Bookstart Around the World 1
Bookstart Around the World Supplement 1: Method a
nd approach This overview was designed to i) review the existing studies that deal with bookgifting programmes, and ii) highlight a number of examples of specific programmes in different countries. The purpose of this study is for the Swedish Arts Council and interested parties involved in Bokstart in Sweden to be able to have access to relevant knowledge and inspiration. This this reason, the countries for discussion were selected on the basis of some aspects connected with this. The aim was to see a variation of different methods used in these countries’ bookgifting programmes. Different models or designs of bookgifting programmes have therefore been included in the selection. Additionally, one criterion has been that a programme should have been running for a considerable length of time and extend nationwide or be widespread. Another aspect that has been taken into consideration is whether there are similarities between the Swedish context and the countries/programmes included in this overview. Based on these criteria and in consultation with the Swedish Arts Council, the following programmes and countries were selected as illustrative examples and for comparison: • Bookstart (United Kingdom) • Lesestart 123 (Germany) • Boekstart (The Netherlands) • Reach out and Read (USA) • Bookstart (Japan) Initially, a number of interviews were conducted with representatives of international and national organisations and academia in order to gain an overview of this field of knowledge and for guidance on the background of the Bookstart programmes and how they are organised. The interviewees were identified from the Swedish Arts Council’s contact network. An interview was conducted with each programme/ country, three regarding Swedish research and one about the overall picture of bookgifting programmes internationally. In total, nine interviews were conducted. The question guide was adapted to each individual interview. For representatives from bookgifting programmes, specific questions were asked about the programmes; for the general interviews and those with researchers, questions were posed about current research. See the supplements for a complete list and the interview question guide. Material The material for this study was gathered in two ways; through a literature search in research databases, and by collecting information through interviews. First, a literature search was made in research databases that include primarily international research. The studies for the general overview were chosen on the basis of some selection criteria: • The study discusses Bookstart programmes or similar bookgifting programmes relevant to Bookstart. • The study focuses on young children (0–3 years of age). • The study deals with at least one of the focus areas that apply for this overview. • The study was published in 2010 or later. • The systematic collection of literature from research databases was done mainly in June and July. Searches were made in databases and journals (Ebscohost, JStor, Taylor & Francis; Early child development and care, Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Ped.) using a number of search terms (‘Bookstart’, ‘Book giveaway programs’, ‘bookgifting programs’, ‘Reach Out and Read’, ‘early literacy programs’, ‘early shared reading’). The hits that were clearly not relevant were not included. 47/52