Does the Promotion of Leisure Reading Still Exist in Academic Libraries?

A Closer Look of Reading Programs in Philippine Universities

Authors

  • Roana Marie Flores De La Salle University
  • Vivian Soriente De La Salle University

Keywords:

promotion of reading, leisure reading, academic libraries, university libraries

Abstract

This exploratory study examined the status of reading programs of top Philippine universities cited in the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, including universities with ‘reporter’ status. Specifically, the researchers uncovered whether academic libraries still provide programs encouraging reading in their communities. If they are providing such programs, what strategies did they employ, and what are some lessons learned that other academic libraries could learn from them? If reading programs are not apparent, will they still be considered in future library programming? This research will be significant to library managers and programming librarians as they can reflect on and evaluate their current library programs, specifically reading programs, as they navigate the post-pandemic future. The research will remind them of the libraries’ critical role in creating a nation of responsible and analytical readers. The findings of the study will also benefit the library and information science professional associations and partner organizations related to reading advocacy for them to develop evidence-based programs and find solutions to issues surrounding reading program initiatives in academic libraries.

Author Biography

  • Roana Marie Flores, De La Salle University

    Roana Marie Flores is an academic service faculty at De La Salle University, Manila, and is currently working as an Associate American Corner Librarian. She has been a dynamic library and information science (LIS) practitioner for over eight years, with experience in school, academic, and the National Library of the Philippines. Her work experience comprises event management, information literacy, public relations and marketing, community outreach, and social and cultural services aimed at people from all walks of life, especially the underserved population. She has presented to various local and international conferences and actively published research works in reputable journals. Her research interests include library programming, inclusivity and diversity, and library management.

References

Ashiq, M., Rehman, S. U., & Mujtaba, G. (2021). Future challenges and emerging role

of academic libraries in Pakistan: A phenomenology approach. Information

Development, 37(1), 158-173. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666919897410

Braun, V. & Clarke, V. (2021). One size fits all? What counts as quality practice in

(reflexive) thematic analysis? Qualitative Research in Psychology, 18(3),

–352. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2020.1769238

Brookbank, E., Davis, A. M., & Harlan, L. (2018). Don’t call it a comeback: Popular

reading collections in academic libraries. Reference and User Services

Quarterly, 58(1), 28-39.

Dewan. (2016). Economic well-being and social justice through pleasure reading. New

Library World, 117(9/10), 557–567.

https://doi.org/10.1108/NLW-03-2016-0019

Dewan, P. (2019). Reading in the age of continuous partial attention: Retail-inspired

ideas for academic libraries. Reference and User Services Quarterly, 58(3),

–187. https://doi.org/10.5860/rusq.58.3.7045

Dewan, P. (2023). Leisure Reading as a Mindfulness Activity: The Implications for

Academic Reference Librarians. The Reference Librarian, 64(1), 1-16.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2022.2156968

Dorr, J., Choe, M., & Hannigan, K. (2005). Partnerships: A critical element for libraries

[Paper presentation]. World Library and Information Congress: 71st IFLA

General Conference and Council, Oslo, Norway.

https://archive.ifla.org/IV/ifla71/papers/159e-Dorr.pdf

Durant, D. & Horava, T. (2015). The future of reading and academic libraries.

Portal (Baltimore, Md.), 15(1), 5–27. https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2015.0013

Elliott, J. (2009). Barriers to extracurricular reading promotion in academic libraries.

Reference & User Services Quarterly, 48(4), 340-346.

Gladwin, R., & Goulding, A. (2012). Recreational reading in university libraries in the

United Kingdom. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 18(2), 140-164.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2012.709213

Hurst, S., Marsh, D., Brown, D., & Forbes, S. (2017). Cats, comics, and Knausgård:

Promoting student reading at a UK academic library with a leisure reading

collection. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 23(4), 442-452.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2017.1371612

Medina, I. R. (2010). Collection building: Filipiniana. Manila: National Commission for

Culture and the Arts, Committee on Libraries and Information Services.

Muslem, A., Usman, B., Fitriani, S. S., & Velayati, N. (2017). Critical thinking skills

used among university students in reading comprehension. Anatolian Journal

of Education, 2(2), 40-54.

Sievert, K., Fick, A., Adamski, B., Merrill, A., & LeMay, D. (2018). Library, library,

make me a match: Impact of form-based readers’ advisory on academic library

use and student leisure reading. Reference and User Services Quarterly, 57(4), 254–265. https://doi.org/10.5860/rusq.57.4.6703

Times Higher Education (2023). World university rankings 2023.

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/node/723810

Downloads

Published

2023-12-18

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >>