Dear Mrs. Kostial,
Here are the responses to the questions you had concerning "High School" level materials.
Could you tell us how this criteria is going to be established? Will it be based on official reviews only or will you also include material encountered by staff and patrons?
New books will receive the "High School" spine label when reviews and/or the professional judgment of the Children's Collection Development Specialist and Youth Services Manager indicate that the subject matter or treatment is suited to a 9th to 12th grade maturity level. The Youth Services Manager and Teen Services Coordinator will draw up a list of titles currently in the Teen collection that they feel should have the "High School" label. Patrons who feel that specific titles are candidates for the "High School" label should complete theMaterials Reconsideration Form (available at each location and on the web page) so that the Materials Review Committee can evaluate the title. Other staff recommendations for the "High School" designation will also be evaluated by the committee.
What will be exact parameters for inclusion in this category? For example will it include all depictions of sexual acts, including but not limited to, oral sex, anal sex, adult-child sex, child sex, bestial sex, necrophilic sex, sadomasochistic sex, intercourse, rape, molestation, and inappropriate touching and discussion of genitalia and breasts?
The "High School" label will be applied to materials suited to a 9th to 12th grade maturity level, whether it is because of the subject matter, the treatment of the subject matter, or the reading level. Your list includes a very wide range of sexual practices and it isn't easy to say definitively how materials with the above subject matter would be handled since so much can depend on the treatment of the subject. A "discussion of genitalia and breasts" could appear in a non fiction book suitable for children approaching puberty or it could be part of a novel clearly intended for an adult audience. However, materials containing depictions of at least some of the above practices, if purchased at all, would most likely be placed in the adult collection.
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Barbara Brain
Assistant Director-Adult & Support Services
St. Louis County Library