Creating a ubiquitous reading environment for children in undeveloped rural areas: An action research project

Abstract

Reading literacy in children is very low in undeveloped, rural areas compared to reading literacy levels in urban children. Action research is effective in exploring collaboration among libraries, schools, and families to improve rural children's reading levels. To create a ubiquitous reading environment for rural children, a three-stage and two-year action framework was initially designed and evaluated in this study. Ten action research circles were carried out within this framework involving 10 rural libraries, 11 primary schools and 127 families in China. Findings show positive effects of the improved reading environment. Five themes were identified to interpret why the research project exerted positive impacts on rural areas and to guide future action for libraries and other sectors to develop children's literacy as strategies.