NoveList® Launches BookChat TM

IPSWICH, Mass. — August 22, 2022 — NoveList^®, a division of EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO), has launched BookChat ^TM, a service designed to help libraries better provide high-quality readers’ advisory services to patrons via an optional chat service found inside NoveList^®Plus. BookChat will support libraries that may lack the staff resources, hours or expertise to provide fast and easy recommendations to patrons on the spot.

BookChat is available through NoveList Plus, a database of book recommendations for library staff who provide readers' advisory services. BookChat will deliver expert assistance directly to users from NoveList specialists with years of readers’ advisory and library experience across a wide range of genres and ages.

Marion Public Library, located in Marion, Iowa, was one of the first libraries to test and benefit from the services provided by BookChat. Marion Public Library’s Library Director Bill Carroll says BookChat offers benefits to the library workflow and improves the quality of services provided to patrons. “BookChat is great for helping patrons in the moment who need answers quickly or are looking for information when the library is not open. The service also helps fill in the gaps when staff members feel out of their comfort zone in making recommendations on a certain topic or genre.”

EBSCO Vice President of NoveList, Danielle Borasky says that BookChat alleviates many of the dilemmas that librarians face when it comes to readers’ advisory services. “BookChat is powered by the trusted staff and experts at NoveList who have extensive professional knowledge across all genres and love sharing their knowledge of books. The chat function is especially appealing to patrons who don’t like to ask for help or prefer engaging online.”

BookChat is a continuation of the work that NoveList has done for more than 25 years to connect books, readers and libraries. BookChat is available for purchase to libraries with an active NoveList Plus subscription. For more information on BookChat, visit the website.

About EBSCO Information Services

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the preeminent 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.

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For more information, please contact:
Celia Zampitella
Sr. Communications Specialist
978-414-0347
czampitella@ebsco.com