Biography in the Lives of Youth: Culture, Society, and Information

by W. Bernard Lukenbill

Overview

Research from psychology and sociology has demonstrated that biography is assuming a powerful role in the sociological and psychological well being of youth. Biographies present role models, and define acceptable behaviors, social expectations, and values. They also demonstrate what is rewarded in society and what is less valued. This book considers selection and programming issues important, but goes beyond that and seeks to relate biography for youth within the larger arena of scholarship and research in terms of its literary, social, and cultural impact and importance. Lukenbill's overall goal is to help librarians, teachers, and youth workers better understand the power of biography, and ways it can be used. The book contrasts the influences of our current celebrity-and-media-driven culture with the role librarians, teachers, and parents can play in the positive development of youth. The use of biography in the school is presented as a fundamental tool of instruction, emphasizing its important role as a vehicle for cultural and information literacy dissemination. The use of biography in the public library centers on its use in programming and its potential for promoting cultural literacy, positive self-identification and healthy recreation. Major topics covered by the book include: biography in life and in learning; biography as used both in school library media center, the public library, and the classroom; biography as literature; biography as contemporary commentary; biography for the very young; biography as it affects attitudes and behaviors; and biography as social dialogue. The book's approach is at once theoretical and practical

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781591582847
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	04/30/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	276
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.57(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

W. Bernard Lukenbill is Professor, School of Information, University of Texas, Austin. He has written several other books for Libraries Unlimited.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Biography: Its Place in Life and Learning
Biography in School Library Media Centers and Public Libraries
Biography for the Very Young
Biography: Life in a Mirror
Biography and Literature
Biography, Celebrities and Modern Life
Biography as Social Dialogue
Biography in Art
Reflections
Conclusion
References
Basic Selection and Access Aids for Biography
Selected Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Lukenbill seeks to help public librarians and media specialists better use biography in all curriculum areas and as basis for special programming.” —VOYA

“Reflecting on the different and varied uses of biography depending on the age, interests, and developmental needs of students, Lukenbill breaks the genre down into the different types of biographies and how they have changed over time. He includes author and literature suggestions throughout the text and concludes with an extensive bibliography of selection aids, including books and periodicals, for locating recommended titles….[t]he table of contents is extensive and will enable readers to focus on finding age-appropriate material.” —School Library Jourbanal

From the Publisher

Reflecting on the different and varied uses of biography depending on the age, interests, and developmental needs of students, Lukenbill breaks the genre down into the different types of biographies and how they have changed over time. He includes author and literature suggestions throughout the text and concludes with an extensive bibliography of selection aids, including books and periodicals, for locating recommended titles. The index is decent, but the table of contents is extensive and will enable readers to focus on finding age-appropriate material.-Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School, West Jordan, UT Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal