Relative freedom to choose the topic of study did not affect retention of the reading material by high school students, but did improve attitude toward instruction and time on task. (GDC)

Discusses two paperback books, "The Malacia Tapestry" and "The Shattered Chain," that are written with a junk-fiction formula yet have serious themes. Contends that teachers may find the books useful in motivating thoughtful nonreaders. (FL)

Discusses the creation of a reading niche for second-language learners to motivate their development as independent readers, emphasizing that book selection for this niche should cater to student interests and that informal discussion of the books' subject matter should take place. (six references) (CK)

Users (n=148) of an audio book library were surveyed to collect data for formulating a policy on development of the library's collection. The survey found a broad range of reading interests among users and differences in preferred genres of fiction between men and women. Policy changes made based on survey results are discussed. (Author/PB)

Explores past, present, and future trends of romance novels by discussing publication styles; romance appeal; ethnic romances; attitudes toward romance novels in libraries; and the acquisition, cataloging, processing, and shelving of romance novels in libraries. Sidebars list librarian romance novelists, 1994 award winning romance writers of…

The majority of environmental information is presented in factual, expository text format. Examines problems with traditional formats when interest or incentives are not strong. Discusses ways to make text providing environmental information to citizens or students more interesting, meaningful, and memorable. (LZ)

Various techniques for providing reader's advisory services in public libraries are discussed, including managing the reader's advisory interview, writing annotations for booklists, preparing topical and effective displays, genre cataloging, holding book talks and reviews, using library space effectively, and utilizing e-mail discussion groups to…

Describes a collective case study of 12 high school juniors who identified themselves as avid readers of popular fiction. Finds strong reading relationships between parents and high school students. Describes the different roles that parents played in their adolescent children's reading lives. Looks at implications for secondary English classrooms…

Suggests ways school librarians can implement a free-choice reading program to motivate students to read. Discusses developing a trusting relationship with teachers and administrators; suggesting only small changes initially; involving coaches and activity advisers; asking principals to encourage staff members to designate time for pleasure…

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a readers' theater fluency program. The participants were 12 students with learning disabilities in a combined second/third grade exceptional education classroom. Through the use of pre and post reading attitude surveys, field notes recorded by the observer, and pre and post oral fluency…

Intended as a companion document to the "NAEP 1994 Reading Report Card for the Nation and States" and the "NAEP 1994 Reading State Report," this compendium presents fourth-grade cross-state results of the National Assessment in Educational Process (NAEP) 1994 Trial State Assessment in reading--no interpretations of the data are…

Enthusiasm for and a commitment to literature are the essential tools needed to successfully promote the enriching, challenging, and thought-provoking world of books. This paper focuses on the promotion of literature inside the classroom, inside the library, and in the wider community. Programs at Methodist Ladies' College (Australia), a boarding…

It is the responsibility of school librarians to provide the specialized assistance necessary to serve inner city children. Although there have been new titles depicting the life of the inner city child, these are not abundant in the library collection. School librarians must understand how children learn to read so that they can provide proper…

A program was designed to improve the reading interests of students in a rural middle school. An analysis of the problem indicated that the students were not reading many library books. One of the probable causes for the lack of interest was related to the small amount of recreational reading done by students. A search of the literature revealed…

This document continues a 64-year tradition by listing books for adolescents, arranged by subjects that teenagers have asked about in library visits. The browsing list contains approximately 1,250 books, about 350 of which are new listings, marked for the reader's convenience. Approximately 100 sections contain the entries, grouped into the…