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  "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Great advice for us
new techies, don't you think?


---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Thu, 1 Jun 1995 07:35:45 -0400
From: Linda Blackman <lindab@tms.telstar.sad44.k12.me.us>
To: LM_NET <LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
Subject: HIT: 6-12 Libraries


     A few weeks ago I asked for some feedback from other libraries who
serve Grades 6 through 12 as to whether or not the collections should be
integrated. Due to some damage caused by a severe thunderstorm, we lost
our connection for a while, but I did receive some responses. Here are
the results.
    Those who wrote seem to be overwhelmingly in favor of integrating the
collections. Some advantages were: a more varied collection for all
reading and interest levels, younger students become more at ease with
research and using higher level research materials earlier on, less of a
management nightmare. The major disadvantage was the increased likelihood
of parental complaints about inappropriate materials. Some suggestions on
how to deal with this issue (besides the usual procedure for handling
challenges), were somehow mark the spines of certain books intended for a
particular grade level, set up separate fiction displays, and officially
provide a separate reading area for the different age groups.

    Since some of you expressed an interest in knowing my final decision,
here it is. With the complete support of the faculties, I have decided to
integrate the collections. The middle school books have a J on their
spines, which I will leave to help distinguish them in their new
locations. I will create separate middle school and high school paperback
displays. I will continue to have a reading corner reserved for middle
school students. This is basically what I had in mind to begin with, but
it is a great relief to me to have your support and suggestions.

    Thanks!

                                   Linda Blackman
                                   Telstar Middle/High School Library


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