Encouraging readers: Shirley Prescott's excellent presentation

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It's not so easy to read on this blog, maybe, but toddle over to the original URL to read Australian librarian Shirley Prescott's presentation, Return to Reading: a UK Bookmark.

A whole bunch of links and ideas; and even though it references UK programs and has a public library focus, there are many ideas applicable to school libraries. 

The section above talks about selling the 'sizzle' of reading, rather than just specific authors - because when you've lent out that author, it's all gone, whereas sizzle can take readers through a whole bunch more options.  I'm sure we've all known the frustration of having lent out a spiffing book, and then having a queue for that book; few of us can afford multiple copies of many titles.

She also discusses how to make libraries more user-friendly, how to encourage impulse borrowing and what makes a display effective at encouraging borrowing (eg. once they're less than 70% full, interest drops off - keep your displays topped up).

Much useful food for thought.

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