Libreon Content Advisories (LCA) (1.0)
The Libreon Content Advisories (LCA) system provides objective insight into a book’s content so readers know what’s inside before they turn the first page. LCA highlights material that different groups might find sensitive or objectionable—no value judgments. No agendas. Just facts.
Censorship thrives on confusion and fear, where transparency is the antidote. LCA helps provide that transparency.
Furthermore, as traditional book categories like “Young Adult” and “Adult” become increasingly diluted and inconsistent, Libreon Content Advisories also offer a modern, open-source solution designed to feel familiar— drawing inspiration from the widely recognized rating systems used in film, TV, and video games.
The Core Principles of LCA
- Inform, not judge — Advisories merely highlight potentially sensitive content without assigning moral value.
- Clarity and simplicity — Books are tagged with specific content markers that map to broader, intuitive categories like Youth and Adult.
- Book-first design — Built specifically for books and print media, but still applicable to any creative work.
- Fully open source — No licensing fees. Created to empower readers, educators, parents, and libraries.
- Qualitative not quantitative — Markers are either present or not—no stars, scores, or numerical ratings based on personal judgment.
Libreon Content Advisories (LCA) is an open-source system for rating book content; see the section "Copyright and License" below for more details.
How does it Work?
LCA is a very simple system with two parts:
Rating and
Markers. Rating is the overall Advisory for the creative work (such as
C for Children). Markers are advisories used to identify objectionable content within the creative work; if a marker is not specified, the objectionable content is not present in that work.
To rate a creative work, simply:
Learn More
Advisories
Children
Does not contain material of a sexual or romantic nature, objectionable or suggestive themes, nor violent material, although it may contain minimal cartoon or fantasy violence.
Youth
Contains mild fantasy or other violence, mild language, and/or
minimal objectional or suggestive themes. Typically this category starts around 8 years of age.
Teen
Contains some violence, suggestive themes, crude humor,
and/or, infrequent use of strong language. Typically this category starts around 13 years of age.
Mature
Contains intense violence, blood/gore, strong language, sexuality, and/or strong language. Typically this category starts around 18 years of age.
Explicit
Contains explicit sexuality, nudity, eroticism, abuse, bigotry, extreme violence/gore, sexual violence, and/or other objectionable content.
Markers
Markers focus on objectionable behaviors and references, such as those typically concerning in nature. If a marker is NOT included, the behaviors/references in question are absent from the content.
Each marker is listed with the lowest Rating in which it may be included (such as [T] for Teen). Where markers encompass a simpler marker, only the most severe marker needs to be included. When considering the Rating, it must be equal to the highest age category of any content Markers (for example, if the content contains a variety of G and T markers but has one M marker, then the Rating must be M).
Substances
Alcohol/Tobacco References
Alcohol or Tobacco are referenced or depicted, but not used.
Alcohol/Tobacco Use
Alcohol or Tobacco are used. Includes the Alcohol/Tobacco References marker.
Illegal Drug References
Illegal drugs are referenced or depicted, but not used.
Illegal Drug Use
Illegal drugs are used. Includes the Illegal Drug References marker.
Violence
Depictions or actions involving human or non-human characters, or targets
which could be perceived as such.
Slapstick Violence
Violence which does not result in harm to the intended target (such as cartoon violence).
Violent Themes
References to Violent acts, even if not directly depicted. Includes the Slapstick Violence marker.
Fantasy Violence
Violence in situations easily distinguishable from real life. Includes the Violent Themes marker.
Violence
Depictions involving aggressive conflict which results in human injury or death. May contain mild depictions of the result, without extended explanations of gore. Includes the Violent Themes marker.
Intense Violence
Depictions involving graphic violence and conflict which includes some blood, gore, and human injury and death. Includes the Mild or Fantasy Violence markers.
Extreme Violence
Depictions involving graphic violence with explicit or prolonged depictions of blood, gore, and human injury and death. Includes the Intense Violence marker.
Sexual Violence
Rape or other violent sexuality.
Language
Each Language marker includes the lower level, so only one need be specified.
Novel Swearing
Use of new or simple swear words or curses but no profanity or vulgarity.
Mild Language
Mild to moderate use of profanity and swearing, but no use of vulgar words
referencing sex, genitalia, or sexual acts.
Strong Language
Explicit and/or frequent use of profanity, swearing, and vulgarity.
Behavior and Themes
Mischief
Slapstick humor or inappropriate activities ("breaking rules"). Not required if the rating is higher than Youth.
Crude Humor
Situations or dialogue involving vulgar antics such as "bathroom humor."
Addictive Themes
Occasional references to addictive behaviors such as Gambling.
Gambling
Frequent depictions of Gambling.
Suicidal Themes
Dialogue or situations referencing suicide, which ARE depicted in a negative context†, without depicting suicidal behavior. These elements are treated with care and never glorified, often portraying suicide as a personal or societal challenge to overcome.
The intent is to convey a realistic emotional struggle, emphasize the seriousness of suicidal ideation, and promote awareness, healing, recovery, or prevention—without glorifying, sensationalizing, or romanticizing the act.
Suicidal Behavior
Portrayal of a suicide attempt, which IS depicted in a negative context†.
Such depictions are treated with sensitivity and never glorified, with focus on the emotional, physical, or social consequences.
The intent is to convey a realistic emotional struggle, emphasize the seriousness of suicidal ideation, and promote awareness, healing, recovery, or prevention—without glorifying, sensationalizing, or romanticizing the act.
Includes all content from the Suicidal Themes marker.
Suicide
Reference to or depiction of a completed suicide, which IS depicted in a negative context†. Such depictions are treated with sensitivity and never glorified, with focus on the emotional, physical, or social consequences. These portrayals often explore the aftermath, grief, or long-term impact on others.
The intent is to convey a realistic emotional struggle, emphasize the seriousness of suicidal ideation, and promote awareness, healing, recovery, or prevention—without glorifying, sensationalizing, or romanticizing the act.
Includes all content from the Suicidal Behavior marker.
Obscene Suicide
Portrayal of suicide without a clearly negative context†, or with stylized, graphic, or emotionally manipulative presentation. This includes depictions that are aestheticized, dramatized, or emotionally charged in ways that risk glorifying, neutralizing, or romanticizing the act—potentially evoking fascination rather than empathy.
Includes all content in the Suicide marker.
Bigotry
Depictions or references to prejudice against a person or people on the
basis of their membership of a particular group (including Gender and Race).
Bigotry
Obscene Bigotry
Abuse
Mental, Physical, Sexual or other abuse of a person, including Slavery.
Abuse Themes
Abuse
Obscene Abuse
Gender
Gendered or non-gendered pronouns are appropriate for all ages when used naturally and without reference to gender mechanics, anatomy, or transition-related topics. Simply identifying or referring to characters with pronouns (e.g., he, she, they, xe) does not constitute sexual or gender identity content.
Gender Identity Themes
Gender identity differences are acknowledged, referenced, or lightly discussed, without delving into identity exploration, gender mechanics, anatomy, or transition-related topics.
Gender Identity
Gender identity and/or gender transition is a key narrative element. Exploration or expression of identity may be part of a character arc or major theme.
Romance
Themes or depictions involving emotional connection, love, and romantic relationships. This category focuses on relational dynamics, not on sexual behavior within those relationships. Heterosexual relationships are assumed unless the LGBTQ+ marker is added. Content Guides provide further options around sexuality.
Romance Themes
Romantic relationships are referenced, suggested, or discussed. May include attraction, dating, or emotional bonding.
Romance
Romantic relationships focusing on the non-sexual aspects of courtship—often referred to as "Sweet Romance." When paired with a sexuality marker, it may indicate "Hot Romance." Includes the Romance Themes marker.
LGBTQ+
The romantic relationship is between LGBTQ+ characters. This is a marker of orientation, not of explicitness. Can combine with any relevant marker.
Sexuality
Sexual behavior, activity, and identity. Heterosexual relationships are assumed by default, unless the LGBTQ+ marker is applied. Content Guides provide further options around sexuality.
Suggestive Themes
Mild provocative but non-explicit sexual references. May be used humorously or in a casual, non-graphic context.
Sexual Themes
References or implications of sexual activity or attraction. Non-explicit, but more direct than Suggestive Themes.
Mild Sexual Content
Includes displays of sexual affection, such as kissing, light touching (e.g., caressing an ear), or similar gestures. Includes both Suggestive Themes and Sexual Themes markers.
LGBTQ+
Sexual themes or behaviors involve LGBTQ+ characters. This is a marker of orientation, not of explicitness. Can combine with any relevant marker.
Sexual Content
Non-explicit sexual activity or behavior, including heavy petting. Includes the Mild Sexual Content, Sexual Themes, and Suggestive Themes markers.
Mature Themes
Dialogue or situations involving sexual references and sexuality. Includes the Sexual Themes and Suggestive Themes markers.
Erotic
Material that portrays or is intended to elicit sexual arousal.
Sex
Explicit depictions of sexual behavior or activity. Includes the Sexual Content and Erotic markers.
Nudity
Depictions of genitals or female breasts.
Mild Nudity
References to genitals, or depictions of bare buttocks or female breasts.
Mature Nudity
Non-erotic depictions of genitals, such as for medical or artistic purposes. Includes the Mild Nudity marker.
Explicit Nudity
Erotic depictions of genitals.
Footnotes
† When a marker references a negative context, it indicates that the content presents the behavior or outcome as harmful, inappropriate, reprehensible, ethically troubling, tragic, or regrettable. It must not imply that the behavior is noble, beautiful, empowering, or justifiable, and should actively discourage imitation or idealization.
How to Use
Subject to the terms of the Copyright and License, you may use the LCA in the
following manner.
Calculating a Rating
Calculating a rating is a simple process. Review all the markers and include any that are applicable. The resulting list is included in the Rating Box. Each marker comes with a Rating — whichever is the highest is the overall rating for that content.
To help in this, you can Sign in to Libreon and create a title, from there you can generate the different badges and boxes.
Typically, when listing a Rating, do it with the
Rating Box.
Where styling is specified, it's described in CSS terms, but any equivalent styling may be used.
Full styles may be explored in the LCA CSS Style Sheet.
EB Garamond.
Rating Letter Badge
The simple letter Rating Badge with no marker is appropriate for use on front covers but should be accompanied on the back cover with a full rating box, including markers. The Rating Badge should not be used without either a link to the Rating Box online, or the Rating Box on the back cover.
The Rating Badge includes the letter rating with a heading for the rating name and a footer for the label "Libreon." Examples at different sizes:
TINY
For use alongside other text.
Note: for normal sizing, the preferred print size is 25mm wide, but it may be as small as 15mm; and the height is squared, or extended to match the height of the full Rating Box (if connected to a Rating Box).
Rating Box
The Rating Box shows the Rating Letter Badge and Markers. The Rating Box is formatted as normal, except the box radius is only on the left side. To the right of the box is an extended box, which includes the Rating summary in bold font, below which the markers are listed. This box may be sized to best use the available space. Variants:
NORMAL
Suitable for Youth
Contains Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Humor, and Bigotry.
SMALL
Suitable for Youth
Contains Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Humor, and Bigotry.
CSS Styles
The
LCA CSS Style Sheet defines the different elements for both light and dark mode. Color variations may be made as long as they remain similar to the following RGB values specified in the style sheet.
Return link
If used in content supporting URL linking (web browser, ePub, etc), the Rating Box and/or Rating Box should include a link back to this page.
Copyright and License
Libreon, Libreon Content Advisory (LCA), and Libreon Content Guide (LCG) are copyright © and Trademark 2023 Protos, LLC.
LCA and LCG are open-source systems. Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person or entity to
use the Libreon Content Advisory system without restriction, in perpetuity,
irrevocably, subject to the following conditions:
- "Trade Dress" and the requirements for presentation and look and feel are preserved.
- Definitions of Advisories, Ratings, Markers, and Feature Labels remain unaltered.
USE OF LCA IS PROVIDED “AS IS”, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR
COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER
IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THE LCA OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE LCA.
LIBREON