Re: [LM_NET] Shelving by AR Level

[David Lininger <tss003@TNP.MORE.NET>]

Anne Hinchcliff wrote:

>I've been following this thread and have to agree with those who insist we are 
>here to teach students to use all libraries--the one they walk into at College 
>won't be arranged by AR levels. I think the thing that bothers me even more than 
>the shelving issue is the fact that library staff are labeling the books with the 
>"dots" that indicate a reading level on the outside of the book. What about 
>privacy issues? Do we want a fifth grader walking around with a book that clearly 
>shows everyone he is reading at only a second grade level? Don't we have a 
>responsibility to protect our student's privacy? I don't have a problem with AR if 
>it is used to get kids reading, but when it becomes the only focus of a visit to 
>the library I think the students are missing out on all of the other wonderful 
>things we have to offer. Just my two cents.
>

Our elementary library puts colored tape on the books to indicate 
levels. I just put a red dot on books that I have verified we have 
quizzes for. Since the MS kids use both libraries, the fifth-graders 
come in here looking for their color, and are quite surprised to find 
that I don't indicate colors. I do put a typed label on the spine with 
the Lexile and point numbers, but you would have to be pretty close to 
the book to read it.

I'm not sure that the privacy issue is as much of a problem as some 
people think it is. Our ~900 K-12 graders all know each other pretty 
well, so they already know who is a good reader and who is not. If 
someone is really interested in knowing the exact level of another 
student they will simply ask that student what their level is, and 
almost always will get an answer.

-- 
David Lininger, kb0zke,
MS/HS librarian
Hickory County R-1 Schools
Urbana, MO 65767
417-993-4226
tss003 at tnp dot more dot net

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------