The impact of reading groups
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Despite budget cuts, there are over 1,100 library and non-library based reading groups in Scotland. The audit found a variety of group types, most commonly visually impaired, adult learners, and young mums groups. Reading groups are facilitated by both library staff and volunteers, and meet in various locations from libraries to cafes. Most groups use library collections and budgets to choose books, selecting popular titles or awards winners. Areas of good practice identified include promoting groups online and working to share collections between authorities.
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The impact of reading groups
- 1. The Scottish Reading Group Audit The Adult Reading Strategy Group for Scotland Liz Moffat, Stirling Libraries Annabel Cavaroli, Midlothian Library Service
- 2. The Background: • The Scottish Reading Strategy for Public Libraries review found that 100% of Scottish authorities offered reading groups. • The Adult Reading Strategy group wanted to get an idea of what this really meant. • So last year we carried out a review of reading groups in Scotland. • Variety of questions asked.
- 3. The results: Despite a background of restructuring, staff reductions and tightening budgets there are 430 library based and 756 non library reading groups. And not every reading group has had a visit from J.K. Rowling…
- 4. What types of group? Visually Impaired 44% Bibliotherapy 15% Adult Learners 26% Young Mums 29% Prison based 16% Dementia 6% Writers 3% ESOL 3% Teachers & Support Staff 3% Senior Pupils 3% Carers 3% U3A 3%
- 5. Who facilitates groups? • Staff member 90% • Reader Development Librarian 34% • Volunteer 34% • Group member 66% Library based Groups • Staff member 25% • Reader Development Librarian 6% • Volunteer 12% • Group member 81% Non Library based Groups
- 7. Charging & Budgets: 84% 12% 4% No Yes Under Consideration Mixed picture with most using reader development or book fund, some with no budget and some using money every 2nd year
- 8. Different Stock Formats: •50%Audio •44%Large Print •25%eBook/Audio •31%No other format
- 9. How stock is chosen: Recommendations or reviews Success of an author’s previous books Award lists Popular titles or classics Tying in with other events such as literary festivals or Book Week Scotland Stock is chosen by staff who are involved with reading groups or specifically responsible for reader development.
- 10. Consultation: Face to Face Email Review Cards Annual Readers Day AGMs Annual written consultation Questionnaires
- 11. Areas of good practice: • Library websites: Promoting reading groups, book lists and relevant events. • Widening access: Not restricting groups to those who can physically get there. • Social media: Starting a blog so groups can communicate with each other. • Sharing/swapping stock: Authorities working together to share book group collections.
- 12. What can we do? • Make use of resources from Reading Groups for Everyone or the Scottish Book Trust • Share resources such as book lists on the SLIC website and on our own library websites
- 13. What can we do? • Contribute to promotion by creating a rough guide to starting a reading group. • Work with SLIC to see if we can follow the VIRGIL model and gain help with paying for postage for sharing collections. • Provide an evaluation sheet for groups that can be used throughout Scotland.
- 14. Final Thoughts: • Reading groups are GREAT for you as they allow people to come together to talk about not just their books.
- 15. Further Information: For more information please contact Liz or myself. • annabel.cavaroli@midlothian.gov.uk • moffatl@stirling.gov.uk
Editor's Notes
- A reading group from Moray during National Libraries Day
- Give a bit more detail here on what we did and why I’ll detail the questions – different types of group, who facilitates, where they meet, if they charge, separate budget, other formats, who chooses stock, evaluation etc.
- This is great! Orkney Library and JK
- Lots going on across Scotland with many different groups. I’ll explain that the percentages aren’t 100 because different authorities provide/offer several different groups. 100% of authorities offer standard reading groups too.
- Library groups mostly in libraries but huge range of community venues are used too. Port Glasgow reading group in Inverclyde
- Charging being considered by some. Prompts discussion as to whether we feel reading groups are a premium service or not Charges are pretty low especially as some authorities premium service Will be a wee bit vague here as people interpreted the question differently.
- This is alongside regular print copies. Most authorities try and provide alternative formats if they can and some feel this is an area we can improve on
- 2 authorities rely on the Reading Agency promotions for their group collections.
- Explain that some do formal but all speak to their readers for recommendations and that kind of thing
- Events like Readers Day, BWS, author visits Lady who phones in her review is housebound and didn't want to give up group Some have Reading Group pages which list information about the groups and books available. Shetland and Orkney did this for the Shetland Noir festival – also suggested by North Lanarkshire Midlothian and East Lothian working together with their mobile
- As local authorities and library services
- As the adult strategy group Where possible we can help to create and share resources
- Groups ‘Motley Crew’ at beautiful Port Logan in Dumfries and Galloway discussing their book of the month ‘Wuthering Heights’ what we have read about, that people who read a lot go on to other cultural activities The social aspect came through strongly with groups meeting socially and organising trips to the cinema or to other literary events