Use of Reading Levels in Library Media Center Materials

Purpose

This policy restates the position statement for the American Library Association regarding the use of reading levels in media center materials.

Duration

This policy is permanent.

Policy

Position Statement on Labeling Books with Reading Levels

ANCS uses spine labels to organize and identify library resources by call number to help patrons locate general subject areas or specific fiction, non-fiction, reference, audiovisual, or other items. Viewpoint-neutral directional labeling increases students' access to information and supports their First Amendment right to read. Best practice at ANCS includes books and other resources being shelved using a standard classification system that also enables students to find resources in other libraries, such as a public library, from which they may borrow materials.

Student browsing behaviors can be profoundly altered with the addition of external reading level labels. With reading level labels often closely tied to reward points, student browsing becomes mainly a search for books that must be read and tests completed for individual or classroom point goals and/or grades. ANCS library media center materials are not merely extensions of classroom book collections or classroom teaching methods, but rather places where children can explore interests safely and without restrictions. A minor's right to access resources freely and without restriction has long been and continues to be the position of the American Library Association and the American Association of School Librarians.

Labeling and shelving a book with an assigned grade level on its spine allows other students to observe the reading level of peers, thus threatening the confidentiality of students' reading levels. Only a student, the child's parents/guardians, the teacher, and the library media specialists as appropriate should have knowledge of a student's reading capability.

It is the responsibility of the library media specialists to promote free access for students and not to aid in restricting their library materials. Library media specialists should resist labeling and advocate for development of ANCS policies regarding leveled reading programs that rely on library media center staff compliance with library book labeling and non-standard shelving requirements. These policies should address the concerns of privacy, student First Amendment rights, behavior modification in both browsing and motivational reading attitudes, and related issues.

Resources

Approval and Review

Approved

Effective

 Last Review

Next Review
06/16/15 07/01/15 06/2023 06/2026