How libraries can promote reading through Internet-based activities

Abstract

This article describes ways to create user-oriented services aimed to promote reading and knowledge transfer by favouring cooperation between municipal funded public libraries in Denmark and setting up joint net libraries or subject portals under the supervision of library staff. The process of cooperation and the distribution and use of the products are made possible by the presence of a well-developed Internet infrastructure. A key element for promoting reading is the Internet portal litteratursiden.dk (the Literature site.dk which enables authors to meet readers on the web and promotes events in the physical space of the library such as Meet the Author, presentations, discussions, and literary cafés. By making access to physical books easier and more appealing through Internet-based self-service activities embedded in the library web site – e.g. holds and reservations, personalised recommendation services, ranking and tagging in the OPAC – users’ reading opportunities can be significantly increased. Here we describe experiences in making the choice of reading material more appealing through book presentations on the web and mobile phone portals and the possibilities of making user-based literature reading circles through the Internet. We also mention the potential of embracing web 2.0 ideologies and practices of peer-to-peer promotion and content creation, and briefly discuss the possibility of bringing together the web and the physical space of the library by creating brands or universes able to constitute a framework for inculcating the values of reading and literature among different audiences.