Perceived value of digital components in library programmes: The case of Auckland Libraries' Dare to Explore summer reading programme

While many libraries are making use of digital components in reading programs, there is little research examining the the perceived value of those components by consumers. Children and their parents value the Dare to Explore (DtE) summer reading programme at Auckland Libraries, New Zealand, as a whole but the perceived value of the digital components was not evident. There was either insufficient valued content or participants were not fully aware of what was available via the digital components to be appreciative of its value. Data were collected through interviews with 6 families (6 parents and 10 children), who participated in the DtE 2016/17 programme. The Sheth-Newman-Gross theory of consumption values was applied to frame the inquiries of this study. The findings offer valuable insights for libraries interested in incorporating digital components into existing or future programming. They may also provide useful observations relevant to adult and teen programming.