Create a block that rotates a randomly-chosen book from each staff pick.

1. Create a Book Page called 'Staff Picks.' This will be the 'Parent' book page. Then, create a book page for each staff member. Each of these will a 'Child' of the parent book page, and will have a book list of one or more recommended titles.
2. Retrieve the nid (node ID) of the parent book page. This can be found in the URL for editing the node. For example node/539/edit
3. Create the view

Go to: Site building > Views > Add

View name : staff_picks_block

View description: 'Staff Picks Block'

Tags: none, or your choice

View type: Node

You will now be in the Edit view staff_picks_block

(Ignore warning messages that show up in the warning box. They will go away when the view is completed. Use 'Update and override' whenever that option is available for any setting.)

You will now be in the 'Default' display mode. All 'default' settings will be inherited by other display modes (Block, Page etc.)

Filters → Add (the + sign. Scroll to the bottom of the page to see the filter settings.)

1. Select 'Node' from the Groups
2. Node:Published → Yes
3. Node:Type → Is one of → Book Page

Relationships → Add

Book: Parent → 'Require this relationship'

Filters → Add

Node:Nid → Relationship: Book parent → Operator: Is equal to 539 (This is the nid of the parent book page that you retrieved in step ii.)

Sort criteria → Add

Global: Random

Basic settings

1. Style → HTML list or Unformatted

2. Row Style → Fields

3. Items to display → 1

Fields → Add

Content → ISBN-13/Model with Review

1. Label: None
2. Format: Cover & Basic Meta-Data, without Buy Button
3. Confirm that all other check boxes are unchecked
4. Relationship: 'Do not use a relationship'

Create the 'Block' display

1. Select 'Block' from the drop down menu
2. Add display
3. Confirm that all the 'default' settings have been inherited.
4. Save

Note: Remember to save your 'view' at every step, as you create it. While editing, make sure you are in the 'Block' display view (or 'Page' if you are editing that display.)

The Staff Picks Block view is now ready, and will be available in the list of blocks.

You can activate this block from Site building > Blocks and place it in a suitable region.