Teen Leisure Reading Decline Study

 A recent study found a decline in reading for fun among teenagers. That decline has been attributed to the rise of technology and excessive use of reading in standardized testing for comprehension and grading. While some teens are still avid readers, others find it hard to balance reading with their busy schedules, but librarians and educators suggest audiobooks and personalized book choices to reignite interest in reading.

Schaeffer, K. (2023). Among many U.S. children, reading for fun ahs become less common, Federal data shows. Pew Research Center. 

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/11/12/among-many-u-s-children-reading-for-fun-has-become-less-common-federal-data-shows/ and https://pewrsr.ch/3C8TEEz

Libraries and College Readiness Study

 A study found that first-year college students who had prior high school research experience, especially those from schools with certified librarians, felt more confident in their academic research skills and performed better in using research tools and strategies, such as information and digital literacy, and the difference between a primary and secondary source of information. 

Valenza, J. et al. (2023). First years' information backpacks: What's already packed or not packed? Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(4).

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0099133322000829?via%3Dihub 

School Library Book Bans

 Twenty-four percent of school librarians have experienced harassment during the last year related to books or displays in their library. That’s according to a recent national survey, which found the rate even higher among high school librarians, 30 percent of whom report being harassed. Those perpetrating the intimidation are most frequently parents, followed by organized groups, reports the Controversial Book survey fielded in May 2023 and garnering 729 respondents.

Ishizuka, K. (2023, Sept. 30). Nearly a quarter of school librarians have experienced harassment over books. School Library Journal.

https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/Nearly-a-Quarter-of-School-Librarians-Have-Experienced-Harassment-Over-Books-SLJ-Censorship-Survey

Reading Choices

 This study explores the relationship between the books students select for independent reading and their motivation to read. Instructional recommendations based on key findings are presented. To gather data, study participants completed the Motivation to Read Profile-Revised. They also shared information about the books they had selected for independent reading on the day they completed the MRP. Analysis of the data revealed significant, positive correlations between students' enjoyment of their chosen books and their motivation to read. Enjoyment was also significantly and positively correlated with students' perceived value of reading, their self-concept as readers, and the amount of time they reported reading during their free time.

Konrad, M. (2023). The Love of the Book: Students' Text Selection and Their Motivation to Read. The Reading Teacher.  https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.2246