The Recommended Reads Collection is comprised of popular titles published in the last four years. This collection was designed to promote reading for leisure. The popular titles selected for the Recommended Reads Collection are found using bestseller and recommended reads lists, such as NPR’s ‘Books We Love.’ These lists are often broken down into classifications and specialties (art, novel, nonfiction book, cookbook, etc.) These classifications help to ensure that the selected titles represent a variety of subject matters that align with programs offered at Mason. The collection also has a ‘Recommend a Read’ sign posted that enables students, faculty, and staff to suggest titles they would like to see included. These recommendations are vital for supporting the collection. The addition of student suggestions for Manga and comics has ensured a steady circulation of the collection. Also, by ordering student recommendations it has become more likely that students will suggest titles a second or third time. This opportunity is great because it gives them a voice in the collection and helps them feel represented. Additionally, this ensures we align more with students’ interests.
Recommended Reads Highlights Exhibitions
The Recommended Reads Collection also hosts ‘Highlights’ exhibitions that are themed or focused on specific subject areas offered at George Mason University. In collaboration with subject librarians, ‘Highlights’ exhibition titles feature a specific event happening within their subject area. The subject librarians will provide a list of titles in the physical stacks here at the Fenwick Library. By pulling books from the Fenwick stacks, students will have the opportunity to see titles which may be more difficult to stumble upon in the stacks. Examples of past ‘Highlights’ exhibitions; Art, Art History, and Criticism, Banned Books, Earth Month, Bring Your Patriot to Work Day, (exploring our juvenile collection), AAPI (American and Pacific Islander), Mental Health Awareness, and Pride Month.