From: Steward, Celeste <csteward_at_aclibrary.org>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:17:37 -0800

I have to agree about the Kirkus reviews...if I have several reviews to choose from, I prefer Kirkus because I sense these are edgier and perhaps a bit more truthful. What I want most from a review is whether it's worth purchasing.

If I waited for three positive reviews on a title, the shelves would be a little skimpy. Sadly, I suspect the children's publishing world is moving faster than the number of reviewers out there. I buy many books that have no reviews, and so I'm forced to use Amazon, B & N and other various web sites. As a former school librarian, I adore Booklinks, particularly for the round up sections on titles in specific subjects and SLJ.

On a professional note, my directive from the library's administration is that I must purchase a majority of what readers request. So far, this hasn't been a problem. However, it is more difficult to find reviews of more popular materials that some may consider of "questionable" literary value. For these, I am glad there is something like Amazon. Up until recently, checking Amazon and similar web sites was the way I built up the graphic novels area.

And, after reading many conflicting reviews on one title, sometimes I too just go with my gut. As a public library selector, I am torn between providing quality materials and public demand. If the two intersect, great, but if not, I use my best judgment based on budgetary constraints and widest appeal.

Celeste Steward Collection Development Librarian IV Alameda County Library 2450 Stevenson Blvd. Fremont, CA 94538 (510)745-1586


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From: cathys_at_uproc.lib.mi.us
 Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2009 2:49 PM To: CCBC Network Subject:
 Reviewing

I missed the first part of the discussion on reviewing because our server went down so apologize if I am repeating.

I read reviews from SLJ, Horn Book, PW, Booklinks, CCBC's Choices, VOYA, Junior Library Guild, etc. Obviously, I cannot read all of them. I also look at catalogues mailed to me and order from a few sales reps. who bring in their books or who publish sets I am familiar with such as Chelsea House, Lerner, etc. (My eyes light up when a new Booklinks (good source for display ideas) or Horn Book reaches my desk, although I appreciate the others and couldn't do without them.)

Before I order books I look up most of them on B&N, or if they don't have reviews on a particular book, I look on Amazon. I do this also to make sure I have the correct ISBN number and the binding I prefer. It's always interesting to read such different reviews of the same title. Sometimes one negative review makes me choose not to order the book. Sometimes I ignore a negative review if the others are very favorable. I tend to go with Kirkus' review over SLJ's review if the SLJ review is negative and the Kirkus review is positive. I enjoy Kirkus' little bit edgier reviews. Sometimes choosing a book, after as much consideration as I can muster, comes down to gut feeling. I have been disappointed only rarely using this process.

When I am considering a book about Native America(ns), I try to find out what Oyate has said about it. Often, I cannot find an Oyate review and hope the professional reviewer has not neglected to mention stereotypes, etc. Now that I have read Debbie's post, I know I can rely on her reviews more for weeding purposes and for catching up on books I missed the first time around (if they are still in print).

Cathy Sullivan Seblonka Youth Services Librarian Peter White Public Library 217 N. Front St. Marquette, MI 49855 906-226-4323 cathys_at_pwpl.info

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Received on Mon 16 Nov 2009 08:17:37 AM CST