four also said that reading made them feel confident (26.0 per cent) or helped them with problems (22.6 per cent).


Social readers – The social read- ers included those who read because it helped them learn more about the issues and causes they cared about (24.1 per cent) and those where reading helped them feel connected to the world (20.7 per cent). 1 in 10 also read because it helped them spend time with others (10.2 per cent).


The survey also found that reading levels and reading habits were closely linked, with those pupils achieving higher standardised reading scores more likely to enjoy reading than lower scoring pupils. Pupils who read every day were also more likely to achieve higher scores in the test – and while the link between reading and attainment may need more research, the positive differences seen are statistically signifi- cant. Taken alongside previous research, the latest evidence is building a picture that continues to demonstrate the value of reading for pleasure at a young age. The National Literacy Trust has warned that something needs to be done to ensure the value of reading for pleasure is not further diminished. It says: “Given the broad educational and socioeconomic factors known to influ- ence children and young people’s enjoy- ment of reading, the National Literacy Trust is calling on the government to urgently form a reading taskforce and action plan with multi-sector partners to address declining rates of reading enjoyment and, in its curriculum and assessment review, prioritise reading for pleasure alongside the skills that are vital in the development of confident, motivated readers.


“So much work is already being done December 2024


Pen&inc. was launched in 2019 and has been providing a tool for teachers and librarians working with children and young people with a focus representation and inclusivity.


across all corners of society from authors, educators, influencers and families, to schools, libraries, charities, publishers, businesses and government – but we recognise that we need to work together to make reading for pleasure a national priority.”


CILIP CEO Louis Coiffait-Gunn responded to the report, saying: “This troubling new data is evidence of a grim legacy left by the last government for far too many children and young people, and an opportunity for the new government to demonstrate they can do better. Which- ever type of library they’re in, professional librarians know how to work with teachers, parents, volunteers, and most importantly children and young people themselves, to kindle that powerful flame that only a lifelong love of reading can give you.” As well as the work CILIP’s members do to promote literacy and a love of reading through public and school libraries, there is a wealth of activity supported by CILIP. CILIP’s Carnegies Awards are the UK’s oldest and most prestigious awards for children’s books, recognising the best writers and artists. The Carnegie Medal for writing was introduced in 1936 and was followed in 1955 by a Medal for illustration, rewarding the vital part both writers and illustrators have in developing a love of books. The awards are unique in that they are nominated by librarians and winners are selected by a judging panel made up of children’s and young people’s librarians.


The Carnegies (www.carnegies.org.uk) also


support CILIP’s Shadowing Scheme, which sees tens of thousands of children and young people take part as judges, shadowing the main awards for shortlist- ed titles. Schools and libraries across the country create shadowing groups to read and discuss books, before writing reviews and voting on their favourite titles for the year.


Information Professional’s sister title Pen&inc. was launched in spring in 2019 and has been providing a cost-effective tool for teachers and librarians working with children and young people. With a focus on representation and inclusivity, Pen&inc. was created to offer a more rounded view of children’s publishing, helping to pro- mote representative stories and characters and the talents behind them. Pen&inc. editor Rob Green said: “When we launched Pen&inc. it was on the back of the CLPE’s first Reflecting Realities report that showed just four per cent of children’s books published in 2017 featured black, Asian or minority ethnic characters. This really shocked us and we wanted our new magazine to help improve those figures. We know that seeing yourself reflected in the stories you read is vital for young people to find books they love. “As well as showcasing the creative people behind these stories, Pen&inc. has hundreds of listings for inclusive books, putting inspiration in the hands of our readers and helping schools and libraries build collections that truly represent their young readers.” IP l www.cilip.org.uk/penandinc.


INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 19


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46