Recently developed strategic tools for service improvement

Modernising the reading service

Recently developed tools support work in different areas; used as a total package they can deliver real improvements for readers.

Nationally co-ordinated reading programmes

These make it easier to focus on the needs of specific audiences and develop a much improved offer to the public. Put them in place and you’ll have a comprehensive package addressing all the key target groups. If all library services commit to these programmes, we’ll be able to market them nationally. Nationally co-ordinated partnerships with broadcasters and the booktrade can also support much improved services, with a much higher profile.

Guidance is available to support all the key programmes and partnerships:

Most of the national programmes have improvement frameworks to help library authorities reach a basic minimum level of service, with guidance on building on this to achieve a continually improving service. There are also frameworks showing how the service achieves outcomes for users, linked to key outcomes identified in frameworks like Every Child Matters and the Shared Priorities.

Download an example of the Fulfilling Their Potential improvement framework Download a chart showing the outcomes achieved for users through The Reading Agency’s national reading programmes

Reading focused workforce development programmes

Improving the way staff work with readers is absolutely central to creating a modernised reading service. You can focus staff on how they can best support readers through using the major staff development tools:

for working with children, young people and families, use Their Reading Futures
for work with adults use Frontline

You’ll also find support materials associated with some of the national programmes:

for work with adult literacy learners
for work with reading groups

Reading group programme resources

A collaborative project involving all the authorities in the East Midlands is developing a suite of support tools for work with reading groups of all kinds. You can use this to get new ideas for engaging with readers and supporting reading group activity in your libraries. A downloadable reading group pack is currently available and there will soon be user facing marketing materials and models of reading group support.

Other regions interested in using the East Midlands approach to providing equal access to reading groups should contact debbie.hicks@readingagency.org.uk

East Midlands resources

At the most basic level all library services should ideally be able to signpost readers to their nearest reading group by using the national reading group database on the People’s Network and the downloadable pack. If your library service’s groups are not on this database yet, please consider contributing to it, as it’s a powerful national tool which can attract new audiences.

Readers group database

Nationally co-ordinated partnerships

Since the BBC’s Big Read the media has developed important new strands focused on reading. This presents big new marketing opportunities for libraries at national level. Linking in to national campaigns and high profile promotions will improve the visibility of your service, and improve your offer to the public by promising that their local library is the gateway to the wider world of books and reading.

TRA has a partnership strategy to develop partnership opportunities for libraries and their users. Use TRA’s calendar so you know what is coming up, and focus on the promotions that will attract the attention of the audiences you most want to reach. Use the promotions to flag up new offers to your readers, encouraging them to explore new titles and creating a vibrant feel in the library space.

TRA Calendar

Stock support tools

The reading service needs to be built on a strong backbone of quality stock. Up to date stock profiles and specifications linked to quality assessment tools, will help to demonstrate the need for continuous investment in the reading stock. The Stock Quality Health will help you assess quality.

Opening the Book Stock Quality Health Check

The Vital Link stock database lists books which have passed the Vital Link assessment criteria and are suitable for adults who have a literacy need. Use this to ensure you have enough stock and the right level to attract less confident readers.

Vital Link database