Evidence Review: Reader Development and Book- Buying Habits

Arts Council England is committed to improving reader development nationally through its investment. This should be undertaken based on the appraisal of recent practices and their relative levels of success.

The Arts Council is aware of research and ad hoc project evaluation taking place in the sector, with potentially varying levels for quality, scope and robustness, as well as covering different subject areas. In order to best guide decision-making, the Arts Council would like to consolidate its understanding of the current findings, in order to:

1. Assemble a body of consistent, robust and nationwide evidence that enables the organisation to push forward with demonstrably successful approaches to reader development and influence reading for pleasure habits amongst the public.

2. Highlight particular examples of good practice worth building on.

3. Commission additional research if an evidence review highlights specific gaps in our knowledge.