Dissertation Information for Helen R. Harper NAME: - Helen R. Harper
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- University of Pittsburgh (USA) (1981)
ADVISORS: - E. Blanche Woolls
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Richard Andrew Krzys - Patrick R. Penland - Margaret M. Kimmel - Lawrence Knolle
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: THE ROLE OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARIAN IN SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS
Abstract: This study was designed to assess the role of the elementary school librarian in special education for gifted and talented students. Descriptive survey methodology was employed. Mail questionnaires were sent to elementary school librarians and teachers of special education in the forty-six public school districts in Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The data received from the returned completed questionnaires were statistically analyzed to provide answers to five research questions.
The role of the librarian was found to be the traditional one which prevailed before special education for gifted and talented students was mandated. Reading materials for these students were judged to be more adequate than other kinds of resources in the library. Special instruction and other services were infrequently provided for these students. In addition, these librarians indicated that they were involved in developing differentiated curriculum less than once a month and that they had little knowledge about this kind of program.
The study did not establish a relationship between the librarian's role in special education for gifted and talented students and the professional preparation of the librarian. However, 21 per cent of the librarians in this study were also teachers of this kind of education and were found to have a role in this kind of program as instructional designers.
Traditional library service for parents of gifted and talented students was also the usual pattern found in this study. The librarians indicated materials for parents were inadequate in their libraries and that they seldom provided any services for the parents. Only a very small percentage of librarians participated in the preparation of Individual Education Plans.
The role of the elementary librarian was also found to be traditional in relation to the inadequacy of materials for teachers of this kind of education and in the infrequency of services provided for these teachers. The librarians and these teachers indicated agreement in perceiving this role as traditional.
The findings of this study have implied a need for additional research. For the elementary school librarian to have a more pervasive role in this kind of education, additional factors which affect this role need to be identified.
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