Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

This study examines the influence of the teacher librarian on middle and high school student book selection through library programming that includes teacher librarian book promotion strategies, specifically book talks, book displays, and genrefication in a school library. This qualitative case study of 60 Iowa middle and high school students aims to answer two questions: 1) What strategies do middle and high school students use for selecting books for pleasure reading? 2) How do teacher librarian book promotion strategies influence student selection of books for pleasure reading? Using participant surveys and interviews the study revealed 3 major themes: 1) Most students are likely to get books from the library. Ten out of ten seventh graders got books from the library. 14 out of 15 8th graders got books from the school library. Seven out of ten 6th graders got books from the school library. Seven out of 15 ninth graders got books from the library. 2) Many students stick to genres they are comfortable with reading. Four out of ten seventh graders stayed within their usual genre choice. Fourteen out of 15 8th graders stayed within their usual genre choice. Seven out of ten 6th graders stayed within their usual genre of choice. Fourteen of 15 ninth graders stayed within their usual genre choice. 3) Students are more likely to utilize the librarian after targeted book talks. After the booktalks, 10 out of 10 seventh grade students would use the librarian for book ideas, an increase from 7 of 10 before. Seven out of 15 8th graders would use the librarian for book ideas, an increase from five of 15 before. Six out of ten 6th graders would use the librarian for book ideas, an increase from four out of ten before. Five out of 15 ninth grade students would use the librarian for book ideas, an increase from two of 15 before the book promotions. Students see the teacher librarian as a source of book recommendation and active book promotion influences students to broaden their book selection strategies. These findings highlight the importance of teacher librarians employing active book promotion strategies which encourage a culture of reading in the school.

Year of Submission

2024

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Department

Division of School Library Studies

First Advisor

Karla Krueger

Date Original

5-2024

Object Description

1 PDF (43 pages)

Language

en

Download

Comments?

Share

COinS