The Centre for Reading Research and Promotion is launching

In recent years, the reading of fiction has been debated in various ways, and as recently as this spring, the government launched a reading strategy. At the same time, specific professional groups such as teachers and librarians have been given continuing professional development opportunities through Läslyftet and Läsfrämjandelyftet.

“Reading promotion is an area where several professions meet in practice and, while a number of initiatives have been undertaken, we know that the field is also characterised by collaboration and cooperation. The purpose of the centre is to function as a meeting place where professions and perspectives come together. It will also be a place where current research is conducted and new knowledge can be communicated to the professions that, in their everyday work, meet future or existing readers,” said Julia Pennlert, Associate Professor in Literary Studies at The Swedish School of Library and Information Science, and Director of CLL.

The centre is itself an interdisciplinary collaboration within the University of Borås, between The Swedish School of Library and Information Science and the Department of Educational Work. The fact that the centre is emerging here is no coincidence, said Åsa Söderlind, Dean of Faculty of the Faculty of Librarianship, Information, Education and IT:

“The University of Borås has broad expertise in studying reading and readers, in and outside the library and the school. We also have extensive experience in educating and engaging with students who, in the future, will themselves meet future readers. The centre highlights the breadth, expertise, and knowledge that we have here, but also creates ripple effects and demonstrates how central reading research and reading promotion activities are in society today.”

Networking and open seminars

The Centre for Reading Research and Promotion (CLL) launches in September and will participate in the Gothenburg Book Fair, where visitors are invited to networking events and discussions. Among the centre’s planned activities are seminars, workshops, and research tips available on the centre’s website.

“Reading research is an international and interdisciplinary field of research and includes researchers from many different academic disciplines. It is important for the centre to highlight and share results from both smaller and larger research projects and thereby function both as a network and a sounding board for individuals and professional groups who want to try new ideas and receive guidance along the way,” said Julia Pennlert.
She highlights collaboration and cooperation as guiding principles for the centre.

“We know that collaboration is central to everyday work, and the centre will cooperate with local, national, and international stakeholders. But no question is too small; people are very welcome to contact us to access knowledge and current research in the form of lectures, commissioned educational programmes, or workshops. This can involve anything from developing new working methods at a local public library to receiving support and assistance in working in a more research-based way within municipal activities. So please get in touch with us! And come by and say hello at the Book Fair!” concluded Julia Pennlert.

Read more

Centre for Reading Research and Promotion (CLL)
Research area: Library and Information Science
Research area: Educational Work
The Swedish School of Library and Information Science