As a Senior School librarian at NLCS Jeju, I’ve seen the reaction many students have when they first walk into our library. Three floors, 25,000 books—it can be overwhelming. For students who aren’t in the habit of reading for pleasure, the sheer size of the collection can feel daunting. And let’s not forget that most of our students are reading in their second language, which adds another layer of challenge. It’s easy to see why some might think, “Reading for fun? I’m not sure that’s for me. Maybe I’ll do something else with my time.”

This feeling of overwhelm is understandable. However, we know from research that students who read for pleasure tend to do better academically. Even though many of our students are aware of this, they can still feel lost when faced with so many choices. The question is: how do we make this massive library collection feel approachable and exciting?

Personalisation as the Key to Making Reading Accessible

That’s where personalised recommendations come in. There’s nothing quite like getting a book recommendation from someone who knows you well—whether that’s a librarian, a teacher, or a friend. When someone takes your interests, tastes and reading level into account, it makes all the difference. The chances of finding a book that will truly engage you are much higher with a personalised recommendation than with a random pick off the shelf.

What’s more, recommendations from friends can be especially powerful. If someone you trust tells you that a certain book is unmissable, you’re more likely to give it a go. Peer-to-peer recommendations take on extra weight because they come from someone in the same shoes, who shares the same environment and who might even be grappling with the same challenges—whether that’s reading in a second language or balancing reading with a busy academic schedule.

When students know they can rely on trusted sources—whether friends or library staff—to guide them, the vast collection of books becomes less intimidating. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, they feel excited to explore.

The Joy of a Perfect Match

One of my favourite parts of being a librarian is seeing the transformation when a student returns a book I’ve recommended with a big smile on their face. It’s hard to fake that glint in their eye when they tell you how much they loved the book and even better when they ask for another suggestion. It’s in these moments that I see how powerful a well-matched recommendation can be—not just in helping students find a good read, but in sparking a genuine love for reading.

The same thing happens with peer recommendations. When a student recommends a book to their friend and that friend comes back for more, you know something special has happened. These personal connections—whether with a librarian, a teacher, or a peer—make reading feel more accessible, enjoyable and social.

Building a Culture of Reading for Pleasure

At NLCS Jeju, we’re dedicated to helping students build a lifelong love for reading, and personalised recommendations are a key part of that. Whether it’s through book displays, conversations with Library Ambassadors, or simply chatting with friends, we want every student to find their gateway into the world of books.

When students find joy in reading for pleasure, they not only enrich their minds, but they also set themselves up for greater academic success in the long run. That’s why we focus on personalised recommendations—because finding the right book can make all the difference.