The survey step in the SQ3R study reading strategy consists of scanning the reading material and its organizational features to establish the nature/magnitude of the reading task and to formulate guidelines for accomplishing that task. When the chapters of six history textbooks were examined for the presence, absence, and number of organizational features comprising the survey step, however, a wide range and variation in the use of those features were apparent. This variability in textbooks has implications for textbook selection and classroom instruction. When selecting textbooks, it is important to consider how the student will be reading the text. Since surveying is believed to be a viable, effective strategy in studying, students should develop this skill in material which does not overwhelm them. Members of textbook selection committees should try surveying chapters of a proposed textbook to make sure that students are not handicapped by the lack or preponderance of certain text features. Once a textbook is selected, teachers should provide the students with a general introduction to the text, its features, and study strategies for dealing with the text. (RL)