Creating Reading Programs

Creating a Reading Program is a simple exercise.

There are four different types of Reading Programs:

1.      Goal-Based

2.      Reading Log

3.      Group vs. Group Contest

4.      Individual Reader Contest

When you login to your Reader Zone dashboard, your Reading Programs appear in the center of the screen.

If you do not yet have Reading Programs, you will see a prompt to make your first program.

A few things about Reading Programs:

1.      Your account can host an unlimited number of Reading Programs.

2.      Each Reading Program will have an unlimited number of Reading Groups.

3.      Each Reading Program will have a unique 5-character Program Code.  This code is how readers will find the program to which it is associated, along with its Reading Groups.

4.      It’s advisable to create as few Reading Programs as possible for your organization.

to create a Reading Program.  Click on the “Add Program” button at the bottom right of the screen.  

You are now presented with two different set-up options:Advanced and Quick Start

The Advanced Set up is useful if you plan to create more than ten Reading Groups that with similar attributes.

An example would be a Library system that hosts a Summer Reading that tracks minutes read for 18 branches, it’s easy to build 18 Reading Groups on one screen.

The Quick Start set up is ideal for most organizations.  If you plan to host ten or fewer Reading Groups in your account.

Quick Start Reading Program Creation:

Click the Quick Start square to arrive at the first screen to name your program.  It’s best to give your program as high a level name as possible. Like “Belmont City Libraries”.  

To the right of the program name is the new 5-character Program Code.  This is the unique code for this program.  It is not editable.  Your readers will be prompted to enter a Reading Program Code upon signing up to find a Reading Program and join a Reading Group.

With your Program Name selected, and it can be edited at anytime, click “Next”.

Now, you have another decision to make: Will this program have a set goal, or, be a Reading Log?

Keep in mind that all the groups in this Reading Program will either be Goal Based or a Reading Log.

Please refer to other videos or articles regarding how to work with set Reading Goals.

If you select Reading Log programs, you have another decision to make: Will your log be a simple log, or a reading contest.

A “Promote Reading” program allows readers to log minutes,pages, books, chapters or a yes/no response. Readers log as much or as little as they wish.  When you select Reading Log, you will be prompted to select a metric and a time frame for your readers to log reading.

The last type of program is “Hold a Contest”.  This is exactly that, you can hold a contest either between Reading Groups, or individual Readers within a Reading Group.

Click on “Hold a Contest” to decide if you will have a contest between Reading Groups or Readers within a Group.  

If you click on Group vs. Group, all the Reading Groups you add to this Reading Program will be in a contest.  Be sure to create the same time frame for each Reading Group to make it fair. There is no limit to the number of Reading Groups you can have in a contest.

The Reader vs. Reader will allow readers within one Reading Group to compete against each other. Readers will be able to see a Leader Board that lists the top ten readers in the group and their place within the group.  There is no limit to the number of readers you have in a contest.

A Contest Program type must be either a Group vs. Group or Reader vs. Reader.  The two types of groups cannot be blended in the same program.

The Advanced Set up is simple to use.  Click Advanced Set up to arrive at this screen.  

First, you will name the Reading Program and select if it is a Reading Log or Goal Based program. You will see the unique Reading Program Code to the right of the name.

After selecting the program type, you click the “Add Group”button to add as many groups as you need. For example, if you need 12 Reading Groups for 12 Branch libraries, click the Add Group button 12 times.

Now, click the “Select All” button to give each of the selected groups the same attributes.  

Each of the attributes you select in the blue area will populate each group below.  So, it’s best to fill in each Group Name individually.

Select the Metric, Value for the Metric, Frequency and date range for each group.  

The Group Book Bank in this area works the same as it does elsewhere.  You can add the same books to each group here.

If there is a group that needs a different type of goal or Book Bank, you simply uncheck the box and edit the attributes individually.  

Once you have the groups set up the way you’d like, click“Save” and all the Reading Groups will be ready for readers.  I can see the Program on my dashboard and each group associated with it.  

Creating Reading Goals within a Reading Program is the exact same exercise as creating goals for any other type of Reading Group.  

Remember, you can always edit your Program Name and Reading Group details.  However, you cannot change a Reading Program type or Reading Program code once a it is saved.