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This comprehensive course challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and supported me to do so. I received good encouragement and appreciated the insightful feedback from my mentor. The elements of trying to target a particular group and focus on their needs has been very enlightening. I can see that unexpected information can come from this process - and that just assuming what groups of people may want or need is not always going to result in a suitable event or project. It’s all a learning experience and you can gain knowledge by just giving things a go.
- Managers
- Public libraries
- Advanced
Engaging Reading Audiences
Explore a wide range of ideas to broaden the reach and appeal of your library to your reading community. You will experiment with ways to enrich reading lives, connect readers together and target diverse needs and preferences to reach a wide range of people. Starting from the reader will bring a new energy to your strategy and the practical coursework tasks will enable you to experience this powerful dynamic.
Your Mentor will give detailed feedback and support on your three tasks. Their role is to use their experience to stretch your thinking and to help you adapt the course content to your own workplace and your role. You will work across the whole collection of fiction and non-fiction. The coursework is supported by a set of short training sessions you can use with frontline staff as well as downloadable print and digital resources.
30 staff completed · 25 services
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Explain the principles of reader-centred library practice and how it differs from traditional book-focused approaches
Identify the reading experiences and motivations that drive readers' choices and use this understanding to meet diverse needs
Analyse your library collection using spot checks to recognise gaps in representation and range across age groups, cultures, gender and sexuality
Demonstrate effective book merchandising and display techniques that make your collection visible and encourage discovery of new reads
Create reader-centred promotional displays and themes that connect books through shared reading experiences rather than genre or subject
Apply understanding of physical and psychological factors to design library spaces and displays that engage browsers and increase book borrowing
Plan targeted promotional projects and events that appeal to specific reading audiences while remaining inclusive
Evaluate the impact of your promotional work using both quantitative and qualitative methods to measure reader engagement and satisfaction
Support and train frontline staff to recognise and discuss reading experiences, build confidence in making recommendations, and maintain dynamic displays
Value reading as a creative activity and champion the library's unique role in widening reading choices and making readers visible in the community
01 Meeting reader needs
- What motivates readers
- Spot checks on range
- Making readers visible
- Connecting readers
- Linking online and offline readers
02 Creating a dynamic library offer
- Understanding physical factors
- Understanding psychological factors
- Book marketing for libraries
- Creating a feeling of change in your library
- Creating a feeling of change online
- Measuring success
03 Targeting audiences
- Rotate your target audiences
- Visible and invisible patrons
- Differentiate, don’t alienate
- Quick wins and long-term projects
- ‘Hard to reach’ audiences
- Design a promotion to reach an audience of your choice
How long do I have to complete the course?
You can start any time and work through the material at your own pace.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is issued automatically once you've completed the self-assessment.
Can my whole team take it?
Yes - bulk discounts on 10+ places. Get a team quote →
What format is the course in?
Online text with illustrated examples, interactive exercises, audio and practical exercises you complete in your own library.
How accessible are the courses?
Self-paced with adjustable text size, width and contrast, plus an audio version with read-along text in every course. More about accessibility →
What learners say
My mentor helped me analyse every single part from the research to the feedback phase. That was great!
The biggest takeaway for me was it expanded my mind when thinking of a target group. It made me more open to making reader connections based on the real positive impacts it could have to these readers, rather than just approaching it from a library point of view of getting people through our doors. I thought the course was well set out and I enjoyed doing it. Thanks!
$270.00
per place
Other public library training courses
Merchandising Library Shelves
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Understanding what readers need is the basis for a fresh approach to connecting with your patrons.
$90 / place
Managing First Impressions
Learn to see through your patrons' eyes!
$90 / place
Talking with Patrons about Books
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