Children with reading difficulties a user study about some childrens experiences in libraries.

The purpose of this study was to examine how some children with reading problems experience and use libraries. The main problem was: How do dyslectic children experience and use libraries and how do they handle their reading difficulties when using libraries? The questions at issue were: 1. Do children with reading problems use libraries, and if so how? - in which purposes do they use libraries? - which materials and services do they use? - why dont some children use libraries? 2. How do the children handle their difficulties when using libraries: which coping-strategies do they use? The study was initiated with a questionnaire answered by 40 children with reading problems. Among these children 14 were selected for interviews. The main method used was qualitative interviews with the 14 children. The description and analysis of the empirical material was made according to user-oriented theories mainly by Wilson but also by Kuhlthau, and according to coping-theories, and theories of reading problems mainly by Lundberg and Høien. The results showed that many children in the study used libraries for self-chosen activities. The active users used the library consciously to borrow books to read, to practice reading and to get materials to compensate their problems. They liked books and liked to read or listen. Many children didnt like reading books but they liked computers and Internet. They used the Internet facilities at the libraries together with friends, almost everyday at school. By using the Internet they practised their reading and writing unconsciously. Those who didnt use the library didnt like books or reading. They tried to conceal their reading problems by avoiding reading, books and libraries. Many children didnt choose literature specially adopted for children with reading problems, instead they chose literature for interest.Uppsatsnivå: