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The article argues that librarians should incorporate reader response theory and other literary theories into Library and Information Science (LIS) graduate programs in order to help future librarians better connect with and serve library patrons. The author suggests that in teaching students only the technical aspects of library science, it prevents academic librarians and public librarians from helping patrons with relevant questions on reading materials. Other topics discussed include the importance of teaching a history of reading, the use of reader response theory in designing book recommendation websites like Whichbook.net, and how understanding patrons' reading habits can help streamline the acquisition process.

Improving library technologies allow patrons greater autonomy. One such technology, self-checkout kiosks, puts patrons in virtual control over their circulation experience. Whereas previously patrons had to approach circulation staff to check out, now this can be done privately. The impact self-checkout has on the circulation of potentially embarrassing or controversial materials is unknown. In this study, select lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and non-LGBT materials at Central Michigan University's Park Library were anonymously tracked for one academic year to determine if they circulated via self-check or the traditional circulation desk. LGBT materials circulated twenty percent more via self-check, indicating that patrons appreciated the machines' privacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]