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Coping books and bibliotherapy
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From: Gloria j. Waity <gjwaity>
Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 20:23:16 -0600
Since the terrible tragedy of last Tuesday there have been numerous requests for books to help our children deal with the horror. The terms "bibliotherapy" and "coping books" have been used at various times.
I certainly do not intend to start a discussion on the topic of bibliotherapy knowing what a controversial issue it is, but I do want to encourage accuracy in use of terminology.
The literature on bibliotherapy carefully points out that bibliotherapy occurs ONLY when there is reading AND discussion led by a trained bibliotherapist. Reading alone, either self help books or literature of any kind which brings comfort, is not bibliotherapy although comfort in the reading may be found. A librarian who supplies self help material is not practicing bibliotherapy but is merely providing material as in any reading advisory service although the individual who reads the material may find comfort.
While it has been some years since I have reviewed the literature on bibliotherapy and I cannot update it immediately because of leaving for several weeks, I am including one of three definitions from the Assn. of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) in ASCLA RESOURCE LIST NO. 3 A GUIDE TO BIBLIOTHERAPY, ALA, 1982. which may help clarify usage of the term. It follows:
"Bibliotherapy can be either a developmental or a clinical process, utilizing selected literature, creative writing and film, with discussion guided by a trained facilitator, for the purpose of integrating feelings and thought in order to promote self?firmation, self-knowledge or rehabilitation.
"Developmental bibliotherapy is the personalization of literature for the purpose of meeting normal life tasks.
"Clinical bibliotherapy is a mode of intervention in aiding persons severely troubled with emotional or behavioral problems.
"Both forms of bibliotherapy are usually practised in a group and always with a trained leader and discussion." p.1
Note that either type of bibliotherapy always has a trained leader and discussion.
I just wanted to clarify terms.
Peace and comfort to you all.
Gloria J. Waity Library Consultant, Retired
Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 20:23:16 -0600
Since the terrible tragedy of last Tuesday there have been numerous requests for books to help our children deal with the horror. The terms "bibliotherapy" and "coping books" have been used at various times.
I certainly do not intend to start a discussion on the topic of bibliotherapy knowing what a controversial issue it is, but I do want to encourage accuracy in use of terminology.
The literature on bibliotherapy carefully points out that bibliotherapy occurs ONLY when there is reading AND discussion led by a trained bibliotherapist. Reading alone, either self help books or literature of any kind which brings comfort, is not bibliotherapy although comfort in the reading may be found. A librarian who supplies self help material is not practicing bibliotherapy but is merely providing material as in any reading advisory service although the individual who reads the material may find comfort.
While it has been some years since I have reviewed the literature on bibliotherapy and I cannot update it immediately because of leaving for several weeks, I am including one of three definitions from the Assn. of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) in ASCLA RESOURCE LIST NO. 3 A GUIDE TO BIBLIOTHERAPY, ALA, 1982. which may help clarify usage of the term. It follows:
"Bibliotherapy can be either a developmental or a clinical process, utilizing selected literature, creative writing and film, with discussion guided by a trained facilitator, for the purpose of integrating feelings and thought in order to promote self?firmation, self-knowledge or rehabilitation.
"Developmental bibliotherapy is the personalization of literature for the purpose of meeting normal life tasks.
"Clinical bibliotherapy is a mode of intervention in aiding persons severely troubled with emotional or behavioral problems.
"Both forms of bibliotherapy are usually practised in a group and always with a trained leader and discussion." p.1
Note that either type of bibliotherapy always has a trained leader and discussion.
I just wanted to clarify terms.
Peace and comfort to you all.
Gloria J. Waity Library Consultant, Retired
--Received on Sun 16 Sep 2001 09:23:16 PM CDT
