Australia Reads and BehaviourWorks Australia are pleased to announce the publication of a major new research report into recreational reading behaviours 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.
Despite this trend, this new study reveals that half of Australians want to be reading more.
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.
Understanding Australian Readers: Behavioural insights into recreational reading is a world-first report which draws on behavioural science to explore what influences recreational reading among Australians (aged 16 and over).
The reports aims are to:
1. Identify the key decisions and behaviours that influence how and when people read;
2. Map out the reading journey and uncover the drivers and barriers at each ages; and
3. Examine the specific drivers and barriers faced by different groups, with a particular focus on those who read less often
Lead researcher Dr Breanna Wright, a Senior Research Fellow in behavioural science at Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia, said the decision to pick up a book and read might sound simple, but is the result of a sequence of behaviours.
“By identifying the specific barriers people experience, we can develop specific strategies that encourage different types of readers to start and continue reading,” she said.
Head of Australia Reads, Anna Burkey said:
“Despite the significant benefits that reading brings us personally and as a society, reading rates in Australia lag behind international standards. This new research has valuable insights into how we can support more Australians to read more books, more often – and support the many dedicated educators, librarians, publishers, booksellers and authors who champion reading for pleasure every day.”
Read the Executive Summary and download the full report via our Understanding Australian Readers research page.
Missed our report launch event? See Anna Burkey from Australia Reads and Breanna Wright from BehaviourWorks Australian unpack the key findings from the report, alongside an industry panel of librarians, booksellers and publishers.