This National Leadership Grant for Research Project is titled: Investigating Self-Determination Variables in Summer Reading Program Participants. This project will expand research beyond that done on reading and information in school libraries, to that of public libraries in the context of summer reading programs (SRPs). The study will explore the relationship between free voluntary reading (FVR) and middle school age participants' perceived confidence in information skills. The study will also explore the degree to which extrinsic rewards related to literacy (bookmarks, free books etc.) are likely to have an effect on intrinsic motivation to read. Data will be collected from 12 summer reading programs in the public library systems of New York State (Onondaga County) and Ohio (Cuyahoga).

Who are the people involved?

First and foremost, this project involves two library systems in NYS and Ohio. In New York State, the librarians and staff of the Onondaga County Public Library System are participating in the research while in Ohio the librarians and staff of the Cuyahoga County Public Library system are taking part both in a pilot study and in the main study. Without these individuals and their directors, this research would not be possible.

Dr. Marilyn Arnone Principal Investigator, is Associate Research Professor and Associate Professor of Practice at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies and co-Director at the University's Center for Digital Literacy. She has served as principal investigator and co-principal investigator on many federal grants including national leadership grants from IMLS.

Dr. Ruth Small, co-Principal Investigator, is Laura J. & L. Douglas Professor and Director of the School Media Program in the School of Information Studies and Founding Director of the Center for Digital Literacy at Syracuse University. She has received the AASL's Highsmith Research Award and the ALA's Carroll Preston Baber Research Award for her research on motivation and information literacy.

Dr. Stephen Krashen is a linguist, educational researcher, and professor emeritus at the University of Southern California. He has received the Mildenberger Award for his book on second language acquisition and learning and in 2005 was inducted into the International Reading Association's Reading Hall of Fame. He will be providing input for planning and development of the intrinsic motivation to read instrument, interview protocol development and writing articles.

Mr. Thomas Hardy is President/Owner of Data Momentum in Ithaca, NY and will provide consulting on technical services for needed programming. His company will provide substantial organizational support.

Erin Bennett is a Master's Level student in the Library School Media program at Syracuse University. She will be editing the website and helping with communication between the research team.