Gratifications sought - gratifications ...

The following considerations centre on the fundamental principles and pathways of book selection processes. Based on the reading lists of three Austrian book clubs/reading circles, the relationship between the books proposed for reading and the books ultimately selected by the reading groups is examined. It will also be shown how the literary scene (literary criticism, literary prizes, canon) and the groups’ identities influence the choice of reading matter. The decision-making processes are subjected to a detailed analysis by applying a close reading of the recording transcripts of succinct discussions of two groups. Both groups decided to read Patrick Modiano’s novel In the Café of Lost Youth (Dans le café de la jeunesse perdue/Im Café der verlorenen Jugend), but they used different strategies for deciding. The process of arriving at a decision is explained with the help of adapted models drawn from decision-making theory and media use theory (Recognition Heuristic, Involvement, Uses and Gratifications Approach).