Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze high school students’ understanding and use of the recommended books lists. The survey distributed to high school students in seven high schools located in Seoul, and 311 students responded. Using SPSS 24, the data was analyzed by frequency, binary logistic model, and one-way ANOVA. Results show the followings. First, the meaningful factors affecting students’ use of recommended books lists are gender, grade levels, and the degree to which students think recommended books lists include the books that are suitable and interesting. Particularly, the degree to which students think recommended books lists include the suitable books for them is the strong factor affecting students’ use of the recommended books lists. Second, male students are less likely to use recommended books lists than female students. Male students consistently are less likely to use the recommended books lists made by school librarians, subject teachers, and reading experts and/or organizations. Third, teacher-librarians believed that the recommended books lists would help students who do not enjoy reading and have difficulties in reading. However, the study finds that students who enjoy reading and read well are more willing to use the recommended books lists made by school librarians, subjects teachers, and reading experts and/or organizations than those who do not. Fourth, students are most willing to use the recommended books lists for college preparation. The findings suggest the further research topics in designing the recommended books lists suitable for high school students and in scaffolding the high school students’ use of book information reflected in recommended books lists.