Library Resources & Technical Services (LRTS), the official journal of ALCTS, publishes a popular book review column that is wholly reliant on motivated reviewers. In an effort to continually grow this vital reviewer pool, we have developed a volunteer form to match individuals with books aligned with their interests. Writing book reviews for LRTS is fun and easy. Once you've completed the volunteer form, I will contact you when I've identified a book for review that matches your profile. If you agree to review it, you'll have 2–3 months to complete your review, which will range from 800–1,200 words. I encourage you to consult our instructions for book reviewers as well as past book reviews to get a sense of style and structure.
I strive to keep the process low stress, as reading and writing about books in our field should be enjoyable. No hard feelings accompany a declined review offer; I understand well how personal and professional obligations sometime stand in the way of volunteer opportunities, even those as fulfilling as reviewing for LRTS. Future opportunities will appear in your inbox—I guarantee it.
I encourage seasoned as well as first-time reviewers to volunteer. To the latter group, writing a book review can be a useful entrée into the sometimes daunting world of publishing. Please don't hesitate from volunteering for lack of experience; sincere interest is what matters most.
Elyssa M. Gould
Book Review Editor, LRTS
lrtsbookreviews@lists.ala.org