Virtual book clubs in Spain: Their participants and their functioning

Abstract

This article analyses virtual reading clubs in operation in Spain in 2019. The objective was to obtain an idea of how these virtual clubs work, the technological platforms used and the operating rules, and also to examine the composition of their memberships: Their sociodemographic profile, motivations, experiences, and evaluations. To this end, we carried out a review of studies and experiences of clubs of this type in Spain and then contacted 103 institutions, including public libraries and universities, in order to identify projects currently underway throughout the country. We were able to identify 24 virtual reading clubs, which we contacted once again to carry out our study. The conclusions shed light on the activities organized to encourage reading in Spain: The groups present a diverse set of operating rules and platforms, but the user profile is homogeneous and the assessments made by its participants are positive. These conclusions may help to identify good practices and may help to guide the design of new virtual reading clubs and the reorientation of those already in operation. The arrival of COVID-19 and the possible need to transform face-to-face reading clubs into virtual ones, will oblige these institutions to consider expanding the range of virtual activities on offer.