Genre is a hot issue in readers' advisory (RA) circles right now. Many people are looking at how genre functions and morphs. Studying a genre is not a new idea. Over two decades ago, and even longer in less formal ways, librarians began gathering to study genres--asking such questions as in what genre does this book fit and why, what are its…

Reports results of a survey that examined the role of school library media specialists in Alabama public schools in promoting reading growth, assisting classroom teachers, and teaching reading skills. Comparisons of ideal and actual responsibilities are made, and academic preparation of media specialists in the area of reading is discussed. (LRW)

This handbook contains activities and resources designed to help school librarians identify, analyze, and select appropriate and useful ethnic studies materials. It is presented in four major sections. Section I examines ways of defining ethnic groups, presents sample census tables showing the social characteristics of residents by race for the…

To help children and adolescents learn to read, school librarians and teachers must learn to read with confidence for pleasure and satisfaction and to draw on their experience of the world and their experience with other texts. Having personal enthusiasm, the skills to analyze how a literary work functions, and an understanding of what…