The motivational effects of various display techniques on book selection of elementary school children

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of various display techniques used in the school library on student book selection. The study also examined the recall time of various display techniques and the relationship of display technique preference to grade level of the pupils.

A survey of 550 students in grades I through 6 in Rocky Hill School, Knoxville, Tennessee, was taken to determine technique preference and display recall using recall as a measure of interest. The survey was also used to determine book selection as related to display technique. An interview of a stratified random sample of the students was used to supplement the findings. A special study was designed to determine if there was a significant difference on book selection for third and fifth grade students as related to display technique. Using the chi square and analysis of variance statistical procedures, it was found that there was a significant difference and three dimensional displays were more effective motivators of book selection.

The data indicated that realia collections were most effective in evoking interest, however, there did not appear to be a relationship of preference to grade level. The live animals, an unmodified realia collection, were most preferred display by students. Other realia collections were also identified as being important to students' book selection and interest. It appears that student-made projects evoke much student attention. Bulletin boards are more readily recalled for a longer period of time than other displays, however, high interest and personal involvement are necessary cues for the recall. Children's interests and current affairs are important in motivating book selection and play an influential role in display effectiveness.