Opening the Book - training and consultancy in reader development for libraries

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Everyone in public libraries has heard of the Frontline course but do you know how good it really is?

The award-winning course has now reached 7000+ library staff. More than 1000 staff have gained experience in peer supervision, supporting and assessing the work of their colleagues. The new edition is available from September - if your library service bought into Frontline in 2006, your subscription ends on August 31 2009 and you need to buy Frontline New Edition to continue using the course.
Download the Frontline New Edition Flyer (PDF)

Frontline New Edition A new look and structure offer a faster and easier experience to speed trainees through the course content	What’s so good about libraries? An advocacy tool designed to help anyone who needs to know about what libraries really do, their importance to the community and the uniqueness of their role. Designed to be used in staff induction or to give a useful introduction for staff, managers, volunteers, Friends or elected members.
Frontline Refresher Perk up your thinking and your stock by dipping in for a quick and stimulating experience
Frontline Graduates Read about projects Frontliners are trying out

"Almost 300 members of staff have now completed Frontline and our libraries are buzzing with life and energy. With no travel time or costs needed, Frontline is ideal for rolling out in an authority the size of Lancashire where we have 87 service points and over 800 members of staff."
Julie Bell, Acting Head of Library & Information Services, Lancashire County Council

"I have particularly noticed the difference Frontline has made in two of our smaller branch libraries. There is definitely a 'tipping point' where the Frontline culture takes over - staff in these libraries are always on the look out for new ideas for displays; there is a general feeling of enthusiasm about reader development and I can't wait until this is replicated everywhere."
Felicity Harrison, Team Leader: Reader Development & Children's Services, West Berkshire Council

"In an authority like Cornwall where the two most distant libraries are over 80 miles apart, Frontline has been an important tool in delivering a high standard of service to all our customers and in providing a consistent level of reader development training for our staff."
Chris Ramsey, interim Head of Cultural Services, Cornwall Council

"Norfolk libraries are moving to self-service and the Frontline programme is an important part of how we are making sure staff are confident in actively helping customers. Staff now circulate around public areas, talking to customers about books & reading and advising them on their reading choices. "
Jennifer Holland, Head of Libraries, Norfolk County Council.

"This new course is the obvious next step. 'Effective Outreach' should provide staff with the skills and confidence to let those who don't use libraries, know what they are missing!"
Judith Mitlin Library Services Manager, London Borough of Bexley

"Frontline has been a important factor in making reader-centred library work part of the daily conversation and activities of all library staff"
Andrew Bond, Senior Librarian, Adult Service, Luton Libraries

Fees for Frontline New Edition, Browsers into Borrowers and Effective Outreach Projects are shown below.

Library authority:

If you use Frontline and your library service is not listed here then you don't need to take any action as your subscription is not yet due. If you don't currently use Frontline but would like to know the costs for your service, please email info@openingthebook.com for a quote.