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Eanes ISD

Grade-Level Opt-in/Opt-out Guidelines

Eanes librarians follow the selection policies listed in EF(Local) when developing their campus’ library collection. This criteria includes, but is not limited to, age appropriateness.

Starting with the 2023-24 school year, all books in middle school and high school libraries will be labeled according to the age of their intended audience. Specific guidelines for all grade levels can be found below.

Elementary School Campus Libraries 

If a book’s professional resources list a grade range between PK-5, this book is appropriate for elementary campuses. If a title’s intended audience begins at 6th grade or above, the book would require further review by campus library staff prior to being added to the collection.

 

Middle School Campus Libraries

If a book’s professional resources list a grade range between 6-8, this book is appropriate for middle school campuses. If a title’s intended audience begins at 9th grade or above, the book would require further review by campus library staff prior to being added to the collection.

Young Adult (YA) books will be labeled as primarily intended for students in grade 8. Parents of students in grades 6-7 may opt-in and allow student access to YA books, and parents of students in grade 8 can opt-out of allowing student access to YA books.

A book may be considered young adult (YA) for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, the following.

  • It has been designated YA by the publisher and/or professional resources
  • The intended audience is between the ages of 12 and 18*
  • The protagonist is between the ages of 12 and 18
  • It includes themes of personal identity and self discovery*
  • Characters learn to navigate the challenges of the adult world from the teen perspective*
  • It reflects the unique needs and interests of young adults (physical, intellectual, emotional, societal)*
  • It may include some mature content written with an adolescent audience in mind
  • It is intended to act as a bridge between children’s books and adult books*


*Criteria taken from International Library Association, School Library Journal, and/or Young Adult Library Services Association 

 

High School Campus Library 

If a book’s professional resources list a grade range between 9-12, the book is appropriate for the high school campus. If a title’s intended audience is adults (or no specific grade range is listed), the book would require further review by campus library staff prior to being added to the collection.

Adult (AD) books will be labeled as primarily intended for students in grade 12. Parents of students in grades 9-11 may opt-in and allow student access to AD books, and parents of students in grade 12 can opt-out of allowing student access to AD books. 

Adult students (students ages 18 and over) have access to all books in the high school campus library. 

A book may be considered Adult (AD) for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, the following.

  • It has been designated Adult by the publisher and/or professional resources
  • Professional resources listing age range are not available due to publication date
  • The intended audience is age 18 or over
  • The protagonist is typically an adult
  • The vocabulary and themes tend to be more academically advanced
  • It may include mature content written in greater detail with an adult audience in mind

Interlibrary loans of books from a higher grade-appropriate collection shall be allowed for voluntary student check-out with parent permission on a case-by-case basis.