Human Information Interaction

Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to find out the  current status of non-academic rankings of children's books and survey the experts  view on the revision  scheme in  the classification of such books.    

Method: The qualitative study was employed.  The research tool was a questionnaire based on the research objectives. Openended  interview data collection method was used based on the topics specified in the questionnaire.  Population consisted  of writers, critics, translators of children's books who were selected by snowball method.   

Results: The results showed  that experts in the arena of children's literature were in agreement in four facts:  Positive points, negative points, opportunities and threats.  They conclude that the use of age rating does not meet the needs of this age group. The use of psychological and educational approaches, regardless of the social aspects of children's development can not be the basis for determining the ranking of books.

Conclusion: The Findings suggest  that in spite of  the opinions expressed  -that are consistent with the belief that there is no age limit for children to use books -  however, considerations are taken to use of children’s book  under certain conditions.  In this regard, one can determine the age limit, based on  the cultural, social characteristics,  and children knowledge,  according to the views of the  two groups named in the ranking of books