I am in a combined middle and high school Library Learning Commons. This is my fourth year here, and I'm feeling more confident in the collection. I've done quite a bit of weeding (including titles that were really only appropriate for adults). I've had some families, and staff, inquire why the collection is combined, and not separate for middle and high. While I inherited it this way, I've created and implemented some guidelines and practices to help middles develop responsible reader habits. 

I am reaching out to gather some insight from this community. I'm curious as to how you manage combined collections, specifically middle and high, but even elementary and middle. I’m thinking carefully about how I guide middle schoolers in their book selection within a shared secondary collection. I’d love to learn what systems or practices are working well for you.

Specifically, I’m curious:

• Do you physically or digitally separate middle school and high school texts? If so, how?

• If not, what strategies do you use to help middle school students choose age-appropriate materials?

• Are there labeling systems, shelving practices, reader advisory approaches, or policies that you’ve found effective?

• What has not worked as well as you hoped?

Any examples, recommendations, or lessons learned would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for sharing your expertise—I’m grateful to be part of such a thoughtful community.

Thank you!

Amber