| The purpose of this research was to examine summer reading programs in public libraries in the United States to determine factors related to reaching a higher percentage of the total child population in the activity. Exposure to a greater number of children was used as the measurement of effectiveness. Libraries reaching greater than eight percent of the total child population were designated successful; libraries reaching less than that percentage, unsuccessful. In this study, success was synonymous with effectiveness. Variables effecting success were: restrictions in program design, stated goals and objectives, marketing strategies, evaluation methods, trained children's specialists.;Factors which had a statistically significant relationship (x;Using the definitions of this study, one third of the programs were effective. The majority did not have stated goals and objectives; many did not have complete measurement data needed for analyzation.;Further study is needed to examine: the most effective libraries, the relationship of combinations of variables, cost-effectiveness of summer reading activities, and motivational factors for children in communities of differing socioeconomic make-ups and population sizes.;A six part instrument was mailed to a random sampling of 500 libraries in the United States serving a population of 25,000 and more. Sampling represented every state and the District of Columbia in the same population proportions reported in the nation. Of 500 surveys, 376 were returned. Of these, 200 could be used to determine characteristics of successful/not successful programs. Analysis was reported in two parts: the demographic description of all respondents and the inferential analysis of 200 libraries identified as successful/not successful. The study was designed to provide reliable national data about current operations of summer reading programs throughout the nation and baseline data concerning success in reaching a higher percentage of children in this important library activity. |
