LO Library Launches Reading for Pleasure (RfP) Pilot Project
While NOVA students know they can turn to the library to find materials they need for their studies, they may not realize they can borrow books for personal development or simply for pleasure reading. The Loudoun Campus Library’s Reading for Pleasure (RfP) pilot project encourages students to read by informing them of the immediate and long-term benefits of reading and making it easier to acquire books. Our joint venture with EBSCO steers students to a selection of e-books that can be accessed without logging in and going through two-factor authentication.
Benefits of reading:
- Increased writing proficiency and broadened vocabulary
- Expanded general knowledge and better understanding of human and other cultures (“Why is reading so important?”)
- Promotes a more self-sufficient approach to learning (Sullivan).
Regular, engaged reading strengthens memory skills and improves cognition, mental health, and education (Lai). Studies show that “people who regularly read for pleasure have a greater chance to rise above their socio-economic status than those who don’t” (Lynch).
QR Codes and Infographics Across Campus
As you return to the Loudoun Campus this semester, you will observe posters and infographics highlighting the benefits of pleasure reading. (Thank you, Office of Student Life!) The QR codes accompanying the messaging point students to the Reading for Pleasure launch page. Students can choose from the carousel display of book jackets or search the database for other titles. Those taking classes remotely can get to the carousel via the “What’s New?” display on the library home page.
We’d be grateful if instructors pointed out the posters to their classes and reminded students of some of the benefits of reading, encouraging students to consult the physical or virtual library for something other than a research assignment. Your Loudoun Campus librarians will monitor the usage, analyze the data and issue a summative report on the project.
We ask instructors to periodically remind students of this project and the importance of reading for pleasure. Please let us know if you note any improvements that might be attributable to the project, including students’ wellbeing.
BONUS: For those instructors who are wondering what to read next, we’ve got an app (or two) for you to try! We’ve been experimenting with all things AI and have found these reader advisory assistants:
For a playlist based on your favorite book or author, try Muzify — AI playlists for books you read.
References
Feng, Jianfeng, et al. “Reading for pleasure helps kids’ brain development.” Scientific American. 4 Sep 2023, .
Lai, Melinh. Research: Reading for pleasure can strengthen memory in older adults. School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 20 January 2023.
Lynch, Matthew. “How to increase reading for pleasure.” The Edvocate. 23 April 2019.
Sullivan, Alice. “Reading for fun improves children’s brains, study confirms.” The Guardian. 13 Sep 2013.
Submitted by:
Barbie Keiser, LO Campus Library, BKeiser@nvcc.edu