Selection Process

The KU Reads Advisory Board is responsible for the first review of nominated books. Books are reviewed based on appropriateness for college-level reading, critical response, flexibility for inclusion in a variety of courses, cost and availability of the book and author, and potential for co-curricular programming.

A selection committee is responsible for reading and reviewing a short list (approximately 10-12) of nominated titles provided by the Advisory Board. Each book is read and reviewed by at least two members of the selection committee. Books are reviewed based on richness of content and themes, accessibility of content, substantive quality, flexibility for inclusion in a variety of courses, readability, potential for co-curricular programming, and campus community context.

After review, the selection committee discusses all titles and recommends three choices to be considered for the next year’s book. These recommendations are shared back with the

Advisory Board, and leadership of the three program sponsors (KU Libraries, Hall Center for the Humanities, Division of Academic Affairs) for final selection. 

Questions about the KU Reads Advisory Board, selection committee, or selection processes can be directed to commonbook@ku.edu. 

A new selection committee is formed each year with wide and diverse representation including students, faculty, and staff.