This pilot study assessed the educational interests and needs of a group of older, low-literate adults with the eventual goal of developing computer-assisted literacy programs specifically designed for older adults. Subjects, 10 women and 1 man aged 60 to over 80 years who were members of a center for older adults and who were already working with…

In spring 1987, a study was conducted at William Rainey Harper College (WRHC) to assess students' perceptions of the campus newspaper, "The Harbinger," in order to assist "Harbinger" staff in meeting student needs. A random sample of 240 degree credit students and 160 non-degree credit students enrolled in fall 1986 were surveyed by mail to…

Designed to measure maturity of reading interests, the Sophistication of Reading Interests Scale consists of 29 pairs of fictitious story synopses, one of the pair more sophisticated than the other. Three indicators of level of maturity, defined in order of sophistication, are the importance of plot, the importance of characters, and the…

This study systematically examines the reading habits and in-house library use of a group of survey respondents in the Independent Living complex at a retirement community located in Westlake, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. The residents responded to an anonymous questionnaire requesting information about their reading habits and their preferences…

A study surveyed 449 seniors and sophomores at North Ridgeville (Ohio) High School to determine their reading interests. The survey of 18 questions revealed the following findings: (1) favorite type of novel was horror; (2) favorite author was Stephen King; (3) favorite magazines were "Seventeen" and "Sports Illustrated"; (4)…

In the mystery genre, the one characteristic that the enduring figures of Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, and Encyclopedia Brown have in common is a rational mind. The source of their strength is their ability to think and think well. A study examined some typical examples of the mystery genre in young adult literature and surveyed children and…

This study determined which professional periodicals were being read by elementary school classroom teachers, which sections they read, and whether or not their media specialists were instrumental in providing and promoting the periodicals. One hundred sixty teachers were selected to complete a survey questionnaire; 128 completed the survey.…

A study examined whether sustained silent reading produced positive attitudes toward reading. Subjects, 583 intermediate grade students and 26 teachers in the 5 elementary schools in the Pulaski, Wisconsin School District, were questioned about reading on a broad basis and about their attitudes toward Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) in particular.…

Information on why readership surveys are valuable and on how to conduct them is presented, along with sample surveys used at a number of different institutions, and a questionnaire used by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education to measure the opinion of "CASE CURRENTS," readers. Guidelines for doing a mail survey outline…

Designed to measure the changes in attitudes toward reading for pleasure of student groups in grades one to three, this instrument consists of 32 items stated in story form. Each item appears on a single page of the student's booklet, along with three faces representing happy, indifferent, and unhappy reactions. The administrator reads the item to…

A 20-item scale, based upon the Estes Reading Attitude Scale, was constructed to measure elementary students' attitudes toward reading. Results supported its reliability and validity for third, fourth, and fifth graders. (The scale is included). (JKS)

This study was intended to negate or confirm the findings of prior studies conducted on the relationship between gender and reading preferences in high school students and to ascertain whether any changes have occurred that would reflect changing attitudes toward gender roles. Data were gathered by using a survey which was distributed to…

Designed to determine the professional reading backgrounds, habits, and interests of secondary English teachers, this study surveyed the amount of reading done in three areas: professional journals, books about the teaching of English, and books on general education. Titles of selected books (with authors) and journals are presented, along with…

Presents results of an in-house survey on the effects of booktalking conducted at John Oliver Secondary School, Vancouver. A description of the sample population (440 students), students' reading preferences and reading material selection, and student response to 18 booktalks are discussed. A 12-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

Recreational reading has proved its importance in the public library systems nationwide, as confirmed by circulation records and significant consideration in library budgets, indicating the need to develop systems that bring the book and the reader together in a systematic way. This paper seeks to define the operation of readers' advisory programs…