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Background
The Research Project
Stories from the Web® is a Reader Development Programme managed
by Birmingham Libraries. It was originally funded through a Museums, Libraries
and Archives Council (MLA) research grant and aimed to:
- Investigate how children’s libraries could stimulate the imagination
of 8-11 year olds and encourage them to creatively enjoy stories using
the Internet.
- Enable children to communicate and work with others e.g. other children,
authors and publishers.
- Encourage the development of children’s traditional and electronic
literacy skills.
- Help develop children's library services of the future.
Children attended clubs in the Centre for the Child, Birmingham Central
Library, Bristol Central Library and Compton Road Library, Leeds, They
were able to interact with and contribute to a unique website of stories
and activities. The project provided an excellent example of geographically
dispersed public librarians co-operating together and a strong and positive
partnership between children, parents, libraries, publishers, authors and
schools.
The project evolved out of a small-scale experiment by the UK Office
for Library and Information Networking (UKOLN) to develop a possible service
model for a children's library website. The website was based around Treasure
Island and had the aim of getting children to develop traditional literacy
skills by reading the novel and at the same time develop electronic literacy
skills. The Treasure Island website was very well received and won a number
of 'site of the week' awards.
Encouraged by this success, UKOLN became partners with Birmingham, Bristol
and Leeds Library Services in the development of a full-scale service model.
Stories from the Web® was developed out of this partnership and was headed
by Birmingham Libraries.
Involvement
Stories from the Web® has become a successful reader development tool for
both young people and adults working with young people in public libraries.
In addition, pilot work is being undertaken in a range of other environments.
There is now the opportunity for Library Authorities to get involved through
a subscription model being offered out across the UK. See
a list of all the Library Authorities currently subscibing to Stories from
the Web® These subscriptions will ensure the continuation and development
of the website. For more information contact: storiesfromtheweb@birmingham.gov.uk
The Website
The website is continually being developed and consists of three areas:
Age
0-7 area
Children can find books on the bookshelf, read and listen to stories, send
in writing and book reviews for display in the gallery, play games and
draw pictures. There is also an Adult's Area with information and links.
Age
7-11 area
Children can read extracts from stories and poems, see author interviews
and writing tips, look for books on the bookshelf, join in with writing
activities e.g. stories, poems, activities, reviews etc, send in work to
be displayed in the gallery, play games, enter competitions and draw pictures.
Age
11-14 area
Young people can send in poems, stories, raps, playscripts, cliffhangers
etc for display in the gallery, see author and illustrator interviews,
get writing, illustration, poetry and play writing tips, send in book reviews,
take part in discussions and votes, enter competitions, see the latest
book news and comment on stories and poems by other young people.
How to use Stories from the Web® in your Library
Contact Stories from the Web® if you would like to know more about how your
authority can become a member to benefit from the wide range of value
added resources available for your staff and customers.
Email: storiesfromtheweb@birmingham.gov.uk phone
0121-464-2894
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