The Big Read 2019-20

Q: What is the Hallam Big Read?

For several years, we welcomed all students (new or returning) to Sheffield Hallam with a special edition of a book.  Titles included How to Save Our Planet, Natives, Our Name is Leon and We Belong Here.

Evaluation of Big Read projects has concluded that, by creating a community through shared reading, students feel more welcome, settle in quickly and adjust to their new life at university.

Q: Do I have to read the book?

Not usually, but have a try! Reading the book is optional for most people, but it will give you something to talk about with your friends and colleagues. You may find on some courses that the book is used as a focus for discussions where relevant to the curriculum. You don’t have to read the book in order to attend any of the associated events.

Q: Who funded the project?

The purchase of the books was funded by the Hallam Guild, a cross-university community of staff and students with shared goals and common interests, working together to develop a culture of educational excellence in the University, by building expertise and sharing best practice. The project was supported because there is a strong evidence for its positive impact on the student experience.  The university was able to negotiate a special arrangement with the publishers, so the cost of each book was very significantly below the normal sale price.

Q: Was it available as an ebook?

It isn’t normally possible for universities to buy multiple copies of ebooks to distribute, because of complex licensing and digital rights management arrangements. We are also aware that people use lots of different platforms for accessing ebooks. For those reasons, we have opted to purchase customised print copies for the Big Read. However, anyone who required an ebook version for accessibility reasons was able to put in a request to the Library to get one.

Q: Why did you do it?

There are lots of reasons. First of all, we wanted to encourage people to read! Reading is a key academic skill for all university-level courses, and the amount and nature of what they need to read can be a challenge to many new students, wherever or whatever they study. 

Secondly, reading extends our knowledge of the world and other people. Starting university can be a challenging time, and reading can be a way of finding understanding amidst all the changes that are happening. Numerous studies have shown that reading for pleasure increases empathy, happiness, income, safety, and articulacy. All of these qualities will have a positive impact on students during their time at university and in their future career.

The university also wanted to find ways of building a community amongst our new students that is not based only around social events. A Big Read does this, by giving everyone one thing in common to discuss. Sheffield Hallam University is committed to transforming lives: the Big Read is one stage along this path.

Q: Has anyone else tried it?

Yes. In the UK, Kingston University started its Big Read in 2015. The approach has been adopted in different forms at the University of Wolverhampton, Edinburgh Napier University, Brighton, Edge Hill and more.

Kingston University won a Times Higher Widening Participation/Outreach of the Year' award in November 2017 for its pioneering work. The spread of Big Read initiatives across the sector is a testament to the positive impact of the project and its local implementations.

Q: What are the benefits of reading a book like this?

There is lot of evidence that teenagers and people with caring responsibilities don’t read as much as people at other stages in their lives, yet studying at university requires both reading fluency and well-developed skills of understanding. Reading for pleasure helps develop your reading skills, and a book as good as these can make that reading a delight.

Q: The book covers some uncomfortable material. What do I do?

If you, or someone you know, are affected by any of the material, support is available from the university. In the first instance, you should contact Hallam Help, in person, by phone or online.  Email: hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk;  Visit: Hallam Help point map; Phone: 0114 225 2222; Twitter: @hallamhelp and https://www.shu.ac.uk/myhallam/help-and-support

Colleagues in Student Services contributed to our Hallam Big Read-related activities, and we promoted the support that is available through these activities.

Q: Was it relevant to courses?

Well, it depends what you mean by relevant. For some students, the Big Read book was directly relevant and featured in the curriculum, so they discussed the work in seminars and workshops.

Q: Why didn't you send it out in advance?

Unfortunately, the way the book is printed and distributed to us means that we were unable to include it in the welcome pack that is sent to students by the University.

Q: Did you consult students about the Big Read?

Yes. The University  worked with the Students’ Union and the student Reading Society during the project.

Q: Who received a copy?

All students could receive a copy of the Big Read book, irrespective of their level of study. This includes students at partner colleges. There were additional copies available for interested students and staff.

Q: Can I use it as a teaching resource?

Yes.

Q: Do I have to keep the Big Read books?

The books were gifted to students, and we hope it will remind people of their time at the University.  Anyone who didn't want to keep the Big Read books was encouraged to hand them in at Adsetts or Collegiate Library to be redistributed.

Q: Did you plan any events?

Yes, we supported a range of events linked to each Big Read book and some of the significant topics they explore.

Q: How do I find out more or give you feedback?

Please contact us through via Hallam Help.