Graduate Research Papers

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Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

The major purpose of this research paper was to document in a written form the history of the Iowa Teen Award (ITA). This purpose was accomplished through interviews and examination of IEMA Archival materials located in the University of Northern Iowa Rod Library Archives Collection.

The results of this study showed a dedicated group of school librarians who organized a state-wide plan for a book award chosen by students in grades six through nine. Over a five-year period, plans were made for the award to be similar to the Iowa Children's Choice Award. The study presented the growth and development of the award program throughout the award's history.

The number of teens participating in the first year of voting was 5427. The lowest vote totals were recorded during 1993-94 with 2130. In 2007-08, a record number of votes retarded in the history of the award was 6973. The total number of votes cast in the history of the ITA was 104, 549. The average number of votes cast in the 24 years of the award was 4,356.

Recommendations for further study include suggestions for a videotape or DVD to be produced that would feature all the IT A book winners from 1985 to 2008. This project would need to continue in future years. Other recommendations include the availability of the IT A books for those who are legally blind, visually impaired or physically disabled readers, a comparison of the ITA with other state awards, and a thematic analysis of the IT A to determine if certain patterns emerged that indicated why certain books are selected by teens for the award each year.

Year of Submission

2008

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Department

Division of School Library Studies

First Advisor

Barbara Safford

Comments

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Date Original

6-2008

Object Description

1 PDF file (iv, 211 pages)

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