Thesis--University of Michigan. / Bibliography: leaves 553-588.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 1991. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D.L.S.)--Columbia University, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 140-150).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Toronto, 1991. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D.L.S.)--Columbia University, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 140-150).

Thesis (M.A.)--Rowan University, 2007. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--Rowan University, 2008. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references.

M.A. (Information Science) / A need exists for criteria with which to evaluate formalistic popular fiction in the public library. The love story is one of the types of formalistic fiction which is very popular and which is found in great numbers in the collections of public libraries, but which is not bought in a responsible, professional way. Meaningful criteria for evaluating the love story cannot be developed without knowledge of the nature and characteristics of this type of story. This study examines the characteristics of formula fiction in general and of the formalistic love story in particular. Formula fiction is fiction written according to the requirements of specific formulae. Formula fiction can be regarded as a genre because it contains certain characteristics with a specific aesthetic impact, in accordance with the requirements of a genre. A fiction formula is a narrative structure which is used in a great number of individual works and which leads to the genesis of a story type. The most well-known story types or sub-genres of formula fiction which have originated in this way are love stories, science fiction, Wild West stories, espionage- and detective stories and social melodramas. "The most important characteristic of formula fiction which has been identified is that it is standardized. This standardization causes certain stereotypes to appear in formula fiction, namely stereotyped characters, themes and background and language usage. Each of the sub-genres of formula fiction, including the love story, has its own specific stereotyped characters, themes and background and language usage. The stereotypes existing within the love story are described extensively. The stereotypes in formula fiction acquire aesthetic impact when the author succeeds in adding a new element which regenerates the stereotype. The most important criterion for evaluating the formulistic love story is therefore the way in which stereotypes are handled in these stories. The formalistic nature of the love story is therefore accepted, but the regenerative handling of the formula must be evaluated in order to distinguish the better love story from the weaker one. Three love stories are evaluated to demonstrate how this criterion, namely the establishing of the extent of regeneration of stereotypes, can be applied to assess the merits of a love story. This study points out that the successful love story is the one in which the regeneration of stereotypes is done successfully. The use of this criterion for establishing the quality of individual love stories offers the opportunity for public libraries to decide in principle to include the popular love story in their collections, but to establish a responsible point of interception according to which the weak love story will not be bought.

Includes bibliography. / The focal point of this study emanates from both personal observations formed in public library branch work and questions raised in the subject literature to the effect that tension appears to exist between the wants of the majority of users and the perception of the dominant goals of the public library by their staff, resulting in differing views as to the book selection policy of this institution. Book selection policies have been taken to reflect the attitudes of library staff towards users' wants in terms of their adherence to the tenets of Anglo-American public library objectives.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Library Services (KZNPLS) is attempting to address the reading needs of black adult users neglected during the apartheid era. The provision of popular adult English fiction, which consumes a considerable portion of the KZNPLS book budget, has catered for the recreational reading tastes of a small, educated, predominantly white group. This study explores whether popular adult English fiction has a role to play in the reading needs of black adult users in libraries affiliated to KZNPLS. An exploratory survey using the semi-structured interview was conducted in black libraries affiliated to KZNPLS to investigate whether there was an interest in popular English fiction and whether it was assisting readers to develop English language reading skills. The findings of the survey suggested that needs were very broad. However, basic literacy material was the most needed, and popular English fiction was playing a significant role in improving English language reading skills and fluency. The study suggests that if transformation and development is to take place in South Africa, the country's inhabitants must cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary for full utilisation of information technology. The oral tradition is not sufficient for South Africa's information needs but should be incorporated into a synergic union with global information systems. Reading has an established role to play in the development of critical thinking skills but South Africa lacks a strong reading culture. The fostering of English-language reading ability is appropriate as English is the lingua franca of South Africa and the foremost language of technology. The structure of much popular English fiction has transcultural appeal due to its use of archetypal formulas. Popular English fiction provides reading motivation but has a controversial history due to elitist condemnations of its literary quality. To overcome the debate of whether libraries should prefer literary merit or popularity in their fiction collections, it is recommended that diversity be the touchstone and that readers be given full opportunity to indulge in the free voluntary reading that provides fertile ground for the cultivation of critical thinking skills. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1997.