Abstract

Who is the reader? How do we reach them, and why? To what extent are readers determining what libraries offer? How has that changed since the birth of reader development? And what impact has organizational development had on the publishing and promotion of literature? This edited collection covers all aspects of literature in relation to readership, exploring the chain of events connecting author and reader. It reflects on the challenges facing information professionals in reader development, looks at current promotion and partnership options, and offers new professionals and students fresh ideas, practical guidance and a firm underpinning knowledge upon which to build.These user-friendly and clearly structured contributions bring together the work of expert practitioners and academics from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Key topics include: regional partnerships and reader development strategies; social inclusion and accessibility; emergent readers and social regeneration; the roles of imaginative fiction in people's lives; imaginative literature for children and young people; imaginative literature for adults; reading and information technology; promoting books to readers; and, sharing the knowledge - developing reflective practitioners. This contemporary guide is essential reading for library and information professionals, students and researchers. It will also be of great value to students taking literature and publishing courses.
Susan Hornby is Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the MA Library Information Management and MSc Information Management courses at the Department of Information and Communications, Manchester Metropolitan University. Bob Glass is Undergraduate Programme Leader at the Department of Information and Communications, and Learning Area Co-ordinator (Information Literacy) for the LearnHigher Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
"All in all, an interesting and well-organised book, with good chapter bibliographies and a clear helpful index." - New Library World
"...a welcome contribution to the understanding of the process of reading and its impact on readers." - SCONUL Focus
"The book may be interesting to a very wide audience. First of all to librarians and teachers who are the professionals in reader promotion, but is should also attract others: publishers, authors, game designers and active readers themselves." - Information Research