Book Supply Chain Training Modules
This training series designed by Global Book Alliance comprises the following seven modules that cover the phases of the book supply chain for children’s books:
- Module 1: Planning and Forecasting
- Module 2: Title Development
- Module 3: Publishing
- Module 4: Printing
- Module 5: Procurement and Purchasing
- Module 6: Distribution Management
- Module 7: Active Use
Each module provides the key facts for each of the relevant steps in the book supply chain, describes why each step is important to the smooth functioning of the book supply chain, and presents the challenges and recommended solutions and/or best practices for the challenges identified.
This course is designed for all development partners (USAID, Ministry of Education, and other implementing partner staff, and their private sector partners) interested in improving the book supply chains for children’s books in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
The training can be accessed via Training Modules in PDF format with accompanying PowerPoints to be used for live trainings, or via E-learning modules. The E-learning modules consist of 5-7 lessons each with a short self-check and reflection opportunity at the end of each lesson.
Module 1: Planning and Forecasting
Participants will learn what a teaching and learning materials (TLM) policy is and how its development supports quality teaching and learning. The various models of TLM provision and how public−private partnerships (PPPs) work to support TLMs is also covered and well as how governments can plan for and budget for TLMs.
At the end of the module, you will be able to answer the following questions:
- Why is planning for and costing of books and other teaching and learning materials important?
- What are the basic elements of a Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) policy?
- What is a minimum profile for TLMs and why is it important?
- What are the different modules of book provision available to a country?
- What is the process for evaluating TLMs?
Live Training Resources:
- Training Guide - GBA Module 1: Planning and Forecasting
- Presentation - GBA Module 1: Planning and Forecasting
Module 2: Title Development
Participants will learn the overall process of developing children’s books, the elements of quality in children’s books, the difference between decodable and leveled readers, and the basic steps in managing a book development process.
At the end of the module, you will be able to answer the following questions:
- What are the steps in developing a book and who is involved?
- How can you identify a decodable reader and a leveled reader and what are the differences between the two?
- What are the five quality elements in a children’s book and why are they important?
- What are some of the principles of good graphic design for children’s books?
- What are the phases of a book publishing project?
Live Training Resources:
Module 3: Publishing
Participants will learn the basic functions of publishing children’s books, the key characteristics of high-quality children’s books, and how publishing relates to the rest of the book supply chain.
At the end of the module, you will be able to answer the following questions:
- What is the role of the publisher in the book supply chain?
- What are the categories of children’s books?
- What are some of the common themes in children's books?
- How is a book budget created?
- What are the activities that can be undertaken to promote books?
Live Training Resources:
Module 4: Printing
Participants will learn the process for manufacturing children’s books and the role of printing in the book supply chain. Participants will be introduced to the following: ensuring the quality of ready-to-print files; setting books up for signatures; and the various options to choose from when printing and binding children’s books.
At the end of the module, you will be able to answer the following questions:
- What are the steps in producing essential reading materials?
- What are the recommended tools to ensuring ready-to-print files?
- What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of international and local printing of children’s books?
Live Training Resources:
Module 5: Procurement and Purchasing
Participants will be given a comprehensive overview of the purchasing steps needed to provide quality, relevant, and affordable essential reading materials to learners. They will be introduced to tools used in the purchasing process and learn how to monitor performance during contract execution to improve project outcomes.
At the end of the module, you will be able to answer the following questions:
- What are the purchasing steps within the larger procurement process?
- What are some of the challenges faced in implementing a purchasing process?
- What is the invitation to bid and what should be included in it?
- What are the best practices in monitoring performance during contract execution and some of the tools that can be used for this?
Live Training Resources:
- Training Guide - GBA Module 5: Procurement and Purchasing
- Presentation - GBA Module 5: Procurement and Purchasing
Module 6: Distribution Management
Participants will learn the basic steps in distribution of children’s books to schools, the differences between centralized and decentralized distribution, the main challenges to distributing books effectively and efficiently and some of the solutions and recommended best practices for effective distribution.
At the end of the module, you will be able to answer the following questions:
- What are the four main steps to getting books from the printer to schools?
- What are the most common issues found in distributing textbooks and essential reading materials?
- What are the recommended best practices for distribution of essential reading materials?
- What is a Track and Trace system and how can it help ensure that books are delivered to schools in a timely fashion?
- What is the role of private booksellers in distribution of essential reading materials?
Live Training Resources:
- Training Guide - GBA Module 6: Distribution Management
- Presentation - GBA Module 6: Distribution Management
Module 7: Active Use
Participants learn what is meant by “active use” of children’s books and explore some of the challenges to book usage in schools, homes and communities, as well as solutions for addressing these challenges.
At the end of the module, you will be able to answer the following questions:
- What is meant by “active use” in the context of children’s books in LMICs?
- How are reading and literacy linked, and what makes them distinct?
- Why are books and reading important in supporting literacy development?
- What are the barriers to books being used in schools, homes, and communities?
- What are some solutions and recommendations for how books can be used meaningfully in classrooms, communities, and at home?