The knottier problem I encountered was the matter of a discrepancy in the purported reading level of a series currently housed in the Juvenile Fiction section. Follett Destiny lists the Jigsaw Jones series as reading level 3rd-5th grade and reading interest level at the same ages. However, the Jigsaw Jones series has short chpaters, large text and pictures, which are hallmarks of the Early Chapter books, which are housed with the Easy Fiction (grades K-2). I checked the Scholastic website and they list the series as K-2 and 3-5. How they can justify categorizing the same book in two separate and unequal categories is a mystery.
At any rate, the rule of thumb is to place the book with the lowest level assigned, which in this case would be the Easy Chapter books, grades K-2. Thje problem is that Nebinger, and indeed the Philadelphia Schoold District, have agreed to follow the Follett system of categorizing. When I looked to see what other schools had done, there was no easy answer. This titles is variously catalogued as Early Fiction, Easy Chapter and Juvenile Fiction, depending on which school catalog you consult. I am only a temporary volunteer, not the permanent librarian. I do not wish to cause confusion for the person who ultimately holds this postion. In the meantime, I have consulted with my advisor for her considered opinion on this matter.
Another troublesome issue popped up. One of the books I found cataloged and housed in the Juvenile Fiction section is a book that is an Adult level book. It has adult situations and offensive language. I will need to bring this to the attention of the Friends and possibly the administration and have this book removed from this collection. It is inappropriate reading material for an elementary public school library and I am surprised to find that it was ever deemed appropriate to add to the collection.
On a brighter note, more funishings have arrived. The carpeting for the Early and Juvenile Fiction sections, as well as the seating and a display unit have arrived. Lisa from Nebinger Friends was in today and her efforts have made the library look cheerful and welcoming. Kudos to the Nebinger Friends!
The Juveile Fiction Pa-Sc:
The Early Fiction section:
The Juvenile Fiction section:
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