Digital research
Reading in the UK is changing dramatically. New digital platforms are transforming the ways in which people discover and read their books, while new websites and services are changing their engagement with fellow readers. For those involved in writing, publishing, selling and lending books, these are tumultuous but exciting times, full of both threats and opportunities.
Digital reading
The Reading Agency is working with libraries and 40 leading publishers to find ways to build new audiences for reading in a digital environment, and share resources and intelligence. The Reading Partners library/publisher consortium has been revolutionising the way libraries and publishers work together, and has the potential to help libraries develop their digital offer and to create new and engaged readers for everyone.
Reading Partners
We lead the Reading Partners scheme, and as part of our work organised a major digital marketing event in spring 2011 from which a shared action plan will be created. To inform this event and plan, and to sharpen the thinking around digital reader development, we invited all public library authorities in England, Scotland and Wales to participate in an online survey. Full responses were received from 113 authorities--a completion rate of 52.6%.
Reading Groups for Everyone
Reading Partners' digital survey, event and action plan coincide with our new online reading group initiative -- Reading Groups for Everyone. Libraries are at the heart of this and it has been developed in partnership with The Society of Chief Librarians
Messages from libraries
Reading Groups for Everyone is the sort of experiment that our survey shows libraries need and want. This report reveals that libraries are already widely active in digital services and social media, and that there is a strong enthusiasm among staff to do more to promote reading and develop new audiences for reading online. There are plenty of issues to be overcome--in strategic planning, staff confidence and councils' IT infrastructure among others. But the message from public libraries is clear - that the sector must continue to develop its digital services around reading and be prepared to be bold.
Digital research report
Read the full Digital research report.