"What is “Social Reading” and why should Libraries care? – A TTW Guest Post by Allison Mennella"

"What is “Social Reading” and why should Libraries care? – A TTW Guest Post by Allison Mennella"

Social reading is a concept that revolves around the idea of sharing what one has read with others and receiving feedback on their thoughts and ideas. It not only helps make a book more memorable but also fosters better idea formation and explanation compared to solitary reading.

Traditional book clubs have always been popular because they provide an avenue for social interaction among members who share a common interest. The main motivation for joining book clubs is often the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals (AuYeung, Dalton, & Gornall, 2007). Online book clubs, on the other hand, attract a different demographic. Participants in online book clubs are typically adult readers, primarily female, aged between twenty and forty, and Internet savvy (AuYeung, Dalton, & Gornall, 2007). However, one drawback of online book clubs is the lack of predictability and interactivity in membership.

The rise of e-books and digital reading platforms has introduced new ways for readers to engage socially with the content they consume. The Kindle, for example, has introduced features like "popular highlights" that display phrases in books that have been highlighted by multiple Kindle readers (Johnson, 2010). This feature allows readers to see what others found noteworthy in a book, sparking conversations and creating a sense of community among readers. Additionally, the Kindle has a lending function that enables readers to share books with friends after completing them (Cain Miller, 2011). This feature not only promotes the social aspect of reading but also introduces the idea of sharing and recommendation within a digital context.

While digital reading platforms offer convenience and accessibility, there is an argument to be made for the personal and physical connection that physical books provide. As Ng (2010) puts it, "books that we've known and handled often have a personal, physical connection to the past that e-books won't be able to capture." This sentiment highlights the importance of physical libraries in preserving the traditional reading experience and the nostalgia associated with it.

Incorporating social reading practices into libraries can be beneficial for both readers and libraries themselves. By embracing social reading, libraries can create a sense of community among readers and foster engagement with the content they offer. Libraries can organize book clubs, both offline and online, where readers can come together to discuss and share their thoughts on books. This can help libraries attract and retain patrons by providing them with an avenue for social interaction and intellectual stimulation.

To leverage the concept of social reading, libraries can take the following actionable steps:

1. Embrace technology: Libraries can integrate digital reading platforms into their offerings, allowing readers to access e-books and participate in online book clubs. By doing so, libraries can tap into the digital reading trend and cater to the preferences of tech-savvy readers.

2. Create physical spaces for social reading: While digital reading platforms are on the rise, there is still a demand for physical books and spaces where readers can come together. Libraries can allocate areas for readers to gather, discuss books, and engage in social reading activities. This can help recreate the sense of community and connection that physical books offer.

3. Collaborate with local bookstores and community organizations: Libraries can partner with local bookstores and community organizations to organize joint events or initiatives that promote social reading. This can include author talks, book signings, or reading challenges that encourage readers to come together and share their experiences.

In conclusion, social reading is a concept that libraries should embrace to cater to the changing reading habits and preferences of their patrons. By creating opportunities for social interaction and engagement with books, libraries can foster a sense of community among readers and ensure their relevance in the digital age. Embracing technology, creating physical spaces for social reading, and collaborating with local bookstores and community organizations are actionable steps that libraries can take to leverage the power of social reading and enhance the reading experience for their patrons.