Breaking Barriers in the Book Value Chain: An Exploration of Alternative Book Publishing and Distribution Methods

Access to books is one of the key factors that have a positive impact on the growth of literacy rates and a culture of reading in society. The converse is also true: a lack of access to books is one of the major contributing factors to illiteracy and the absence of a reading culture. It should not be surprising, therefore, that, with the majority of the South African population not having access to books, literacy and reading statistics constantly reflect particularly low levels. The Department of Basic Education acknowledges the grim reality that one of the biggest developmental challenges facing the country is that many South African children are unable to read for meaning. Poor reading proficiency impacts negatively on learning in the foundation phase and beyond. These findings were preceded by a 2006 study conducted by the South African Book Development Council, which revealed that only 14% of the South African population are active book readers, and a mere 5% of parents read to their children. There is a correlation between the lack of access to books and the subsequent lack of a reading culture or high levels of illiteracy.