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

K-12 Digital Transformation report

 A survey in 2023 revealed that K-12 digital transformation efforts are still in their early stages, with nearly two-thirds of respondents indicating they have not yet begun to implement their strategies or technology initiatives for digital transformation. However, around 36% are in various stages of implementation, and only about a third of respondents expressed confidence in their understanding of digital transformation, with IT leaders showing higher levels of understanding compared to non-IT leaders.

Nagel, D. (2023). Most districts still early in their digital transformation journey. THE Journal.

https://thejournal.com/articles/2023/08/31/most-districts-still-early-in-their-digital-transformation-journey.aspx

Book censorship survey

 Book censorship requests in US public schools and libraries surged to a 21-year high in 2022, with a 70% increase over the previous year, according to the American Library Association. The data reveals a new trend of multiple book titles being targeted in each challenge, often driven by organized political advocacy groups seeking to ban books, particularly those featuring LGBTQ+ themes and diverse perspectives.

Censorship by the numbers. (2023). American Library Association. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/by-the-numbers

Book Challenges Survey

 According to a national survey, the surge in book challenges nationwide is having a chilling effect on school librarians, who are more likely to avoid buying books or to remove titles from collections because of their content than they were last year. "And while the percentage of U.S. librarians who have experienced a book challenge dropped from 43 percent to 38 percent, 30 percent of those challenges led to a book’s removal in 2023, up from 19 percent last year. Urban school librarians were the only segment to report a rise in book challenges, from 31 percent in 2022 to 39 percent this year.

Perhaps in response to the spike in challenges, 55 percent of respondents said their school’s book challenge procedure was new or revised, an increase from 49 percent in 2022.

The number of librarians who voluntarily removed books from their library also rose, from 42 percent in 2022 to 47 percent in 2023.

All 729 respondents are responsible for selecting books for their library. Their most cited reason for choosing not to buy a book was sexual content, especially at the high school level—increasing from 60 percent in 2022 to 75 percent in 2023. As for other concerns, 43 percent said profanity or vulgar language caused them to reject a book, while 37 percent named LGBTQIA+ content." School Library Journal

Controversial books survey. (2023). School Library Journal.

https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/Book-Challenges-Are-Having-a-Chilling-Effect-on-School-Librarians-Nationwide-SLJ-Survey