Where Are the Children in Children's Collections?

Ocampo, Lissete

Aggleton, J. (2018). Where are the children in children’s collections? An exploration of ethical principles and practical concerns surrounding children’s participation in collection development. New Review of Children's Literature and Librarianship, 24(1), 1-17. doi:10.1080/13614541.2018.1429122

"Where Are the Children in Children's Collections" is an article about allowing children to be a part of the collection development process for children's collections. Aggleton (2018) argues that children should be seen as a cultural group separate from adults and should acknowledge their rights to have a role in the development of children's collections. Although the librarian should have the main control and responsibility of the collection, children should absolutely participate in the process. Librarians should consult children on their information needs and find out what they want to see in children's collections. Children and adults should work together to build a collection that children will use and enjoy. A children's collection created solely by adults is biased and reflect what adults think children will enjoy or should read.

Although engaging children in the collection development process is a challenge, Aggleton (2018) makes a great point about acknowledging them as a valuable resource for the development of children's collections. It is true that the opinions of adults and children on books are very different, even if adults try to put themselves into children's shoes. Other studies support this, arguing that children would rather read what other children recommend instead of what parents and teachers recommend. Librarians should figure out more ways that children can be a part of the process--and not just using a request box!

Where are the children in children’s collection?

Libraries are champions of information independence and freedom of information. This even applies to children, in which their rights are recognized. In public libraries, children have the same rights to privacy and the same ability to check out materials as any adult. However, children are not truly represented in children’s literature because these materials are made by adults and chosen by adults. Is it really the adult’s interpretation of childhood?

There is a distinct lack of involvement by minors in collection development. However, it has been shown that children prefer recommendations from siblings, friends, and other children over those of their parents, teachers, or librarians. They are active participants in literature but do not actively participate in collection development as other age groups do such as teen coalitions or adults. It may be possible to recognize the competence of children and hear their opinions. Librarians should understand that while children may not be fully independent, their collective experiences are still valuable.  

Aggleton, J. (2018). Where are the children in children’s collection? An exploration of ethical principles and practical concerns surrounding children’s participation in collection development. New Review of Children’s Literature and Librarianship, 24(1), 1-17. Doi:10.1080/13614541.2018.1429122