Date of Award

Fall 12-16-2021

Document Type

Project (696 or 796 registration)

Degree Name

Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction

Department

Graduate Studies

Committee Chair

Ximena Suarez-Sousa

Keywords

Native American, Picture Books, Cultural Authenticity, Diversity, Children's Literature

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the confidence and ability of library staff to select and identify culturally authentic Native American picture books. The researcher, a self-identified Native American, developed a tool designed to assist in library staff in identifying key elements of a picture book that lend themselves to a work being culturally authentic. Assisting patrons in selecting materials is a key element in the library profession. The setting of this research is a university with a large Professional Education Program as well as a documented dedication to serving Native students and surrounding tribal communities and the participants of the study were library staff. This puts the library staff in a unique position of often assisting students and community members in finding culturally authentic picture books depicting Native Americans. The study was done with an online survey consisting of both qualitative and quantitative questions and required the participants to each read and evaluate two picture books. It was determined that the tool was successful in increasing the confidence of all participants and all participants are very likely to utilize the tool again in their professional practice.

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