True Stories: New Zealand Narrative Nonfiction: A Bibliography Based on Appeal Theory

Abstract

Research problem: Readers’ advisory services are generally recognised as a core service offered in New Zealand public libraries. Currently no readers’ advisory resources or tools exist based solely on New Zealand content, either for narrative nonfiction or fiction. The aim of this bibliography was to provide librarians with a tool to find New Zealand narrative nonfiction books within the context of a readers’ advisory framework. Methodology: The bibliography is based on appeal theory and takes the approach of creating a narrative nonfiction readers’ advisory tool. 112 New Zealand narrative nonfiction books are described, classified by genre and identified by their appeal elements, characteristics that give readers insight into a book’s qualities: character, mood, pacing and story line. Results: The development and dissemination of a readers’ advisory tool increases awareness of New Zealand narrative nonfiction genres and content. It offers a New Zealand point of reference that supports nonfiction leisure reading and promotes narrative nonfiction readers’ advisory services. Implications: The organisation of the bibliographic records into a library using Zotero referencing software enables the material to become an online New Zealand narrative nonfiction readers’ advisory tool. An online environment increases the utility by broadening the scope of access to librarians, readers or other individuals with an interest in sourcing references relating to New Zealand narrative nonfiction writing.