote on their favorites! This can also be done as a bracket-style display in-house or on social media.
The Cherry Hill Public Library promotes read-alike regency romance for Bridgerton fans on Instagram.
If your library isn’t already doing so, consider doing some *ahem* research viewing to see what’s popular right now on streaming platforms and start recommending relevant titles to your patrons! Here is a list of just a few of the book-to-screen adaptations now streaming online:
32 Book Adaptations You Can Stream On Netflix Right Now
Bonus! A closer look at Bridgerton and Regency Romance:
‘Bridgerton’ Isn’t Bad Austen - It’s An Entirely Different Genre
8 Romance Books for Fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton Series
As ‘Bridgerton’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched Original Series Ever, Meet the Exec Behind the Hit
PS - Here are two upcoming webinars to learn more about Excel pivot tables and the disinformation ecosystem, respectively!
The University of Texas at Austin Center for Media Engagement presents COGSEC, a two-day online conference focused on disinformation, and what can be done about it. For more information and to register ($5-$10 admission), visit the COGSEC website.
The Professional Development Committee for the West Pennsylvania West Virginia ACRL chapter (WPWVC ACRL) presents “Pivot! Learning to make the most of Excel with Pivot Tables” with Lauri Thompson this Friday, February 19th. Click here to register for this free online event.
