BOOKENDS May 2024, Volume 7, Issue 3

The Khalifa University Library, in cooperation with several university departments, hosted the Month of Reading during March 2024. The goal of this important annual event is to foster a culture of reading, promote literacy, and celebrate the joy of reading books. Throughout the month, numerous engaging events were organized to cater to different interests, ranging from book discussions to author talks and interactive sessions. The initiative successfully promoted the significance of reading for personal and academic growth.

Several events highlighted the month, including the always popular Positivity Corner, during which more than 500 participants shared their favorite books and positive thoughts. Ten winners were selected and won vouchers from Magrudy’s book store. Both libraries set up Reading Corners, displaying a selection of books in different genres to demonstrate the pleasures of reading. Several authors presented details about their experiences with process of writing and publishing books in many different genres, including children's literature, non-fiction, science fiction and fantasy, horror, and more. 

Participants heard discussions of books by, authors, leaders of literary foundations, and those involved in the commercial side of books as well. They shared details about how reading enables us to explore diverse cultures and perspectives and how we can experience the wisdom of those long past through their words. During another popular annual event, ‘A Book that Inspired Me’, KU students and alumni talked about books that have had a profound impact on their perspectives on life.

The Month of Reading 2024 demonstrated the enduring power of literature to inspire, educate, and unite. The events of the month succeeded in fostering a deeper appreciation for reading and creating meaningful connections among students, faculty, and staff at Khalifa University. Moving forward, continued efforts to enhance outreach and engagement will ensure that future Month of Reading programs will reach an even wider audience, enriching lives through the magic of books and reading.

There are huge variations globally in the amount of time spent per week on reading, with the highest average in India of 10.42 hours, Thailand 9. 24, China 8 and Egypt 7.5. Interestingly, in the US it is 5.42, the UK 5.18 and Korea, 3.06. While evidence is sometimes contradictory, it is clear that there has been a decline in reading for pleasure in many places¹. There are multiple affective factors involved. Space does not permit an in-depth analysis, but the following are some of the most important. Socio-economic influences obviously play a part. When parents cannot afford books and public libraries are not common, access to books is obviously severely limited. Parental attitude is also important. I grew up in a family with a father who was a pathological reader! I am thankful for that as it gave me an interest in reading which continues and which I can also encourage in my children, who are avid readers. Such families are also likely to have books at home as part of the domestic environment. In schools, it can be true that reading materials may not be of direct relevance to students, as they may not reflect ‘real life’ and are not chosen by them². Reading is also often associated with testing in the minds of pupils and students. The impact of the digital world is a further consideration. Reading a book requires sustained attention, but the ‘surfing’ nature of on-line reading interferes with that. There are multiple distractions such as hyperlinks, ads and intrusive graphics which can further affect concentration. Additionally, a lot of the material is truncated and summary in nature which does not assist in accessing extended and more complex texts such as books³.

So why is reading for pleasure important? While it may not be the first thing that springs to mind, reading can help you live longer. Studies indicate that on average, readers live almost two years longer than non-readers, and you may need those two years! Additionally, it has been shown that regular reading can reduce the risk of dementia and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease by at least 5 years. Further, regular reading can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve sleep quality⁴. With respect to academia, a report from The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2021 showed a strong connection between reading and general academic success and further indicated that reading for pleasure was more important for children’s cognitive development than their parents’ level of education and is a more powerful factor in life achievement than socio-economic background. This positive correlation between academic success and reading habits shows academic performance improving the more students read. Motivation too, increases⁵. By reading frequently, students not only optimize their chances of performing well in school, They also grow their vocabulary, improve and develop their writing skills, and hone very important critical thinking skills⁶. Reading for pleasure is likewise associated with more positive family and social relationships, better communication, and less indulgence in risky behaviours⁷. Knowledge acquisition through reading is infinite, with a resultant impact on the development of empathy through encounters with other places, cultures, and people and the feelings and experiences of those who live in environments and situations different from our own. The possibilities are endless; you just have to open the book!

In the immortal words of Frederick Douglas, "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."

References
¹ Webber, C et al. Literacy UKLA 2023 . “Adolescents’ perspectives on the barriers to reading for pleasure.” Available: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/lit.12359 Accessed 1 May 2025
² “Reading for Pleasure: Reviewing the Evidence”. Coventry University Centre for Research in Psychology, Behaviour and Achievement. Available: reading-for-pleasure-in-secondary-schools-literature-review.pdf Accessed 01/05/2024
³ Malviya, V and Vermai, J. “The Impact of Digital Media on Reading Habits”. In proceedings of National Seminar of the IASLIC, Volume 50. Gorakphur, India Dec 2010.
⁴ Wilson, R.S. et al. “Cognitive Activity and Onset Age of Incident Alzheimer Disease Dementia”. Neurology vol 97 no 9, Aug 2021, page 416
⁵ “Learning for Life”. OECD Skills outlook 2021. Available: https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/oecd-skills-outlook-2021_0ae365b4-en. Accessed 02/05/2024
⁶ Hicks, T. “The Effect of Reading Habits on Academic Success”. MA dissertation. Grand Valley State University ScholarWorks@GVSU Culminating Experience Projects Graduate Research and Creative Practice 12-11-2023. Available: The Effect of Reading Habits on Academic Success (2).pdfThe Effect of Reading Habits on Academic Success (2).pdf Accessed: 02/025/2024
⁷ “Reading for pleasure- a door to success”. National Library. Available: https://natlib.govt.nz/schools/reading-engagement/understanding-reading-engagement/reading-for-pleasure-a-door-to-success. Accessed 03/05/2024

In today's digital landscape, navigating the ocean of online information can feel like traveling without a map. As technology is integrated into our daily lives, the ability to critically evaluate, access, and utilize digital resources is more crucial than ever. This is where library digital literacy initiatives step in, serving as beacons of guidance and empowerment in an overwhelming sea of data.

What is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy is the skills and competencies needed to effectively engage with digital technologies and information. It's not just about knowing how to use a computer or browse the internet; it's about understanding how to evaluate the credibility of sources, protect one’s personal information, and harness technology to achieve personal, educational, and professional goals.

The Role of Libraries

Libraries have long been champions of literacy in all forms. In addition to offering access to physical and digital resources, libraries serve as educational hubs, providing patrons with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age.

Empowering Patrons

Digital literacy initiatives empower all patrons to become savvy digital citizens. From introductory computer classes for seniors to coding workshops for teens, libraries offer a diverse range of programs designed to meet the unique needs and interests of their communities. These initiatives not only teach practical skills but also foster confidence and self-reliance in navigating the digital world.

Addressing the Digital Divide

In an era where access to technology is often equated with access to opportunity, libraries play a critical role in bridging the digital divide. By providing access to computers, Wi-Fi, and digital resources, libraries provide members of the community the tools they need to succeed in a digital society.

Looking to the Future

As technology continues to rapidly evolve, the importance of digital literacy will only continue to grow. Libraries must adapt their services and programs to remain at the forefront of this digital revolution. By embracing digital literacy, libraries can continue to serve as resources for lifelong learning and empowerment in the digital age.

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey is not just a book; reading it is a transformative experience. Covey's insights go beyond mere productivity hacks; they penetrate deep into the essence of what it means to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on principles-centered living, which resonates deeply with readers seeking authenticity and integrity in their pursuits.

Personally, I found the practical application of Covey's habits to be profoundly impactful. By incorporating these principles into my daily routine, I've witnessed tangible improvements in my productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. Covey's holistic approach to personal development, which addresses the mind, body, and spirit, has helped me achieve a greater sense of balance and harmony in my life.

Moreover, I appreciate Covey's emphasis on behaving proactively and taking personal responsibility. Instead of blaming external circumstances or waiting for conditions to change, Covey empowers his readers to take control of their lives and create the future they desire for themselves. This message is both empowering and liberating to the reader, offering a refreshing and needed alternative to the victim mentality that pervades too much of modern society.

If you need a little help wrapping your head around the timeless principles covered in this book, let me lay it out in another way. Think about someone you've known, who seems nice enough, but something about them makes you uneasy. Everyone else loves this person, but you're not completely sure, nor are you completely comfortable around them. Everyone else is judging said person on PERSONALITY, but there is something you just... don't... trust. That is because you are perceiving what Covey calls CHARACTER. It is the underlying element that cannot be easily seen, it can only be felt.

In his discussion about past times when the measure of a person was their character (honesty, integrity, and intellect), he points out the massive shift that has taken place and brought us to this modern time when personality (wealth, beauty, and charm) has gained more value. Steven Covey successfully invites the reader to return to the values that truly garner respect, and adopt them over superficial and misleading characteristics, like looks and disingenuous behavior.

To me “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" is more than just a self-help book; it's a roadmap to living a life full of purpose, passion, and significance. Covey's timeless wisdom has the power to transform not just individuals but even organizations and communities. If you're ready to embark on a journey of personal growth and transformation, I highly recommend diving into the profound insights of this book.

Conversational discovery powered by generative AI promises to revolutionize how users interact with search engines, which will lead to more insightful and efficient information retrieval. Ex Libris’s Next Discovery Experience embraces this technology to enhance library collections and empower users in their research endeavors.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a transformative trend known as conversational discovery. Like ChatGPT, this innovative approach allows users to engage in natural language conversations with library discovery platforms, refining their queries and receiving more relevant results. Unlike traditional keyword-based searches, conversational discovery empowers users to delve deeper into topics, uncovering critical insights, and broadening their exploratory process. So there are exciting things on the horizon for interactive research.

 If you would like to learn how to get the most out of our current discovery platform at https://library.ku.ac.ae please contact us at libse@ku.ac.ae

• Saint Catherine’s Monastery Library in Egypt, established between 548 - 565 CE, holds the distinction of being the oldest continually operating library in the world.
• The term “library” has an intriguing etymology. It traces its origins back to Latin, where it evolved from two related words. “Liber” which means the inner bark of trees and “Librarium” that means a storage case for books.
• The first-generation Kindle, which made its debut on November 19, 2007, achieved an impressive feat by selling out within a mere 5 1/2 hours. It has evolved of the years and remains to be one of the most popular devices available to read eBooks.
• J.K. Rowling’s early struggles with rejection ultimately led to the creation of one of the most beloved book series in history. Though difficult to believe now, the Harry Potter series was rejected by 12 different publishers before becoming a global phenomenon in print and on film.