You are reportedly leaving academic with new Reader's support (7)
I believe the answer is:
lectern
'support' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lectern that I've seen before include "Slanted stand for a book" , "item of church furniture" , "Stand with sloping top for notes, for priest or lecturer" , "It supports work" , "speeches may come from this" .)