Take Your Search to the Next Level: Finding Books by Reading Level
I am currently enrolled in the Master of Information program through Rutgers University so that I can become a librarian (yes, being a librarian requires a master’s degree!) I’m very excited to complete my degree, not just because it will allow me to become a librarian, but also because my husband will never win another argument once I am a MASTER OF INFORMATION. I mean, for real, that’s a cool title. Well, maybe not superhero-level cool, but still cool nonetheless. So what does it mean to be a Master of Information? Basically that librarians are experts at finding and evaluating information. We don’t just know where to find books in the library, we can find all sorts of helpful information for patrons. Working on a school project and need help? Ask a librarian. Starting a business and want to know about the programs available for entrepreneurs or the demographics of your area? Ask a librarian. Want to know where to find a specific tax form? Ask a librarian. You get the picture. Librarians are just like Google, but with a face, and more importantly, a brain that can help sort through the vast amount of information out there.
For a class assignment, I had to approach librarians from other library systems in-person, over the phone, and through email or chat and ask them a question to assess their skills. The question I chose to ask was “How do I find a book by reading level?” I was worried that it may be too easy, but it turns out it's a difficult question even for experienced librarians! How are parents and students supposed to know how to do it? Thankfully there are resources to help both patrons and librarians. The best resource for members of the Mercer County Library System is NoveList or NoveList K-8 Plus. Both databases allow you to conduct an advanced search by Lexile Level or Accelerated Reader (AR or ATOS) Level, with NoveList K-8 Plus being geared towards children and NoveList Plus including adult materials as well. Both databases are very easy to access through the library’s website. Simply click on the databases tab and scroll down to find them. The Plus versions of both databases can be accessed from anywhere and link to the Mercer County Library catalog, which gives you the added benefit of being able to find the book and place it on hold.
You may be saying “That’s all well and good, but our school district doesn’t use Lexile Levels or AR Levels. We use Guided Reading Levels (or Fountas and Pinnell, DRA, or some other leveling system).” That’s where a conversion chart comes in handy. Check the chart and find your child’s level, then convert that to Lexile Level or AR Level so that you can search NoveList K-8 Plus or another online source like Scholastic’s Book Wizard or AR Bookfinder. Amazon also lists the Lexile Level for books, and allows you to search by Lexile Level, so once you know how to convert a reading level, there are many resources available to help you choose appropriate books. My favorite by far though is NoveList Plus or K-8 Plus due to the ability to access the MCL catalog through the database.
Watch the tutorial below to see tips for searching NoveList K-8 Plus.
Some people ask why the library doesn’t just arrange books by strict reading level and to them I say, because we want to encourage a love of reading at any level. While we understand the importance of assessing reading levels in schools, when it comes to reading for pleasure, children should read what they like. Interest is a huge motivator and children will challenge themselves to read at a higher level when the subject matter interests them. If you want your child to read more, give them a variety of books (fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels) that appeal to their interests - whether those interests are horses or science or video games or even fart jokes. There’s something for everyone and providing your child with books that appeal to him or her will help nurture a lifelong love of reading.
For a class assignment, I had to approach librarians from other library systems in-person, over the phone, and through email or chat and ask them a question to assess their skills. The question I chose to ask was “How do I find a book by reading level?” I was worried that it may be too easy, but it turns out it's a difficult question even for experienced librarians! How are parents and students supposed to know how to do it? Thankfully there are resources to help both patrons and librarians. The best resource for members of the Mercer County Library System is NoveList or NoveList K-8 Plus. Both databases allow you to conduct an advanced search by Lexile Level or Accelerated Reader (AR or ATOS) Level, with NoveList K-8 Plus being geared towards children and NoveList Plus including adult materials as well. Both databases are very easy to access through the library’s website. Simply click on the databases tab and scroll down to find them. The Plus versions of both databases can be accessed from anywhere and link to the Mercer County Library catalog, which gives you the added benefit of being able to find the book and place it on hold.
You may be saying “That’s all well and good, but our school district doesn’t use Lexile Levels or AR Levels. We use Guided Reading Levels (or Fountas and Pinnell, DRA, or some other leveling system).” That’s where a conversion chart comes in handy. Check the chart and find your child’s level, then convert that to Lexile Level or AR Level so that you can search NoveList K-8 Plus or another online source like Scholastic’s Book Wizard or AR Bookfinder. Amazon also lists the Lexile Level for books, and allows you to search by Lexile Level, so once you know how to convert a reading level, there are many resources available to help you choose appropriate books. My favorite by far though is NoveList Plus or K-8 Plus due to the ability to access the MCL catalog through the database.
Watch the tutorial below to see tips for searching NoveList K-8 Plus.
Some people ask why the library doesn’t just arrange books by strict reading level and to them I say, because we want to encourage a love of reading at any level. While we understand the importance of assessing reading levels in schools, when it comes to reading for pleasure, children should read what they like. Interest is a huge motivator and children will challenge themselves to read at a higher level when the subject matter interests them. If you want your child to read more, give them a variety of books (fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels) that appeal to their interests - whether those interests are horses or science or video games or even fart jokes. There’s something for everyone and providing your child with books that appeal to him or her will help nurture a lifelong love of reading.
- Christine H., Hickory Corner Branch
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