RUSA announces new recommended list of genre books for adult readers

Contact: Eileen Hardy

RUSA Marketing Specialist

312-280-4398

ehardy@ala.org

For Immediate Release:

September 25, 2007

RUSA announces new recommended list of genre books for adult readers

CHICAGO - The Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES), of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), announces the establishment of The Reading List, a juried list of the best titles published in eight genre areas for adults.

The Reading List Council consists of twelve librarians who are experts in readers' advisory and collection development. Eight genres are currently included in the Reading List: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Women's Fiction and Adrenaline titles, which collectively encompass suspense, thrillers and action adventure works. The Council will adapt the list to include new genre and changes in reading interests as they occur.

The Council will announce the first list of eight winning titles (one title in each genre) at the CODES Awards Reception during the ALA Midwinter Meeting to be held in Philadelphia, January 27, 2008. A short list of honor titles (up to four per genre) will also be announced at the reception. Future lists will be juried yearly and announced at each ALA Midwinter Meeting.

"It is an important milestone in the history of both CODES and RUSA that for the first time librarians who are experts in helping readers find their next favorite book have turned their attention to genre literature," said Neal Wyatt, chair of the council and RUSA president-elect. "CODES has long been recognized by both readers and the library profession as a key source for expert opinion on books, from the critically important Notable Book List to the venerable Dartmouth Medal. I am thrilled that CODES has now established a juried list of genre titles. The Reading List will help librarians build core collections in areas their readers love and help fans of genre fiction find great books to read."

To learn more about the Reading List, visit
http://www.ala.org/ala/rusa/rusaprotools/rusadisclists/thereadinglist/reading.htm. RUSA, the leading association for reference and user services professionals, is a division of the American Library Association (ALA).