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Stories from the Web is a website and reader development programme
managed by Birmingham libraries, and operating throughout the UK.
Its clubs aim to encourage children and young people to come into
libraries and enjoy and respond creatively to books using the internet
- and so develop their traditional and electronic literacy skills.
The fact that any child can join the club and use the computers
for free means that families who are not traditional library users
have taken part, and some of the children, who might not have computers
at home, have continued to come in and use the IT facilities for
their school work.
At the club sessions, library staff combine book promotion with
a programme of computer-based activities which help children to
explore the stories and use listening, reading and writing skills,
all in a shared social situation. They can log onto the Stories
from the Web site, read online extracts from stories, communicate
with authors, publishers and each other and contribute their own
stories, drawings and reviews to the online Gallery. There are also
games and competitions for them to take part in. Those who come
regularly to the clubs can maintain their own online portfolio.
However, the fact that they do not need to be at the club to log
on means that the site features work by children from all over the
world. The site is split into three areas: for children aged 0-7,
8-11 and 11-14.
Staff have seen children's confidence about reading and IT grow,
especially when they see their work published on the website, as
they feel that it is valued and are able to show it to their family
and friends. Families say that children have started to talk about
the authors whose books they would like to borrow. Staff have been
able to develop their confidence in their own IT skills alongside
the children. They are also able to build up a relationship with
the children and gain a greater understanding of their reading interests.
Stories from the Web is funded by subscribing UK library authorities,
of which there were 40 in 2004-2005 (the programme was originally
set up through a Re:Source, now MLA, research grant). These authorities
receive staff training and support materials. The initiative is
constantly evaluated by the feedback that website users send in,
which is displayed on the site, and by staff evaluations. It has
also been evaluated by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport/Wolfson
Public Libraries Challenge Fund 2000/2001, and by Re:Source.
To see the website visit www.storiesfromtheweb.org.
For more information click on "Boring Adult Info" in the
8 to 11-year-olds' section, or email the coordinator, Doreen Williams,
at doreen.williams@birmingham.gov.uk
The evaluation reports are available in hard copy, as follows:
Birmingham Libraries (2001) A Reader Development
model to promote reading to young people using the Internet
(Final Report for Re:Source: DCMS/Wolfson Public Libraries Challenge
Fund 2000/2001). Contact Stories from the Web by emailing Doreen
Williams at doreen.williams@birmingham.gov.uk
Anne Everall (et al.) (2000) Stories from
the web: a project investigating the use of the Internet in children's
libraries to stimulate creative reading among children aged 8-11
(Final report to Re:Source: Library and Information Commission
Research Report 77). The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries,
ISBN 1-902394-44-5 ISSN 1466-2949. Contact the British Thesis Service,
The British Library Document Supply Centre, Boston Spa, Wetherby,
West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ Tel: 01937 546229 Fax: 01937 546286 Email:
dsc-british-thesis-service@bl.uk
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