Strategies for the love for reading

Introduction

At the opening of the 84th IFLA ( World Library and Information Congress ) in Kuala Lumpur, ( 24th -30th August 2018.), the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi said that libraries are still relevant despite the challenges from digital information and social media, if libraries are still able to meet the ever-changing information needs of society. Global trends show that the prevalence of digital devices, which are easier to access compared to books, has to some extend affected the reading habits in most countries.

Challenges

In the beginning, creating the reading interest was a challenge because most people did not really see libraries as an important part of their lives. The reading habit was low so the demand for libraries and library resources was low too, as compared with the basic infrastructures which were more crucial to the people[2]. Despite the challenges, Pustaka intensified the use of libraries, though activities held in-house and outside. The outreach activities were targeted to the communities which did not have the basic library facilities. The impact was good but retaining users become a new challenge with the advent of ICT.

Strategies

In responding to this global phenomenon, Pustaka did the users' needs assessment and interest. As experienced in several libraries around the world, some people can only afford or prefer to spend shorter times reading short and brief information, read straight-to-the-point text messages, read other social media posts and resort to the more attractive offers from Internet, rather than spending time looking at thick books. To some people, books and Internet are comparable as both provide information, but the Internet as a better option when time and speed are the essence. Based on these interest and needs, Pustaka continue to conduct segmented programs and activities regularly attuned to the needs and interest. We do not only run activities or provide spaces, but we also do information and digital literacy classes for free.

Working in collaboration/partnership

Our ultimate goal of the Reading Campaign is to create a strategy that will promote reading and the value of reading amongst the community. In the execution of most of our programs, we work in collaborations with local writers, educators, librarians, publishers, community leaders, and relevant authorities to ensure that our programs are more impactful and cost-effective.

Reading Seeds Program

The love of reading should be encouraged from young age, as reading enhances literacy skills, which are the foundations for lifelong learning. The Reading Seeds is a continuation of the Born to Read Program, which was being implemented by Pustaka Negeri Sarawak since the year 2004.Through Reading Seeds program, we introduced both early literacy and family literacy by engaging mothers or fathers to play the major influence in their children’s development of their lifelong literacy. For this program, we target to reach at least 10% of the yearly birthrate, to be given the Reading Kits.

Assessment on the activities

The beneficiaries and participants are required to rate the activities which they have attended as an indicator of the effectiveness and relevance of activities conducted. The Customer’s Satisfaction Rating Form is used and analyzed for continuous improvement. In addition to this, we also undertake the "Collaborators Satisfaction Rating" to ensure that our collaborations and smart partnerships can also contribute towards the success of the programs and as venues for further improvements, if any.