Reading Promotion in Swedish Academic Libraries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/njlis.v6i1.157440Keywords:
Reading promotion, Academic libraries, Sweden, Survey study, WPR-analysis, Mixed-methods survey, Leisure readingAbstract
The aim of this study is to discern to what extent, and for what reasons, Swedish academic libraries engage in reading promotion, aiming to increase leisure reading. Based mainly on a survey directed at Swedish academic libraries, the study maps the proportion of libraries involved in reading promotion of any kind, how these activities are designed, who their target groups are, and what arguments are made for engaging—or not engaging—in such work. Theoretically, the study draws on Carol Bacchi’s WPR-analysis. By analyzing the motivations behind reading promotion activities, for example the “proposed solutions”, the study seeks to uncover the implied “problems” they are intended to address. The results show that 60% of Swedish university libraries engage in reading promotion. Most commonly, this involves the display of fiction in various ways. Many libraries organize book clubs. When asked why they promote reading, respondents most frequently cited declining reading skills among students as the primary reason. This decline is perceived as negatively affecting academic literacy and increasing the risk of student dropout. Another key argument is the desire to foster a broader educational ideal—one that emphasizes holistic student development, in which fiction and reading for pleasure have a meaningful role. Among 40% of universities do not engage in reading promotion, and the most common reason given was that the issue has simply never been raised for discussion. A lack of time and resources was also cited as a contributing factor in a significant number of cases.
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