I've often wished my local library provided its members with reviews as part of their catalogue (I'm still miffed as to why its called 'Social Bookmarking' and not just simply 'Reviews'). It would make my search for reading material quicker and simpler. Instead, I have to navigate away from the library's catalogue and onto external book review sites to get a feel for the book and work out if its what I want.
I used to run an art-house video store. I typed up little reviews on cards that I would prop next to the dvd rentals. The presence of these reviews often meant that tiny, small-release (but expensive to buy) movies, tv shows & documentaries got huge repeat rentals at my shop, just because I'd watched it and typed my opinion on a playing-card sized piece of cardboard.
As a librarian, I would offer this service without a doubt. It is hard to gauge the feel of a book by the jacket alone, especially as the reviews on offer usually have a bias. As a reader, either for myself or picking up something for my children, I want a concise and definitive snapshot of the book, then and there. (No I'm not lazy, I'm busy!)
I found the 2 reviews for the book about Martin Bryant - "Born or Bred" - very helpful. I can see how they would help a reader decide whether it was something they would want to read. The first reviewer thought to include an important feature of the book - that is, that the detailed events of the massacre are secured away ("quarantined") at the back of the book, and clearly marked, in case the reader is squeamish or sensitive to such details and wants to avoid them. Service!
I very much agree with your comments on Reviews (aka 'Social Bookmarking' !!) It wasn't an easy option in my local either. I love the idea of typed or written reviews on cards, I have seen that in some (good) bookshops, and they are easy to spot and read - good marketing! You also get the sense of being able to chat with the reviewer if you wanted to.
ReplyDeleteMeredith