The Section provides a focal point for the promotion of reading and literacy in libraries; and the integration of reading research and reading development activities into library services for all citizens.

It covers issues such as increasing the social awareness of the significance of reading and general literacy; functional literacy in various cultural settings; reader development; illiteracy in different milieus; teaching the encouragement of reading among young people and adults; readers’ skills and reading habits; and the interaction of audiovisual media and reading in the new electronic environment.

The unit is part of the Professional Division E.