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Offers advice to reference librarians on how to recommend books to specific readers. Suggestion that the mood of the reader is an important element in recommending a book to them; Interviews with committed readers to ascertain what elements they sought in books; How readers can often narrow down choices by deciding what they do not want.

Discusses the popular genre of formula romances, and attempts to help those charged with making collection decisions better understand why readers like these books and how to purchase and display them. Need for predictable bliss; Theme and variations; Costume comedies; Understand reading patterns; Showing them off; Ditch stereotypes.

Discusses the need for reader's advisory services within the library and offers suggestions on how to provide these services. Annotations and booklists; Topical displays; Genre labels and classifications; Reader interest categorization; Book talks and book reviews; Discussion programs; Merchandising; Electronic reader's advisory services; More. INSETS: How to write a reader's annotation.;The LC/OCLC fiction project: A progress report..

Provides advice about the common mistakes of librarians in public libraries and how to avoid the mistakes. Dependence of librarians on the OPAC database; Problem of public librarians when conducting a readers' advisory interview; Importance of improving interpersonal communication between librarians and library users. INSET: 9 More Real-Life Readalike Mismatches.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "RIP Cathie LInz: A Librarian & Romance Writer" from a past issue, focusing on the author's work with romance author Cathie Linz.

Answers questions from readers about library-related issues. Financial counselors who volunteer to hold public seminars under public library sponsorship; "Adopt-a-Magazine" program in which patrons and local businesses help support the cost of periodicals; Public library policies for on-duty public staff wearing buttons promoting moral or religious causes.

Provides romance writer Mary K. Chelton's impression of what the wounded hero is in the romance genre. Some examples of such heroes.

Presents a letter to the editor in response to the article "VDT Health Hazards Cause Increased Concern," which appeared in the March 1991 issue of the periodical "American Libraries."

Examines the reasons for the lack of youth-services specialists to educate the next-generation public and school librarians in the U.S. Lack of distance education options and subsidies available for youth-services specialists; Difficulty in achieving collegiality in order to get tenure; Factors affecting youth-services faculty.

Presents a letter to the editor in response to the article "Ed Notes," which appeared in the October 1991 issue of "American Libraries."

Presents a letter to the editor about the sensitivity of the abortion dispute and the ALA's stance on it as a institution with non-like-minded members.