Jo Prior 

Biography:  Joanna joined Penguin in 1998 and is currently responsible for a team of more than 60 communications experts at Penguin who work across marketing, pr and online functions for all Penguin's adult imprints (Allen Lane, Figtree, Hamish Hamilton, Michael Joseph, Penguin, Viking) as well as the leading children's imprint, Puffin. This team creates award-winning campaigns for a wide range of individual books - from blockbusters to prize-winners; from business to cookery; memoir to poetry; from Aeschylus to Hornby. Also, as guardians of the premier book brand in the world, Penguin's communications team has a reputation for its innovative brand campaigns which increase awareness for Penguin and for reading in general - using it's industry-leading website, regular podcasts, the Penguin blog, its dedicated Readers' Group site as well as partnerships and live events. Joanna also has a corporate communications remit at Penguin and is actively involved in Penguin's diversity, charity and environmental initiatives. In addition Joanna is involved in several cross industry committees such as the British Book Awards Steering Group and is a founder member of Reading Partners, set up with the help of The Reading Agency, to bring publishers and libraries closer together to expand the market for books. Joanna is married with a daughter and lives in West London.

Abstract: Back on Track - Libraries and Reading

Where is it all going and how will the National Year of Reading Help?

Joanna Prior , Publicity and Marketing Director of Penguin, has been playing a key role in revolutionising the way adult publishers and libraries work together in the interests of readers, working through the library/publisher Reading Partners consortium (led by The Reading Agency). She will talk about the strategic significance of libraries in the reading industry, the work of Reading Partners, and shared challenges, including the digital future and environmental issues.