Dissertation Information for Molly S. Kinney NAME: - Molly S. Kinney
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- University of Pittsburgh (USA) (1996)
ADVISORS: - Margaret M. Kimmel
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Mary Kay Biagini - Shirley Ann Biggs - Sally Buchanan - Robert Croneberger
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: A naturalistic inquiry into the effect of emergent literacy behavior on families in public housing communities
Abstract: Research examining illiteracy has determined that children who are raised in families where adult caregivers are illiterate or have a low literacy level also tend toward becoming nonreaders. The cycle of illiteracy is passed from generation to generation. Early intervention may provide the key for interrupting this pattern.
While various institutions are providing adult literacy programs, librarians are targeting populations through outreach service. One such service is the Beginning With Books Storymobile service. This project provides materials to lower literate families in public housing communities.
Designed using naturalistic inquiry methodology, incorporating observation, audiotaping and in-depth interviews, this research examined whether a program that provides materials and service to children and parents changes the family's literacy climate. The study also examined the roles of the community outreach assistants (COAs) in providing materials and services to lower literate families.
The results of this study found inconsistencies between what the respondents reported as reading activities and what was recorded. While reading and writing activities were occurring in the home, they were sporadic, followed no set routine and were considered events unto themselves rather than an integral part of daily life. Outreach efforts to lower literacy families need to have training and education components.
Participants reported that they relied upon seeing the Storymobile in the community and visited when they saw it. While the service is valuable to these families, it is not a natural occurring act to plan to visit or to regularly utilize the Storymobile service or even to recognize the service as a way to facilitate literate learning. The provision of a consistent level of service and the development of a plan for publicity and community participation is necessary.
Observation revealed that the COAS were performing two roles: the first was clerical, the second related to encouragement in the selection of materials. The emphasis and necessity of COA involvement with clerical routine may be an inhibiting factor in the proactive intervention with users.
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MPACT Scores for Molly S. Kinney A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:24:03
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