Reader Assistance

Please select a section below to browse: 

Recommended resources for selecting books
 

  • NoveList Plus (Library members only)
    Search for fiction and non-fiction by author, title, genre, nationality or subject. Narrow searches by genre, storyline, pace, tone, style, subject and location. Author entries include biographical details and read-alikes. Book entries include plot descriptions and recommendations of similar books.
     
  • Fantastic Fiction
    Search for fiction and non-fiction by author or title. Includes talking books, e-books and series. Author entries include a short biography, authors recommendations, cover photos and upcoming books. Title entries include plot descriptions and similar books by other authors.

  • Packabook
    Packabook is a specialised database of novels that are set in different countries. The books have been evaluated as top their suitability and usefulness for travellers to those countries.
     
  • Whichbook.net
    Unique database with 12 sliding scale “mood” selectors. Searches also can be limited by character, plot or setting. Includes talking books and large print. Book entries have a short plot description, extracts and links to similar books.

  • Who Else Writes Like … ? (Library members only)
    Who Else Writes like … ? is designed to help anyone who enjoys reading fiction to expand the number of writers they read. It is designed to answer the perennial question "I've read all the books by my favourite authors, who shall I read next?". It includes entries for over 2000 popular authors and you can search by author, genre, character or location.  
     
  • LibraryThing
    Facebook for books. LibraryThing is an online service to help people catalog their books easily. Because everyone catalogs together, LibraryThing also connects people with the same books, comes up with suggestions for what to read next and provides a forum for people to discuss books and reading. Book entries include subject cloud maps, recommendations, reviews, ratings, discussions and plot descriptions. Use the search engine on the right to access the catalogue.
     
  • Readers Advisory Service Wiki
    Contains a number of unusual and unique lists of fiction and non-fiction books with significant Australian material. Use drop-down menus on left to access Tools and Suggested Reading/Genre Lists, Themed Lists and Read a-likes. Alternatively use the search box on the right to search for an author, genre or title. Maintained and updated by State Library of NSW Readers Advisory Group.
     
  • Fiction-L Mailing List
    Large collection of lists of unusual and unique predominantly fiction book types and genres. Links organised under genre, character, setting, subject, author, audience and “best of “links. Alternatively use the search link on the left to search for an author, genre or title. Strong US content with input mainly from US public librarians.  

 

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