evaluation report 2014 - Summer Reading Club

EVALUATION REPORT 2014

SRC EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Libraries are important partners in efforts to help children sustain learning during the summer months by offering programs that continue content and skill learning and provide motivation to read. (Institute of Museum and Library Services. (2013) Growing Young Minds: How Museums and Libraries Create Lifelong Learners, 21. Retrieved from http://www.imls.gov/assets/1/AssetManager/ GrowingYoungMinds.pdf)

2014 is the fourth year during which the Summer Reading Club (SRC) has been conducted as a nation-wide program. The outcomes of the 2014 SRC demonstrate that the program is an effective means by which to engage children and young people with literature, literacy and their local library during the Australian summer holiday period. With increases being recorded in all measures of the program, this report provides further analysis of the 2014 activities and makes several recommendations for implementation of the 2015 SRC program.

Led by the State Library of Queensland (SLQ), in partnership with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), Libraries ACT, LINC Tasmania, Northern Territory Library, NSW Public Libraries Association, Public Libraries Australia, Public Libraries South Australia, Public Libraries Victoria Network and Public Libraries Western Australia, the Summer Reading Club Adventure was delivered nationally from 1 December 2014 to 31 January 2015, both online and in participating public libraries across Australia. All Australian states and territories participated. Australian libraries delivering the SRC reported the following key outcomes: • • • • •

An increase in visitations by children and young people, An increase in circulation numbers, An increase in library use by children and young people, The ability to engage with children and young people and The ability to motivate children to read and engage with library collections.

Table 1 compares a range of measures from 2013 to 2014 highlighting significant increases in participation in SRC, and indicating the success of the program.

Table 1. Comparison of SRC statistics 2013–2014. Summer Reading Club

2013

2014

as % increase

Branches

864

1040

20%

Services

264

316

20%

125

170

36%

34,576

41,589

20%

4,699

6,439

37%

234,468

267,919

14%

Number of participating libraries

Number of Library Services returning evaluation data Number of children registered Total Online Number of books read SRC website engagement (dashboard, program site & themed/Club site) No of visits

13,328

13,856

4%

No of views

91,124

129,021

42%

17

21

24%

Number of Australian authors and illustrators profiled on SRC website Number of sponsors supporting SRC Cost of provision of SRC (GST inc) Funds generated from SRC Merchandise (GST inc)

14

25

79%

$164,000

$183,000

12%

$30,000

$52,000

73%

“Running the SRC in conjunction with our Holiday Fun program aligns with our vision to provide an innovative, entertaining and stimulating program with a focus on multi-literacy development and the library as a holiday destination.” Rebecca Cowie, Maitland Library NSW

2 | Summer Reading Club

BACKGROUND WHAT IS THE SUMMER READING CLUB?

HOW IS SRC DELIVERED?

The SRC program supports continued development of multiliteracy skills in children and young people, including reading, writing, creative arts and multimedia technology skills during the summer months. The SRC provides themed content and resources to enable parents, library staff and others to support the local engagement of children in an enjoyable reading program during their break from school.

Engagement with libraries is central to the SRC program.

The SRC aims to assist public libraries in stimulating a love of reading and building a lifelong library habit. Participation in the SRC allows children and young people the opportunity to: • ENGAGE with libraries and library collections • DISCOVER and develop knowledge, understanding and skills related to the annual SRC theme • ENJOY reading books and participating in activities that inspire a love of reading, literature and the library habit.

Funding contributions from the ALIA, SLQ and program sponsors and contributors enables the annual creation and delivery of a themed SRC program and resources for use by public libraries.

This is a great program that libraries can individualize to suit their own needs. The merchandise is of a high standard and being able to purchase items individually this year worked well. Keep up the good work. We look forward to next year!

Libraries who register their Angela Baldock participation receive access to The Hills Shire Library, NSW downloadable program materials and ongoing support in the delivery of their SRC programs. Development of program materials at a national scale minimises participation costs for public libraries while allowing libraries the flexibility to deliver SRC programming that is responsive to their members’ needs. During the summer months children and parents participate in SRC activities and programs across Australia, both online and in library spaces.

I like having merchandise that has the SRC website on it as it gives kids and parents something to explore after they leave the library. Jaz Beer, Libraries ACT

2014 THEME The theme for 2014 was ADVENTURE. Activities delivered online and in libraries encouraged children and young people to explore adventure fiction, a genre of fiction in which an adventure, an exciting undertaking involving risk and physical danger, forms the main storyline. The Princess Bride by William Goldman, Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Bear Grylls’ Mission Survival titles, the Indiana Jones books by Rob MacGregor and the Choose Your Own Adventure books are examples of adventure fiction. Annually a suite of materials aligned to the theme e is produced. The 2014 SRC merchandise included: • A2 adventure themed poster • Bookmarks • Temporary tattoos • A5 sticker sheets • Keyrings • Glow in the dark wristbands • Torch light pens In addition, a range of free SRC templates, graphics and promotional materials were available ble for download by public libraries to promote the SRC and to align their programs to the annual theme..

Evaluation Report 2014 | 3

SRC IN LIBRARIES NUMBER OF LIBRARIES PARTICIPATING

RETURN OF DATA

74% of Australian Public Library branches registered their participation in the 2014 SRC – an increase of 20% from 2013.

170 Libraries Services reported Program Participation data = 54% return – an increase of 36% from 2013.

2014 Library Registrations

2014 Data Return

24%

of 33 branches

2

surveys

72%

of 322 branches

38%

of 231 branches

surveys

67%

of 129 branches

97%

80%

of 263 branches

100%

40

of 9 branches

surveys

100%

Figures reported by ALIA state representatives indicate there are 1402 public library branches in operation. In 2013, 50% of Australian Public Library branches registered their participation in the SRC. In 2014 316 library services registered The Summer Reading 1040 library branches; indicating a 20% Club provides an growth in participation.

MEDIA COVERAGE

incentive for children to borrow and keep reading through the summer school holidays. It also encourages school-aged children to become members of the Library. Janice Oattey Young Library, NSW

The SRC 2014-2015 program received extensive media coverage with over 200 mentions in the media with a total estimated publicity value of $213,240 (ASR). This is a significant increase on last year. Coverage reached a cumulative audience of approximately 82,000,000 through a mix of media types including online news sites, blogs and websites; newspapers; radio; and magazines. Coverage was largely in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. Approximately 50% of mentions were online and approximately 40% in newspapers. Online coverage accounted for 38% of publicity value and newspaper coverage accounted for 53% of publicity value. This is an outstanding result for all participating libraries in raising the profile of the SRC and prompting participation.


73

surveys

1

survey

4

surveys

of 47 branches

In 2014 all 21 Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKC) in Queensland registered and received SRC materials. IKC Coordinators received training on SRC programming at the 2014 Indigenous Knowledge Centre Professional Development Workshop, held in Mackay.

34

surveys

of 368 branches

* Data based on total Branches per state reported by ALIA State Contacts via email 2014.

37

surveys

28

The return of data assists in improving the quality of the national SRC program and ensures that an evidence-based approach to decision making is used. Feedback from libraries also ensures the program continues to reflect the needs of libraries and those of the children and young people in their communities. In 2013, 47% of participating library services returned end of program reporting data. In 2014 the simplification of the collection of data has seen an 36% increase in return. The numbers reported in this document are based on the figures reported by library services that returned end of program participation data.

Another big win for me with the SRC launch was the Northwest Star newspaper did a story prior to launch with a photo of local children reading. I struggle to get indigenous children to come into Anecdotal and statistical the library so rather than the using information collected through a photo with kids that are always online and paper based photographed, they used a photo registration and evaluation that included some indigenous forms, media reporting and children that were in at the time. Google website analytics, I have seen a marked increase with have also been used in the indigenous children frequenting the compilation of this report. library and I am very grateful for Although the return of data is the SRC for helping me to open the increasing, it is fair to estimate door to them. that the reach of this program continues to be greater than we have been able to measure.

Julie Guteridge Bob MacDonald Library, QLD

ACTIVITIES DELIVERED IN LIBRARIES

LIBRARY DISPLAYS

A range of activities were delivered in libraries, encouraging children and young people to engage with literature and their libraries.

Libraries were asked to submit pictures of their displays, along with a description detailing the time, cost and number of people used to create their display. The pictures and narratives received demonstrate the variety of ways the 2014 theme was creatively interpreted in library spaces across the country, as well as the flexible nature of the SRC program.

Craftmaking, story-telling sessions, end of Club Parties and SRC Launch Parties continue to be popular activities delivered as part of SRC library programs. Libraries also reported hosting online computer programming sessions and author chats. Libraries across the country reported they were excited to program their SRCs and holiday programs to the theme of adventure. Children also reported they enjoyed learning new things at their libraries. The following example is representative of how libraries helped their young patrons engage with the 2014 theme:

Bentley and Riverton Libraries promoted SRC with in-house displays and provided the merchandise purchased as incentives and prizes throughout January. The SRC website was promoted and explained at the launch and children were encouraged to register online. At Riverton, the ‘Adventure’ theme was explored through the world of Vikings and Moomintrolls. A dramatic story reading of Moomin and the Great Treasure Hunt by Tove Jansson was held for the younger children, with Moomin props, games and lots of participation. Children of all ages attended our SRC launch presented by staff in Viking costumes promoting the books by Western Australian author Norman Jorgensen, The Last Viking and The Last Viking Returns. James Foley, the illustrator of these books presented a cartooning workshop, providing another opportunity to promote our SRC. The final event included children displaying and sharing the stories, drawings and crafts they had made during the holidays as a result of the library programs. SRC posters were displayed and the reading and participation opportunities via the website were continually referred to during all these events. All participants greeted the promotional pens, keyrings, tattoos, stickers and bookmarks with much enthusiasm. The Summer Reading Club is a much anticipated part of the January school holidays at our libraries and children area always enthusiastic participants.

Nineteen libraries submitted pictures of their Summer Reading Club displays. Based on the provision of a short narrative, budget, and creativity the following libraries were awarded prizes: • 1st Place: Orange City Library, NSW – awarded $500 Officeworks gift card • 2nd Place: West Coast Community Services Hub, TAS – awarded $350 Officeworks gift card • 3rd Place: Wodonga Library, VIC – awarded $200 Officeworks gift card All pictures submitted will be posted to the Summer Reading Club Program Portal providing display ideas for use and adaptation in future iterations of the SRC. The SRC Library Display Competition will be an annual activity that libraries are invited to participate in as part of their SRC holiday programming.

MERCHANDISE DISTRIBUTION Distribution of $52,000 (GST inc) SRC merchandise to libraries; 881 kits and 976 extra lots of merchandise ordered. General feedback this year indicated that libraries were pleased with the quality and variety of the 2014 suite of SRC merchandise.

We are always excited and pleased to be involved with the Summer Reading Club. It is a great way to encourage children to continue reading and also visit the library throughout the holidays in an exciting and fun way.

In the 2013 SRC Program Evaluation Report it was Julie Bailey recommended that libraries Barossa Council Public Libraries, SA be given the option to purchase individual quantities of merchandise in addition to their kits, to allow them greater customisation of their reward and incentive programs. The 2014 iteration of the SRC trialed the option for libraries to purchase additional merchandise materials for their program. Libraries who purchased one full kit were able to order additional merchandise. A 73% increase in funds generated from the order of SRC merchandise demonstrates that library response to this option was extremely favourable. It is recommended that the SRC continue to offer a variety of merchandise and ordering options to libraries.

Sue Brien, City of Canning Libraries, WA


SRC PROGRAM WEBSITE

SRC PROGRAM SITE USAGE

The SRC website has two separate components to cater to the different audiences accessing the site:

Google Analytics is used to measure the traffic to the SRC Program site. Statistics received this year indicate that the Program site is being accessed throughout the year.

1. The program information portal; summerreadingclub.org.au/program-portal/ Housing information relating to libraries and organisations delivering summer reading clubs. Libraries register their information, place merchandise orders and download SRC program resources from this site.

Google Analytics tracked 5,209 visits and 36,634 page views from 1 February 2014 through 31 January 2015. Spikes in traffic appear in July and in October. This is attributed to libraries utilising the program site to order merchandise and download themed SRC resources.

2. The SRC Club or themed activity site; summerreadingclub.org.au/welcome/ An interactive component of the SRC website for children and young people created to extend SRC programming into homes, support connections to literature and provide exposure to Australian authors and illustrators. This site is updated each year to align with the annual theme. Libraries are encouraged to incorporate activities from the SRC Club site into their local onsite programming.

We have been particularly impressed by the quality of website organisation and ease of use, and the relevant merchandise items available at a reasonable cost. Sue Brien City of Canning Library Service, WA


The Resources, Home page, Register/Order and Information for Parents and Carers pages of the program site are the most frequently visited pages of the program site. These behaviours indicate that the SRC Program site continues to be a valued component of the SRC program.

Google Analytics Terms VISIT: any activity on the site during a 30 minute period (session). A visit is ended after 30 minutes of inactivity. PAGE VIEWS: the number of times a page is viewed. All traffic is captured; deliberate use of the site, if a user refreshes the page, navigates away from the page and then returns or accidently lands on the site and leaves.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/ENGAGEMENT The following measures are used to monitor public participation/ engagement with the SRC: • Participant registrations • Numbers of books read • Online participation • Author/illustrator engagement • Sponsorship • Prizes

*

Dear SRC Team, This was my first time doing the SRC and I really loved it! Thank you SRC! I liked reading a bunch of books and being able to go to the library and get prizes. I also liked that my older sister read more to me and she even read some books with me. I loved reading over the summer holidays and can’t wait until the next summer holidays so I can do it all again!

This year data collected indicates that the SRC continues to be a welcomed program in libraries and online during the summer months. The data also suggests that as the Sofia, 7 SA program continues to be delivered annually its reach is extending across the country and is creating a community that Club Members and participating libraries look forward to engaging with each year.

PARTICIPANT REGISTRATIONS (CLUB MEMBERS) 41,589 children registered in the program; 6439 registered online; a 20% increase in total registrations from 2013. The increase in participation continues to demonstrate that significant numbers of children are engaging in SRC programming, online and in libraries across the country during the summer months. This data is based on a 54% return of data by libraries. Extrapolating this data to a 100% return estimates registration numbers would be closer to 77,000.

BOOKS READ An estimated 267,919 books were read across Australia; a 14% increase from 2013.

I have borrowed and read so many books this year. I am going to register every year because every time I do it, I just improve better in my reading, writing, spelling and grammar. Thank you so much and I’m looking forward to doing the SRC next year too. Juana, 11 NSW

This is the actual count based on the data returned from 54% of library services. Estimating the data based on a 100% return estimates the tally of actual books read to be closer to 496,146. This significant figure demonstrates that recreational reading is occurring across the country during the summer months and supports a key driver for delivering SRCs in public libraries; sustained reading and ongoing literacy development during the summer months. In addition, 31% of libraries reported that 4,055 hours of reading occurred this summer. This alternate measure is used by children who may invest multiple hours reading one book, in lieu of only logging completed books read over the summer. This allows children who read slower or who chose to read more challenging titles feel a sense of accomplishment when measuring their hours read against other children who may log the completion of multiple books within the same time.

267, 919

*

*Based on actual data received from 54% of libraries. Extrapolating date to all participating libraries leads to much higher estimates of participants and books read.


ONLINE PARTICIPATION

Google Analytics Terms

Website Visits 8,647 website visits and 92,387 page views on the SRC website (Club site) summerreadingclub.org.au/theclub This increase may be attributed to: • Improvements to the website template • Integration of User Specific profiles • Simplification of Club Member submission uploads • Paring back of online content and activities • Displaying pictures of prize packs on offer • Ensuring website is compliant with online child safety laws • Creating a space where children have a voice Implementing a major change, the Club site moved from a centralised structure to one that was user-centric and targeted. Navigation tabs and menus were refined to encourage program participants to more readily access the activities and information pertinent to their targeted age group or interest: • Preschool (Preschool – 5 years old) • Primary (6–11 years old) • Secondary (12 years old and above) • Competitions • Book Raves • Gallery

The Summer Reading Club is an excellent way to end and start the year. I always love reading books and I think that the Summer Reading Club is BY FAR THE BEST computer program. I love all the activities and I am happy I joined. Rose, 9 QLD

Content on the Club site website was pared back, and the overall visual look of the site was enhanced by adding animations, widgets, and images. Uploading content to the site was also simplified. Participants were able to upload posts using the Postbox form, and were given the opportunity to comment on each other’s posts, contributing to the growing online SRC community. Of the 8,647 visits to the themed site, trends indicate that 37% of users accessed the site using mobile devices. Data collected shows the top 3 mobile devices used to access the SRC themed site were iPad, iPhone, and Samsung Galaxy. The 2014 Google Analytics engagement measures such as Time on Page, Bounce Rate, Pages/Session and Average Session Duration truly gauge the level of success that has occurred. These metrics indicate a high level of interest and involvement with the site. A low overall bounce rate (–30%) in 2014 indicates that the site is meeting users’ expectations. Users are reaching the content that is of interest to them, their expectations are being met, and they are remaining on the site and engaging in the online activities. It is recommended that the Club site continue to integrate more customised, targeted content in future iterations of the program. Continuation of the user-centric development approach will also support an ongoing evolving user experience for national SRC program participants.


VISIT: any activity on the site during a 30 minute period (session). A visit is ended after 30 minutes of inactivity. PAGE VIEWS: the number of times a page is viewed. All traffic is captured; deliberate use of the site, if a user refreshes the page, navigates away from the page and then returns or accidently lands on the site and leaves. TIME ON PAGE: This refers to the amount of time a visitor spent on a specific page before moving on to the next page or leaving your site altogether. BOUNCE RATE: is given as a percentage, and represents the number of visits when users leave your site after just one page; regardless of how they got to your site or how long they stayed on that page. Bounces are always one page sessions. PAGES PER SESSION: Represents the average number of Page views during the course of a Visit/Session. AVERAGE SESSION DURATION: total duration of all sessions (in seconds) / number of sessions.

Responses to Online Competitions 1950 responses to online competitions were received; equating to a 300% increase in participation. 2013

2014

Responses to online activities

473

1950

Blog Comments Book Raves Writing Competitions Quizzes Gallery Posts Have Your Say Comments

113 87 114 N/A 101 58

640 305 284 481 195 45

The 2013 online engagement and participation data indicated that Club Members were primarily visiting the Club site to post Book Raves, pictures to the SRC Gallery and to participate in the online competitions. To increase usability of the site, the structure of the website was modified to allow Club Members direct, one-click access to the Book Raves, Competitions and Gallery pages of the website by moving these items to primary navigation tabs of the themed website. A 250% increase in Book Rave submissions and 300% increase in online activities indicates that these modifications to the website to increase usability and access to the content were effective. New activities included a What’s Happening in Your Library blog, which allowed Club Members to comment on what they were doing in their local libraries and two scavenger hunt quizzes. The posting of pictures of prize packs for each online competition may have also contributed to increased participation. In addition to these changes all online forms were modified to ensure that the SRC website continues to be a safe online environment for children.

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR ENGAGEMENT

SPONSORS/PRIZES Sponsorship received from 25 organisations; including 12 major publishing houses. In 2014, 8 mini iPads, 38 online subscriptions and over 800 books, comics and magazines were donated to the SRC. The generosity, support and in-kind donations received from our sponsors enabled the SRC to mail out over 400 prize packs to children across the country, in response to participation in the online SRC competitions.

Blogs, story writing starters, Guest Author profiles, and Guest Author New Book—Sneak Peak chapter previews were contributed to the themed website this year by participating Australian authors and illustrators.

Dear SRC Team, I have really enjoyed the Summer Reading Club and reading your blogs over the summer holidays. I have really enjoyed the chance to read for fun and not just for school. I enjoyed reading thicker books over these summer holidays and being given the chance to get to know characters and settings better. Before, I had only read one Harry Potter book and watched each of the movies but over the summer holidays I was so interested and fascinated to read all of the Harry Potter books. I also really enjoyed being introduced to the authors that also posted blogs – George Ivanoff and Sherryl Clark. I was only able to read one book from each author because their books were unavailable or all borrowed at my library. I really enjoyed how they shared their writing tips and ideas and I loved seeing those when I read their books. Thank you Summer Reading Club for the chance to read and talk about books and how to write them. I hope to be able to join the Summer Reading Club over the next summer holidays. I am already counting down the months! Bianca, 10 SA

Based on feedback received in 2013, a change to the model of engaging creative talent for the website was implemented. Considering the reach of the SRC, it was proposed that the SRC could be a great way for new and current Australian authors and illustrators to engage with their target market by exploring the feasibility of Children’s and YA authors and illustrators contributing their creative talents to the SRC as in-kind donations. An expression of interest was circulated to invite Australian children’s and YA authors and illustrators, who had published a new title in 2014, had the capacity to provide a chapter preview of their work, and who’s work aligned with the 2014 theme to be profiled on the SRC website. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Over 30 expressions of interest were received. As a result, the SRC was able to profile 21 authors and illustrators, providing 24% increased exposure of current talent to children and young people across Australia. Monies historically budgeted for use in contracting authors and illustrators were used to purchase prize packs for the online competitions.

*2014 new publishing companies offering their support of the SRC.


2014 PROGRAM EVALUATION The 2014 SRC statistics are based on information collected from online forms, Google Analytics, data received from 54% of participating library services and feedback collected from libraries and participants. Overall data continues to validate the merit of a national summer reading program. This summary is provided to highlight key achievements and note recommendations for improvements in future iterations of the SRC.

BUDGET The 2014 SRC operated to a budget of $97,000. The SRC budget is comprised of contributions from ALIA, SLQ and merchandise revenue. SRC expenditure in 2014 totalled $97,000, not including SLQ operational costs. The actual outlay to deliver the SRC is estimated to be $183,000 (GST exc) including a dedicated salary. SLQ allocates a budget of $25,000 towards SRC program expenditure plus salary and associated PLA are very costs for a dedicated resource to pleased to support coordinate the delivery of the national the programme SRC and internal SLQ marketing, along with the other communications and web services associations. support. Regards, Paul Nielsen (PLA Board)

In 2013 ALIA committed to provide $25,000 (GST exc) annually in support of the continued delivery of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 iterations of the SRC. This contribution is comprised of donations made by Libraries ACT, LINC Tasmania, Northern Territory Library, NSW Public Libraries Association, Public Libraries Australia, Public Libraries South Australia, Public Libraries Victoria Network and Public Libraries Western Australia. In 2014, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Public Libraries Australia (PLA) contributed to the ALIA contribution for the first time.

2014 ALIA Contribution (TOTAL)

$25,000

ALIA

$1,000

PLA

$1,000

ACT

EXPENDITURE The 2014 SRC budget was acquitted as follows: 2014 Budget (GST exc)

$183,000

ALIA contribution

$25,000

SLQ contribution (est.)

$111,000

Merchandise revenue Expenditure (GST exc)

$47,000 $183,000

SLQ operational costs (est.) (SLQ–SRC Coordinator, SLQ Graphic Design, SLQ Web Services support)

$86,000

Merchandise production and distribution

$63,133

Website development

$15,078

Graphic design

$6,000

Creative content (online activities)

$5,760

Prizes

$5,529

Postage and materials

$1,500

Monies derived from the sale of Merchandise Kits are used to offset merchandise production, distribution and postage and handling.

$483

NSW

$9,246

NT

$299

SA

$2,093

TAS

$644

VIC

$7,130

WA

$3,105

The whole program presents very well; good graphics, attractive prizes, great online presence and use of games and social interaction. It was a great program to join into for the summer break and we hope to make more use of it next year. Vanessa Murphy, Kalamunda Library WA


Libraries were asked to contribute $49.50 (GST exc) per merchandise kit required for their program. The actual cost price per kit was $51.46 (GST exc) + postage. In 2014, 65% of the SRC budget (excluding SRC Project Team costs) was allocated to the production of merchandise and distribution costs, including postage and handling. Merchandise revenue offset 74% of these costs. As the intent of the SRC is to keep costs to libraries at a minimum, merchandise pricing will be assessed annually to remain cost effective, while being inclusive of costs associated with production and distribution.

SRC DATA TRENDS Overall the data below reflects a postive trend and substantiates the ongoing merit of a nationally sponsored and managed Summer Reading Club program:

Library Participation 20% increase in Library Participation

36% of participating libraries return evaluation data 200

1,200

2013 2014

2013 2014

1,000

170

1040 150

864

800

125 100

600

400

264

200

50

316

0

0

Services

Library services returning data

Branches

Club Member Participation 20% increase in total Club Member registrations; 37% increase in online Club Member registrations 50000

2013 2014

40000

14% increase in books reported read during SRC 300,000

2013 2014 250,000

41,589

267,919 234,468

34,576

200,000

30000

150,000

20000 100,000

10000 50,000

4,699 0

Total Registrations

6,439 0

Online

Books Read

SRC Website Engagement 4% increase in site visits; 42% increase in site views

300% increase in online participation 2,000

150,000

1950

2013 2014 129,021

120,000

90,000

2013 2014

1,500

91,124

1,000

60,000

500

473

30,000

13,328 0

13,856

No of visits

0 No of views

Online Participation (posts)

External interest in SRC 24% more Australian authors and illustrators profiled in the SRC program; 79% increase in sponsors 25

25 21

20

15

2013 2014

17 14

10

5

0

Authors and Illustrators

Sponsors


2014 OUTCOMES The data collected this year indicates a statistically significant increase in all aspects of the SRC program, indicating that the SRC continues to be a viable and valued program in libraries, communities and homes across Australia. The positive feedback and increased participation also demonstrates that the implementation of recommendations received in 2013 have been beneficial to the program. In summary, the major accomplishments achieved by the 2014 SRC program, adventure are:

1. Improved national presence National registrations WA no longer runs the Premier’s from libraries Summer Reading Challenge and increased by 25%. local children value the SRC as With the addition of an opportunity to be encouraged 76 Western Australian to read, the varied options to libraries registering participate at a level that suits their their participation, the family, and the libraries’ provision SRC is authentically of events at which they can share an Australian literacy their experiences with reading and program. ALIA creative expression. Thanks to all contributions from Public concerned with SRC with our hope Libraries Australia, that it may continue! Public Libraries Western Sue Brien Australia and the City of Canning Library Service, WA Northern Territory also support and sustain the SRC as a national program.

2. Better use of funding The sale of extra merchandise and better allocation of budget resources has enabled the program to have a greater reach. Changing the model for engaging Australian authors and illustrators allowed the SRC to offer substantial prizes to children and young people participating in SRC online activities.

I was surprised at how much the Summer Reading Club motivated my one (who had finished prep at the time) to practice their reading over the holidays. I only had to suggest they read me another book to add to their list most days and they gladly went and grabbed another book or two. They’ve already gotten acknowledgment for their reading skills in the classroom and now back in year 1, I told them all the reading practice they’d done on the holidays was really showing. Looking forward to next summer’s SRC! Felicity, SRC Parent, Mount Isa City Library, QLD

5. Reading sustained through SRC participation in summer Holidays Data collected through surveys to libraries and children indicates that the SRC is an effective program for sustaining and encouraging reading during the summer holidays. Children and young people have expressed their enjoyment of reading as a direct result of their participation in the SRC. Parents and caregivers also report an increase in recreational reading by their children during the summer months as they participate the SRC.

It’s Booktastic! The Summer Reading Club has become motivation for people like me to read more often, especially during the holidays and is an absolutely booktastic way to keep us aware of all the wonderful books and literature there is out there waiting to be read. I sincerely thank you for reminding me and other kids how much we love books and prizes! It is just great that you encouraging us to become better readers, thinkers and learners through our time spent reading. The rewards are awesome and I can’t wait to do it again next year! Olivia, 13 NSW

3. Better picture of SRC program reach Historically low, the return of program participation data from libraries increased by 36%. The increase of returned data assisted in better quantifying the actual reach of the SRC.

4. Increased engagement with children Data collected online and in participating libraries continues to demonstrate that the SRC is an effective program for engaging with children and young people. Participation in the SRC, both online and in libraries reflects I just love the Summer positive growth. Feedback Reading Club, it’s a good posted to the website by children excuse to get my mum to and young people strongly bring me to the library to attests that the SRC, both online read heaps of good books! and at their local libraries is Vinh-Son, 7 NSW something they look forward to participating in each year.

My son has just completed the log card and received his challenge reward as well as 4th reward from the log. We had fun getting him to write the books’ titles on the log himself. He’s only about to attend Kindie next year so it took him twice as long to write what we adults usually take for granted. We’ve had a very good and meaningful time participating in the SRC. Let’s hope it’s an annual event so my next son (who’s only 4 years old now) and daughter (3 years old) can follow suit in the years to come. Cindy, SRC Parent, Castle Hill Library, NSW


RECOMMENDATIONS

6. Improved web presence Access to the themed website by 31 October 2014, one month earlier than previous years, enabled libraries to familiarise themselves with the site and incorporate online activities into their programs.

I really enjoyed the Summer Reading Club. It was the first time that I have done it and I really loved it. It was cool being able to fill up bookmarks and go to the library and get prizes.

I also really liked going on the internet to do the other Website modifications and competitions. I liked the writing compliance to online child competitions so it wasn’t all about safety legislation ensures reading over the summer holidays. that the SRC website is a safe space for children. Thank you Summer Reading Club! Full moderation of content I had a great time and can’t wait posted to the site also to do this all again next time! contributes to its ongoing Sofia, 7 SA compliance with child safety law. Data collected in 2014 reflects positive trends in online participation, suggesting that the SRC website is a safe space that children want to engage with and that activities on the site are reaching the targeted audience.

7. Improved merchandising arrangements The option to purchase individual quantities of merchandise in addition to the base SRC kit was overwhelmingly positive. Library response to this trial supports the ability to offer additional ‘addon’ quality merchandise items to libraries, at cost effective prices. The outsourcing of packing and distribution of merchandise continues to prove to be highly efficient, cost effective and allows better allocation of staff time in delivery and support of SRC. Libraries received all merchandise materials by 31 October 2014. Earlier delivery assists with library planning and preparation for onsite SRC programs.

8. Increased donations from new and continuing sponsors

To provide resources and value to public libraries across Australia and their young patrons, the SRC is committed to a process of continuous improvement which involves evaluating feedback from all available sources. In 2015 enhancements to the SRC program will be based on the following recommendations: 1. Work with State and Public Library ALIA representatives and others to encourage increased participation in the program nationally. 2. Further refine user experience of the SRC Program Website to ensure Program delivery/How To materials are current and easy to follow

The SRC is a great opportunity to expand my reading and achieve goals.

3. Implement a solution to facilitate the sharing of programming ideas and resources between libraries.

It is a favourite part of my summer holidays and one I look forward to every year.

4 Explore options and prepare proposal for SRC website upgrade to ensure:

Bianca, 11 NSW

Highlight of my Year!

• the SRC Club website remains a safe and engaging online space for children, young people and their families, • is accessible to children, young people and their families, • implements evidence-based best practice and user feedback, • encourages greater participation by enabling children to log books read directly to the website and • Centralises the collection of library evaluation data i.e. books read, participants registered etc. 5. Release programming themes for 2016, 2017 and 2018. 6. Explore a sponsorship model for the SRC to engage the support of corporate and educational organisations for funding continued SRC program delivery, prizes and website development.

A 30% increase in donations received from sponsors indicates there is value in contributing to and supporting the SRC. Receipt of interest from new sponsors affirms that the SRC is becoming recognised as a national program with merit.


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