New report shows public libraries can add to the reading experience.

A new report from Sheffield University's Department of Information Studies suggests that reading imaginative literature provided by public libraries, enriches the lives of many people and has the potential to influence many more. Based on research, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Board, it shows that a good public library service can make a unique contribution to the reading experience. It reveals that book lending is still perceived to be the major function of the public library, and that libraries are seen as natural places for those who wish to develop as readers. By providing free access to a wide range of material, libraries help people establish and maintain the reading habit. Providing people with the opportunity to borrow rather than buy enables individuals to exert greater personal control over their reading. For many the public library is the preferred provider of imaginative literature. It is seen as offering the reader additional benefits, added values, which are not matched elsewhere

Increasingly users are expecting library staff to be intermediaries in the reading experience. The report argues that the ability to choose a good read is a skill which library staff should help to develop, but warns that some staff lack confidence or have inappropriate skills for reader development and fiction promotion, it also suggests that difficulties of physical access and the intimidating atmosphere of some services can prevent a library from realizing its full potential.

The report also demonstrates the importance of reading in peoples' lives. Reading imaginative literature is regarded as a special activity which serves to satisfy a wide variety of needs. There is persuasive evidence that through reading a person's life can be transformed. There is also evidence to dispel the stereotypical image of a reader as someone who is introverted and reluctant, or unable, to participate fully in society.

Politicians responsible for public libraries maintain that they do not need convincing of the library's role and the value of reading. However they still tend to evaluate success in terms of the number of books lent rather than considering the quality and impact of the reading experience. Professor Bob Usherwood, who led the study, argues that there is a danger amongst policy makers and some professionals, "of measuring what is measurable while missing what is important about the public library service."

A CD version of the report will be sent to each library authority in the United Kingdom. A printed version is available for 20 [pounds sterling] including post and packing from CEPLIS at The Department of Information Studies, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN.

For further information contact:

Professor Bob Usherwood: Tel [phone]: 0114 236 8356(Evenings)

Email: [e-mail]

Bibliographical details

Toyne, J. & Usherwood, B. (2001) Checking the Books: The value and impact of public library book reading. Report of research funded by The Arts and Humanities Research Board. Centre for the Public Library and Information in Society, Department of Information Studies. The University of Sheffield. 20 [pounds sterling] including post and packing.