Library authorities
The commitment of the 33 participating library authorities is very high. Local circumstances differ hugely, of course, but most support their Branching Out librarian in new activity very well. What is hard for the Branching Out Librarians is managing workload; in many cases they are expected to do their normal workload and then fit Branching Out on top.
Bookseller partner
BfS is the bookseller partner and is working closely with Branching Out to find sustainable ways of increasing the range of stock available in public libraries. The Loud and Proud project arose directly out of discussions between BfS staff and Branching Out Librarians. BfS said that whenever they offered a more adventurous promotional collection (they had tried Cult Fiction, for example) libraries were reluctant to purchase, while whenever they offered a display bin of 'shawlies' (woman on front cover with a shawl) libraries snapped them up. Branching Out was able to offer BfS a situation to trial more risky stock promotions. Because the Branching Out librarians were also being trained in evaluation techniques, they could evaluate the trials both quantitatively and qualitatively and the resulting evidence could be used to convince reluctant library purchasers to buy. Loud and Proud has just reached this stage. The promotion is featured in BfS' Promotions News with comments, quotes and evidence from Branching Out librarians.
Academic partner
The University of Central England is the academic partner and is crucial in the evaluation of the project. UCE appointed Briony Train as Research Associate and she is carrying out a longitudinal survey of the impact of Branching Out on the participating librarians, as well as evaluating two specific projects, under the supervision of Clare Nankivell. As a direct consequence of Branching Out, UCE are developing the first MA course in reader development. Debbie Denham, Senior Lecturer, is leading on this.
National Library for the Blind
Partnership with the NLB enables Branching Out to address the needs of visually impaired readers and gives NLB a route of connection into public libraries. NLB is a key investor in the Forager software where APR is developing a version for visually impaired users.
Arts Council of England
The Director of Literature sits on the Board as an observer. The Branching Out Board has become the Libraries' Advisory Panel for the Arts Council' Literature Department.
Regional arts boards
All ten regional arts boards were involved in the selection process for Branching Out. They are all working with the Branching Out librarians in their regions to set up or strengthen regional reading promotion networks.
