How do we get more people reading? What are the best ways to reach those who rarely read? And what can we practically do to influence reading habits?

Understanding Australian Readers: Behavioural insights into recreational reading is a new research report by Australia Reads and BehaviourWorks Australia which tackles these questions, and provides valuable insights into how to positively influence reading participation in Australia.

Recent research shows that recreational reading rates in Australia are in decline – with more than a quarter of Australians having not read or listened to a single book in the space of a year.

To effectively tackle reading participation as a sector, we need an in-depth understanding of reader (and non-reader) behaviours, and how to influence them.

For the first time, this new report adopts a behavioural science approach to explore what influences recreational reading among Australians (aged 16 and over), and aims to:

Identify the key decisions and behaviours that influence how and when people read;
Map out the reading journey and uncover the drivers and barriers at each stage; and
Examine the specific drivers and barriers faced by different groups, with a particular focus on those who read less often

Join Anna Burkey from Australia Reads and Dr Breanna Wright from BehaviourWorks Australia as they set the scene for the research and unpack the key findings from this report.

They will then be joined by an industry panel from across the books sector to respond to the report and reflect on how we might practically implement findings as publishers, librarians, booksellers and educators.

Industry Panel:

Jaye Chin–Dusting – Owner and bookseller, Mary Martin Bookshops
Jane Cowell – CEO, Yarra Plenty Regional Library and President, Australian Library and Information Association
Eva Mills – Publishing Director, Books for Children and Young Adults, Allen & Unwin
Justin Ractliffe – Commercial Director, Thames & Hudson

This webinar will be recorded for training and educational purposes and shared with registered attendees following the event.

Contact the host of Understanding Australian readers – launch event