| The purpose of this nested case study was to examine third-grade students within a community of readers in the library. Guice (1991) defined a community of readers as a group of readers who interact with one another and discuss reading-related topics (Guice, 1991). The primary research objective of this nested case study was to identify how elementary students interact as a community of readers who frequented the library during open library times, as opposed to whole class visits. In addition, this study aimed to understand the role of the librarian for this community of readers.;A variety of sources, such as field observations, participant interviews, and other related documents generated data. The results indicated that the library was a place where students would engage in fruitful conversations about books and reading. This community of readers was an open, fluid group of readers. Students interacted with one another, as well as with the librarian. The data indicated that library interactions consisted of students sharing opinions about the library and librarian, engaging in book talk, talking about nonlibrary and nonbook-related topics, and discussing the logistics of the library. Interactions with the librarian tended to occur more frequently and had greater longevity than those occurring among students only; therefore, the role of the librarian was an important part of this community of readers. Further research should explore communities of readers in the library, interactions among student in the library, the nature of talk in the library, and the role of the librarian in other settings, such as public and school libraries, and with other populations. |
