The New York Public Library (NYPL) has introduced a book recommendation engine to help patrons discover books in its online catalog BiblioCommons based on their reading preferences.
The tool is powered by Zola Books’ Bookish Recommends an online social reading site. The tool uses an algorithm to suggest books based on characteristics. Book recommendations are based on tags, and each book can have dozens of attributes tagged. Readers can browse the online catalog and check out recommended books by clicking on a selected title to see which other titles are recommended.
“Discovering a new book is essential to further a love of reading. Working with Bookish, the Library is able to offer our users with a unique resource that supports their interests and fosters the joy of discovery,” stated Mary Lee Kennedy, NYPL’s Chief Library Officer.