INSIGHT SLG
Maximising school digital reading resources to support all learners on a budget
Over the past decade, school libraries across the UK have made significant strides in using digital reading resources to support a diverse range of learners.
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ROM pupils learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) to those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), such as dyslexia, and students who are more academically
able, digital tools are playing an increasingly important role in promoting literacy and inclusion. However, ongoing cuts to school budgets have placed pressure on library services, making it more important than ever to find creative and cost-effective ways to provide for all reading abilities (Nuffield Foundation, 2022 and Great School Libraries 2023). This article will give you some ideas to overcome these hurdles.
One effective strategy is to invest in physical library books that come with added digital benefits. For example, many titles from Sweet Cherry Publishing (2025) include QR codes that allow students to access free audiobook versions of the books using a mobile or tablet device. This is particularly useful for pupils who benefit from listening as well as reading. Another excellent resource for EAL and SEN learners is the Penguin Readers (2025) series – a carefully levelled collection of simplified fiction and non-fiction books. Each title includes a code to unlock both an eBook and audiobook version through the Penguin Readers website. Many titles are also supported by free literacy resource: offering teachers, librarians and teaching assistants’ valuable tools for lesson planning and skill development. These resources are ideal for guided reading and intervention work in schools. Digital library platforms also offer wide-ranging access to reading material for students at all levels. Sora, operated by OverDrive (2025), offers a school subscription service called eBooks Now UK, which provides access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines. The cost is £975 per year for primary schools and £1,250 for secondary schools. Sora features a user-friendly interface and includes tools such as reading progress tracking, built-in dictionaries, customisable fonts and backgrounds, and offline access. These features support independent reading and help educators monitor engagement and progress.
Another valuable platform is VLeBooks, operated by Brown Books (2025). Schools can sign up free of charge and pay only for the eBook licences they need. Schools may choose to purchase titles using an annual credit system – where one credit allows one student to access a book for a day – or opt for permanent eBook licences. A wide range of affordable eBooks is available from SEN-focused publishers such as Barrington Stoke (2025), Raintree (2025), and Badger Learning (2025), making it a flexible and budget-friendly solution.
VLeBooks also offers a strong set of accessibility tools, making it particularly useful for inclusive learning. These include text-to-speech functionality, ideal for students with
Rewired 2025
dyslexia or visual impairments, and the ability to adjust font size, background colour, and line spacing. It also supports keyboard navigation and works with screen readers, helping students who use assistive technology to access reading material independently.
For students with more specific accessibility needs, two UK services stand out. Calibre Audio (2025) is a charity offering free access to a wide range of audiobooks for young people with visual impairments, dyslexia, or physical disabilities that prevent them from using printed books. Their service is well-suited for both recreational and educational reading. Similarly, RNIB Bookshare (2025) provides free access to thousands of accessible educational books for students with print disabilities. These titles are available in multiple formats, including audio, large print, Braille, and accessible PDFs, and are compatible with most screen readers. RNIB Bookshare plays a crucial role in inclusive education by ensuring all students can access the curriculum on equal terms.
In a time of limited funding, it is essential for schools to make smart, inclusive choices when investing in reading resources. From enhanced physical books to subscription-based digital libraries and specialist audiobook services, there are now more ways than ever to support pupils of all reading abilities. By combining accessibility tools, inclusive formats, and thoughtful resource selection, schools can ensure that every student has the opportunity to read, learn, and succeed. IP
References Badger Learning (2025) Home. Available at:
www.badgerlearning.co.uk (Accessed: 4 June 2025).
Browns Books (2025) VLeBooks. Available at:
www.brownsbfs.co.uk/vlebooks (Accessed: 4 June 2025). Calibre Audio (2025) Home. Available at:
www.calibreaudio.org.uk (Accessed: 4 June 2025).
Barrington Stoke (2025) Barrington Stoke. Available at:
https://collins.co.uk/pages/barrington-stoke (Accessed: 4 June 2025).
Great School Libraries (2023) 2023 Research Report. Available at:
www.greatschoollibraries.org. uk/2023research (Accessed: 4 June 2025).
Nuffield Foundation (2022) Spending per pupil set to be lower in 2024 than in 2010.
Available at:
www.nuffieldfoundation.org/news/spending-per-pupil-lower-in-2024-than-2010 (Accessed: 4 June 2025).
OverDrive (2025) Ebooks Now UK. Available at:
https://company.overdrive.com/ebooks-now/uk/ (Accessed: 4 June 2025). Penguin Readers (2025) Home. Available at:
www.penguinreaders.co.uk (Accessed: 4 June 2025).
Raintree (2025) Home. Available at:
www.raintree.co.uk (Accessed: 4 June 2025). RNIB Bookshare (2025) Home. Available at:
www.rnibbookshare.org (Accessed: 4 June 2025).
Sweet Cherry Publishing (2025) Books. Available at:
https://sweetcherrypublishing.com/books/ (Accessed: 4 June 2025).
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Garreth Evans CILIP School Libraries Group Web & Social Media Officer, School Librarian, and CILIP 125 Recipient.
info.slg@
cilip.org.uk
In a time of limited funding, it is essential for schools to make smart, inclusive choices when investing in reading resources.
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 29
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