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Dissertation Information for Joyce White Mills

NAME:
- Joyce White Mills

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- Florida State University (USA) (1987)

ADVISORS:
- Phyllis J. Van Orden

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Mary Alice Hunt
- Thomas L. Hart
- Carol Lynch-Brown

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: An examination of procedures and practices in the selection of Black materials for children's collections of public libraries in the United States

Abstract: This research study was conducted to determine factors about the selection and acquisition of children's materials about Black people. Citing the various interpretations of the American Library Association's "Bill of Rights," the paper argues that there may be disparity between an interpretation titled "Cultural Diversity" and the practice of librarians to either include or exclude Black materials in the selection and purchase of library materials.

The study's sample consisted of 202 library employees at public libraries in the United States though its aim was at children's librarians. The frequencies and respective percentages were found for survey items pertaining to selection particulars such as the selection cycle; types of materials selected such as periodicals and reference books; holdings of Black materials in various subject categories; review sources for selection; and specific problems in selecting Black materials. Means and standard deviations were found for responses to items pertaining to materials budget allocations for types of library materials; and the number and percentage of holdings in the children's collections.

The testing of hypotheses revealed five groups which have the most influence on the selection and purchase of children's materials. Those groups are: reviews, children, parents, teachers and library staff, respectively. There was found to be no significant difference between the short-term and the long-term goals of public libraries for selecting more books about minorities or about Blacks.

The tenor of libraries is displayed through their comments which were given in response to the open-ended question. Primarily, one sees a reflection of the pervasive attitude of the dominant group's members to exclude some of the materials based on their estimation of whether patrons will ever call for the materials or not. Additionally, as has been noted in the literature review section, not every item in any library's circulating collection will be called for or will circulate.

MPACT Scores for Joyce White Mills

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:04:57

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