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Department of Educational Sciences and Psychology
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UNESCO World Book Day: Printed Books and Reading Literacy

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Do printed books still play a role in reading literacy in the digital age? Trends in Germany and 17 other countries over a 20-year period.

The average number of books owned by households has declined significantly worldwide. However, the correlation between the number of books in a household and the reading literacy of elementary school children has increased globally over the same period. This is the result of an analysis of data from 18 countries and regions that participated continuously in the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) between 2001 and 2021. In Germany, household book ownership declined only slightly during this period, and the correlation with reading proficiency remained stable. The findings suggest that, despite all the discussions about the importance of printed books and changes in reading culture, household book ownership continues to reflect a beneficial home literacy environment for children.

Further information: Press release and summary report (German)