Literature Development Policy

Mission Statement

To actively promote books and the reading of fiction in Kirklees.

Objectives

To:

• promote the wide range of fiction available.
• encourage people to make more adventurous choices in their reading.
• introduce new authors to the reading public.
• enrich reading experiences.
• bridge the gap between the many writers producing material today in all countries of the world and the relatively small number of authors currently popular in Britain.
• increase the fiction reading and borrowing habit in Kirklees libraries.
• attract reluctant readers by demonstrating the pleasure and enjoyment to be had from fiction reading.

The Literature Development Group

• use a variety of methods of promotion both innovative and traditional
• meet regularly to provide a forum for the discussion of books and reading amongst staff
• establish a network for the exchange of literature information and promotional ideas
• seek partnership approaches with library suppliers, bookshops and other literature organisations for the purpose of promotion and/or sponsorship
• organise and advise on staff training needs in the area of literature promotion
• monitor and evaluate all promotions to assess their effectiveness and use this information to assist in future planning
• aim to reflect cultural diversity and respond to the literature needs of Kirklees' multi-cultural community
• seek co-operative approaches with other library authorities (particularly within West Yorkshire) over any possible broader literature initiatives
• seek to develop audiences for books and reading in all Kirklees communities
• disseminate Literature Development news to all staff throughout Culture and Leisure Services and other council departments as appropriate via newsletters etc
• scan reviews and purchase fiction for stock and/or display

Events

• be staged primarily in libraries but utilising other venues in Kirklees when appropriate
• be small in number and of high quality and spread across the calendar year
• include a variety of formats which should be tailored to the size and character of the venue
• always have books and the reader at the heart of any activity
• stimulate enthusiasm for the act of reading
• aim where possible to provide refreshments
• be ticketed to assist with forward planning

Promotions

Promotions can be defined as any method of publicising books and/or reading which does not constitute an event e.g. display, press release, publicity stunt, article, media interview, talk, stall, booklist, poster etc.

• aim to keep books and reading in the public eye
• be publicised to carefully targeted audiences and using publicity materials produced to the highest quality affordable in consultation with the Culture and Leisure Services publicity and marketing team
• stress the positive aspects of reading and the pleasure and satisfaction to be gained from it

Monitoring/Feedback

• mailing list forms given out at all events. Comments on these forms provide qualitative feedback
• numbered tickets (whether free or charged for) issued at all events
• staff at libraries hosting events or promotions who should make notes of any relevant or interesting comments made by members of the public
• review slips placed inside all books on display. Staff should encourage borrowers to complete and return these
• attendance figures should be kept for all events
• comments books placed at events