National Academy of Civil Service

Promote Designated book reading for civil servants; materialize life-long learning philosophy

(Preface)

To nurture civil servants’ autonomous learning and knowledge pursuit capabilities, the NACS formulates a reading promotion program to motivate civil servants. Through a series of reading promotion activities, study groups and civil servant Designated book review writing contest, we want to expedite the promotion of reading philosophy, develop into a learner-centered organization, and to realize life-long learning philosophy amongst civil servants. 

1. “Book of the month” campaign

To encourage civil servants to read visionary and insightful books, we invite experts, scholars and publishers to provide a recommendation list of books (up to 1,000) over the recent five years. The collection of recommended books is separated into two categories, i.e. “public policy and management capabilities” and “self-development and humanitarian care”. From the recommendation list, we then conduct a three-phase selection process and online voting to determine the short list of 12 best books for the “book of the month” campaign.

2. Annual recommended classics

To urge civil servants to read classic writings that have eternal values and influence in the history of humanity development, we have invited experts and scholars to form an “Annual Classics Selection Committee” since 2016, which recommends two classic books annually. Reading promotion activities are conducted to promote the selection. We hope that those classic reads can help civil servants find, understand and challenge themselves. We also expect them to internalize the wisdom within the classics in their personality, and demonstrate good deeds in their behaviors. The incorporation of classics and modern jobs and life has given a contemporary meaning to those classics.

3. Civil servants Designated book review writing contest and acclaimed institutions encouraging reading contest

Every year, the NACS holds contests of civil servants book review writing and recognizes acclaimed institutions which encourages reading in their institutions, and conducts an awarding ceremony to honor the winners of the contests. The Designated book review writing contest has three categories, i.e. “public policy and management capabilities”, “self-development and humanitarian care” and “annual recommended classics”. The winners are granted with monetary reward, a trophy and a merit record from their employing institutions. Regarding the contest for honoring institutions which encourage their personnel to read, it separates into four groups from the central and local governments. The acclaimed institutions will receive a trophy and a merit record.

4. Nationwide reading seminars and classics reading campaign

To motivate nationwide civil servants to read books, every year the NACS works with nationwide organizations to hold Book of the month seminars in various areas, as well as the Classics reading seminars to promote benefits of reading. Over 40 sessions are conducted every year, with more than 6,000 participants.

5. Cross-library cooperation

Every year, we collaborate with libraries across Taiwan to promote our “Book of the month” and “Annual recommended classics” campaigns. Thematic book section is set up to exhibit our selection of books.