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Oh my goodness, I am absolutely LOVING this Opening the Book course! It's expanding how I think and look at the work environment, and seeing libraries through our customers' eyes. I try to do that anyway, but this course is great!
- Library assistants and librarians
- Public libraries
- Intermediate
Putting readers first
Understanding what readers need is the basis for a fresh approach to connecting with your customers. These ideas have been tried and tested in hundreds of libraries and they are easy to implement anywhere. Full of free downloads for displays in the library and digital promotions by email or social media, we guarantee this course will give you a new enthusiasm for your job.
474 staff completed · 70+ services
Learning outcomes
What staff will know, value and be able to do:
Identify how book covers communicate reading experiences and use visual clues to match books with readers
Recognise the barriers that prevent readers from discovering new books and apply strategies to overcome them
Describe what readers want from books by focusing on the experience rather than genre, author or subject
Demonstrate how to conduct reader-centred conversations using open questions to understand individual reading choices
Create displays and promotions that group books by the reading experience they offer rather than traditional categories
Evaluate their own reading preferences and explain how they might influence their professional recommendations
Apply face-forward display techniques and reader-centred themes to increase borrowing and reader engagement
Value the collective knowledge of readers as a resource and use it to build connections within the reading community
Plan practical ways to capture and share authentic reader recommendations through quotes, displays and social media
- 01 Starting with readers
- 02 Opening up reading choices
- 03 Bringing readers together
- 04 Celebrating reading
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
I have enjoyed this course and would recommend it. It provided a fresh approach to Readers' Advisory and the hands-on exercises made me slow down and think about why I was making the choices I made. I feel that I've gained some new tools to use going forward. Thank you.
This course made me think more about what the customer sees and wants when they come into the library and their point of view of displays and interactions with us. Also, that displays can be a collaborative thing; I never would have thought about letting the public add to and take away from a display. I think this adds another interactive element and enjoyment, as well as reinforcing the sense of community in the library.
What's the old saying? ‘every day is a learning day’. That's for sure. This course reminded me of how each reader is an individual and the time they spend in the library is very precious to them so we should try our very best to enhance their experience.
Working through this course, I found a new perspective on how to use displays to develop people's reading experience. Also - not to be afraid to plant some books on the returns trolley. I look forward to experimenting further and reflecting regularly on what works and why.
This was such an interesting training course. I didn’t think that there was so much involved in displays and recommendations. It’s definitely made me more aware of the needs of readers and library visitors alike and has given me some valuable information and insights I can use going forwards. Thanks a lot.
£50.00
per place
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