Learn more about using the BEP and BET

This tool and the accompanying website were created for counselors, therapists, librarians, teachers, and others who utilize books in helping interactions. Although surveys suggest that many people use books as therapeutic tools, there is little formal training or guidance available on how to evaluate literature for that purpose. The BET offers a framework based on counseling practices described in the professional literature.

Ways the BET can be used:

1. As a teaching tool for groups or for personal/professional development. The BET guides individuals through a structured evaluation process in order that they can become more knowledgeable about key criteria to consider when choosing a book for clinical work. It usually takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the evaluation the first time and takes less time with subsequent evaluations. Our counselors-in-training report that, by completing 2-3 evaluations, they better understand what goes into the process of book selection.
2. It is easier to read the book first, and then go through the evaluation process in a step-by-step manner.
3. Explanatory notes are linked in the header of each section of the BET.

Coming soon – an online tutorial for completing the BET!

The completed BET evaluations help build a resource for helpers or individuals seeking appropriate books for particular issues or clients. Once an evaluation is entered and cleared by the research team, it is added to the publicly accessible database. Every time you “invest” in this resource by adding an evaluation, you support and expand this free resource to the benefit of other users.

Bibliotherapy Evaluation Tool ©

Start the Book Evaluation process here:

• Search for the book within our database or the Library of Congress.