Describes a protocol study of 10 professional writers which examined the meaning and influence of purpose on writers in the workplace. Explores the interactions of various purpose considerations derived from situation, reader, and text. Suggests that professional writers have a range of meanings in mind when they think about purpose. (MM)

Argues that the most important thing that teachers can teach their students about writing letters is to write in a way that reflects the writer's personality, ideas, and visions. Notes that student letter writers should also practice thoughtfulness and good manners. (RS)

Analyzes four prize-winning children's books about the Black experience in America. Concludes that books about the Black experience in America must be evaluated in terms of a selective historic and religious tradition and in light of the cultural background of the authors. (RS)

Describes a study in which comprehensive bibliographies and related literatures were compared by clustering indices, Bradford multipliers, bibliograph slopes, and reference scattering coefficients. It is concluded that the clustering index has the potential for being a useful tool in comparing the intensity of clustering of different literatures.…

States that the books remembered most vividly and most fondly are the ones that go beyond the bounds of ordinary existence. Strives to offer adolescents, in books written by the author, a chance to experience something outside their normal routine. (MG)

Discusses the Native American literary renaissance that began in 1968, and introduces a survey of 175 books published since then by American Indians and Eskimos. Clarifies usage of "American Indian,""American Indian literature," and "Native American." Examines literary criticism of contemporary Native American…

Traces Hemingway's development as an author/journalist, beginning with his career as a high school journalist, through his tenure with the "Kansas City Star," and finally as an author of fiction. Presents some of Hemingway's own reflections on the relationship between fiction and journalism. (PA)

Examines the development of multicultural literature for children and youth in the mid-20th century in the light of feminist theory. Phases of curricular revision are described; and the works of four white women writers, Florence Crannell Means, Ann Nolan Clark, Marguerite de Angeli, and Lois Lenski, are reviewed. (Contains 71 references.) (LRW)

Discussion of issues concerning the protection of artists' and authors' rights focuses on moral rights. Highlights include copyright; intellectual property protection; new technologies, especially multimedia; the example of digital photography; examples of previous cases; and the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990. (Contains 24 references.) (LRW)

Discusses how to write nonfiction for young readers based on the personal experiences of the author. Topics addressed include storytelling to establish the setting and the mood; developing characters, including the use of quotes from diaries, journals, letters, and memoirs; the use of anecdotes; and research and serendipity. (LRW)

Chronicles the author's beginnings on a Spokane Indian reservation, and his disappointment at the lack of attention paid to Indian culture. Describes his decision to become a writer after reading the works of Joy Harjo, a Native American poet. Explains how her work has influenced his own, and the importance of poetry to Native Americans. (PA)

Because journals' requirements vary, would-be authors should target journals meeting their own goals, study editors' expectations, and try to meet them. Educators should also consider the journal's refereed status, whether it employs a research format or publishes themed issues, the acceptance rate, turnaround time, suggested article length, and…

Suggests that James Baldwin was one of the most prolific authors of schoolbooks for children during his lifetime (1841-1925). Notes that in addition to the Baldwin Readers (1897), he coauthored the Harper Readers (1888) and Expressive Readers (1911). Estimates that his publications numbered 54 volumes and that 26 million copies of his works sold…

A study of 100 article citations from 11 library science journals showed only 45 article citations that were completely free of errors, while 11 had major errors--i.e., errors preventing or hindering location of the reference--and the remaining 44 had minor errors. Citation accuracy in library science journals appears similar to accuracy in other…

Reports a study to assess the professional productivity of the primary and secondary authors of the 10 available elementary science textbook series as 1 criterion in evaluating textbooks for adoption by school districts. Professional productivity based on presentations at professional meetings and articles published in professional journals was…