IPSWICH, Mass. — August 8, 2024 — NoveList®, a division of EBSCO Information Services, has completed an in-depth update to appeal factors, a signature feature of its leading readers’ advisory service, NoveList. The update helps library staff find the right book for the right person faster and easier, with more robust search results than ever. The change was made to all NoveList databases: NoveList, NoveList Plus, NoveList K-8, NoveList K-8 Plus.
Since their introduction nearly 15 years ago, appeal factors have been helping library staff and patrons perfectly match reading preferences and moods. Appeal factors are just one of NoveList’s story elements, referencing the different aspects of a book that catch a reader’s attention. Appeal factors include how the story is told and structured, the emotion evoked by the story, writing and language style, how main characters are portrayed, the artistic style of illustrations in picture books and graphic novels, and the narration style and other aspects of audiobook storytelling.
To keep pace with reading trends and based on interviews with library staff, data mining, and the extensive expertise of its own book experts, NoveList embarked on a three-year review, assessment, and redefinition of the appeal factors that libraries depend on to find expert reading recommendations. The process included redefining how terms relate to each other and to other story elements like subjects, genres, or themes, focusing on what is most important about the essence of the reading experience. The update ensures consistent vocabulary for robust and relevant search results every time.
A significant focus of the update was on inclusivity, making it easier to find stories by and about people with diverse identities, including the backgrounds of traditionally underrepresented characters who play a significant role in the story. NoveList continues to expand information about an author’s characteristics, including their nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or orientation.
Vice President of NoveList, Danielle Borasky, says, “We continue to evolve what we do to connect readers with books they’ll love, inspired by our deep understanding of what matters most to readers. For 30 years, NoveList has been the trusted human-centered source of high-quality, reliable recommendations. This major update to our signature appeals transforms book discovery in a unique and significant way.”
To learn more about NoveList, please visit: https://www.ebsco.com/novelist.
About NoveList
For more than 30 years, libraries have trusted NoveList as their go-to source for expert book suggestions for every kind of reader. NoveList continues to develop innovative solutions for connecting readers, books, and libraries, and to empower libraries to engage and inspire their communities. As a division of EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO), NoveList specializes in tools for libraries that include book discovery, curated recommendations, collection development, and community engagement. Find out more at: www.ebsco.com/novelist.
About EBSCO Information Services
EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is a leading provider of online research content and search technologies serving academic, school and public libraries; healthcare and medical institutions; corporations; and government agencies around the world. From research, acquisition management, subscription services and discovery to clinical decision support and patient care, learning, and research and development, EBSCO provides institutions with access to content and resources to serve the information and workflow needs of their users and organizations. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: www.ebsco.com. Visit our blog at EBSCOpost or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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For more information, please contact:
Karena Donnelly
Senior Communications Specialist
kdonnelly@ebsco.com
978-414-0441
"For 30 years, NoveList has been the trusted human-centered source of high-quality, reliable recommendations. This major update to our signature appeals transforms book discovery in a unique and significant way.”
"For 30 years, NoveList has been the trusted human-centered source of high-quality, reliable recommendations. This major update to our signature appeals transforms book discovery in a unique and significant way.”
