Turning the Page

In 2007 and 2008, CBI completed a major new piece of research - The Turning the Page Report.  As part of our Engagement programme we are committed to leading and influencing the development of good practice in book-based events and activities for children. Documenting current practice around book-based events and activities for children in this report enables a greater understanding of the level and type of provision on a national basis to assist the development of better practice around book–based programmes. CBI would like to thank all our national partners who contributed to this important report and Helen Thomas of Book Communications who undertook the research.

Some key findings

•    4121 events took place during 2007 with the largest proportion (39.3%) occurring between October and December 2007

•    The greatest provision (46.9%) was for young people aged 8-12 years

•    51.6% events targeted a schools audience

•    The vast majority of organisations surveyed confirmed that programming literature events for young people was of high strategic importance to their organisation

•    54% of respondents considered CBI a partner in presenting literature programming

The report also pinpoints a number of current and future challenges for the sector including lack of available funding and the need for audience and capacity development. It is also clear that longer term investment will nurture a sector that innovates, develops and delivers high quality engagement for children.

If you would like to receive a copy of this report please contact CBI. Alternatively you can download a PDF here - cbi_turning_the_page_report

The Touring Experiment

The Touring Experiment is an initiative of the Arts Council. It is a two-year action research project which seeks to identify generic factors affecting touring in Ireland in relation to music, the visual arts, literature, the traditional arts, theatre and dance. It also seeks to identify artform-specific issues in relation to touring in these artforms.

The Touring Experiment is an action research project, which will support, observe and work in partnership with a number of artists, producers, companies, venues and venue networks over the course of two years. The Touring Experiment will then present recommendations, which will be presented to the Arts Council in early 2008.

Children's Books Ireland presented Children's Book Festival Author Tours as part of the Touring Experiment. Participation in this programme will enable children's books events to be adequately represented in the development of a national touring policy.

 
For more information please visit www.thetouringexperiment.ie

What's the Story? The Reading Choices of Young People in Ireland  

(ISBN: 18729100)

In 2002 CBI published a ground breaking report examining the reading habits of young people in Ireland. What's the Story? is the first large scale comprehensive survey of the leisure time reading choices of young people in Ireland. Published by Children's Books Ireland in 2002, the research was conducted by Dr. Deirdre Haslett. Over 2,200 students from Ireland, North and South, took part in the study. They came from 62 different schools, urban and rural, large and small. Areas covered in the research include:

Favourite Books
Favourite Authors
Popular Genres
Favourite Periodicals
Recent Book Buying
Book Ownership
Influences in Choosing a Book to Read
Books in the Home
School and Local Libraries
Buying and Borrowing Books
Periodicals

What's the Story? is essential reading for anyone concerned with books and young people. Copies of What's the Story? are available from Children's Books Ireland, contact us to order your copy.