Welcome
We place great value on new thinking - whether it takes the form of research, discussion, events or training and learning. We believe that it is very important to find out about reading, understand readers and appreciate how to serve them better. And we want to share our knowledge and learn from others working in the field. We're also active in public policy and advocacy, working with government departments and think tanks.
We carry out and commission our own research and organise discussions within and beyond the library sector. We also run training courses and events related to the projects we run both face-to-face and online.
To allow us to share our knowledge and learn from others we also stage events and conferences that allow space for new thinking.
Recently we have been thinking about how technology is changing reading, especially for young people, and how best to bring black and minority ethnic authors to the widest possible audience.
We've also been looking at the impact libraries' reading services have on communities, and have developed a new training course to help libraries link their reading services in more closely to local priorities and Local Area Agreements.
Recently we have been thinking about how technology is changing reading, and how we might harness the power and popularity of gaming to inspire more people to read more. See our report.
Despite tough financial times, we have to find ways to keep developing public libraries. The public demand for libraries' reading groups, author events and other reading activities is growing. We're working with the Society of Chief Librarians on plans to combat the effect of cuts and to keep up the momentum of the new look, lively reading service. See Reading Groups for Everyone