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Hi Madeleine, The use of non-fiction is mostly task based: I want to paint my room, I want to start boxing, I have earache, whatever. This underlying user behaviour is what should drive reader development for non-fiction. I think that trying to adapt fiction models such as reading groups looking at narrative type non-fiction (a big market, but only one market and I think it assumes the user already enjoys reading) may not work, unless it is part of a team exercise. The real challenge for encouraging reading is answering the suspicious users' question: "what's in it for me?" I suspect for those non-readers classed as outside normal education (think no qualifications + leave school 2 minutes after legally being able to), then trying to get them around a table discussing Pepys might be less than helpful, whereas showing them how to use the internet manuals, and so on to get them what they want may have the most impact for them. Reader development I suppose depends on the desires of the reader! Regards Andrew Lewis e-Services Officer Library and Information Services Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead 01628 796 592 mailto:[log in to unmask] Andrew Lewis e-Services Officer Library and Information Services Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead 01628 796 592 mailto:[log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Madeleine Bentley [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: 13 October 2003 17:34 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Non-fiction Reader Development Thank you to everyone who replied to my post about non-fiction reader development. Here is a summary of the replies. In general people were glad I had raised the issued on non-fiction reader development as there is a feeling that it is too often just applied to fiction. A couple of people mentioned the non-fiction promotion called the Mindseye and one reply was from a library (Trowbridge)had participated in it saying it was " hugely popular". A couple of libraries have read non-fiction titles in their "fiction reading groups". This has proved to be popular, especially with men! There is apparently a non-fiction reading group in Edinburgh at the Royal Museum. Popular non-fiction titles that have worked in reading groups are: Samual Pepys: the unequaled self by Claire Tomalin. The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff Richard Carlson. The Floating Brothel by Sian Rees. If anyone has any additional comments or ideas about non-fiction reader development they would be much appreciated. Madeleine Bentley Librarian Reading Central Library Reading ********************************************************************** This e-mail is confidential and is intended only for the person(s) named above. If you are not the intended addressee it is requested that you do not copy, distribute or rely on the information contained within the e-mail, as such action may be unlawful. If it has reached you by mistake then please call 01628 798888 to let us know or notify us by e-mail and then delete the message. Thank you for your help http://www.rbwm.gov.uk **********************************************************************