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 'best site' 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 led by Birmingham Library and Archive Service.
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 across the UK & Republic of Ireland. These subscriptions will ensure the continuation and development of the website. For more information please contact: storiesfromtheweb@birmingham.gov.uk
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