Thank you for the great responses, they were very helpful in our
discussion on this topic.
Suzanne

Responses to query on (content) labeling books in middle school libraries

5-8 school		Uses YA stickers
			Does not restrict what students check out of the library, but gives
them a heads-up about content, and lets them decide.

5-8 school		Mark YA in the back of the book and adds a note in the copy
portion of record.
			Grades 5-6 need a note from home to take out YA books.
			Grades 7-8 need a note from home to take out high school books.
			Notes from home state that students, “can take out any book in the
library,” or in the case of high school, “can take out any book in
				the district.”
			A message is attached to the student record that they have such a note.

5-8 school		Have a YA section labeled with YA stickers.
			Do not restrict what students check out, but point out the YA sticker
and tell them that indicates more violent or mature content.
			If parents object, the librarian puts a note on the student record to
that effect.

6-8 school		Does not label books for maturity.
			Finds that younger kids do not tend to choose more mature books.
			Relies on reviews from School Library Journal.
			Feels that YA labels may be a red flag for parents and possibly attract
more younger readers.
			Does not restrict what students check out of the library, but gives
them a heads-up about content, and lets them decide.

5-12 school	Whole collection not separated into grade levels.
			Labels books for grades 10-12 with small green dot on spine label,
tells kids it is “harder to read,” and has them do the five finger
				test.
			Will ask 5th graders if their parents allow them to read horror books,
etc.
			Tells parents at Parents Night that it is up to them to monitor what
their child is reading and that this is a right the school should not
				take 	away from them. If parents are unhappy with their child’s book
choice, the librarian will gladly help the student select 				another book.

6-12 school	Uses stickers (YA?)
			If students take out a book the librarian thinks is inappropriate, she
tells them that they need to tell their parents what they are 					reading
- this usually discourages them.

6-12 school	Use Accelerated Reader labels (these indicate grade reading
levels).
			Students who want a UG labeled book (upper grades 9-12) have a
conversation with the librarian and may be offered something 				more
appropriate.

7-12 school	Does not label books for maturity.
			Is concerned that labels will keep older kids from younger books.

Suzanne Cole
K-12 Library Media Specialist
RSU 73, Jay, Livermore Falls, Livermore
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207-897-4336 Ext. 141