ERIC Number: EJ1387458
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1079-0195
EISSN: EISSN-2332-7413
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Determining the Current State of Diversity in Campus Common Reads Programs
Fabian, Sarah; Nims, Julia K.; Stevens, Robert
Journal of College Reading and Learning, v53 n2 p91-108 2023
Long-standing criteria for Common Reads (CR) programs recognize the value of diversity in the book selection process. This study, examining 1,801 books chosen over a four-year period (2017-20), explored the extent to which these programs have embodied this spirit. In particular, this work focused on the diversity of the books (through genre and subject headings) and the authors (gender, nationality, ethnicity and race). We also looked at characteristics of participating institutions and publishers. Initial data was gathered from an annual list of CR selections posted online by Penguin Random House. Findings revealed a notable presence of diverse topics in the titles selected and an examination of a subset of authors showed that 58% of these authors were people of color. Possible areas of improvement are noted, including expanding the geographic focus of books as well as potential implications for CR programs.
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Communities of Practice, Reading Programs, Diversity, Comparative Analysis, Institutional Characteristics, Publishing Industry, Authors, Individual Characteristics, Public Colleges, Private Colleges
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A