Looking Back, Moving Forward: Determining the Current State of Diversity in Campus Common Reads Programs

ABSTRACT Long-standing criteria for Common Reads (CR) programs recognize the value of diversity in the book selection process. This study, examining 1,801 books chosen over a four-year period (2017–20), explored the extent to which these programs have embodied this spirit. In particular, this work focused on the diversity of the books (through genre and subject headings) and the authors (gender, nationality, ethnicity and race). We also looked at characteristics of participating institutions and publishers. Initial data was gathered from an annual list of CR selections posted online by Penguin Random House. Findings revealed a notable presence of diverse topics in the titles selected and an examination of a subset of authors showed that 58% of these authors were people of color. Possible areas of improvement are noted, including expanding the geographic focus of books as well as potential implications for CR programs.