Recreational reading promotion and academic libraries mission. A systematic review

Despite the renewed interest in working on the topic of recreational reading promotion in academic libraries, most of the initiatives are isolated activities. This article seeks to realize a systematic review about how the scientific literature has dealt with the relationship between the recreational reading promotion and the mission of this type of Higher Education units. The scientific literature from 2000 to 2022 was analysed from the dimensions of policy, infrastructure, staff, and benefits. It was found that there are 94 scientific documents which describe and state the possibilities of promoting recreational reading through an expanded view of support for teaching, research and university service, but that have not been translated into concrete policies. The scientific literature shows that there is a lack of research demonstrating the benefits of the initiatives, and case studies to demonstrate the connection of the activities with the current university challenges, for the generation of new policies and profiles in order to carry out solid programs where evaluation is a constant practice.