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Newbery Medal
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From: khorning at facstaff.wisc.edu <khorning>
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 18:00:00 -0500
Eric- Perhaps the best place to start would be to do a general literature search on the history of the Newbery Medal. There have been many, many articles, books, and theses written that would answer some of the general questions you have about the award process itself. Check an index called
"Library Literature" -- a standard resource in the reference collections of most university and large public library systems. The history of the award has been well documented so you will find a lot on it without too much digging. Since the topic is far from obscure, virtually any local children's librarian or general reference librarian could help you get started.
The award is administered by the American Library Association's Association of Library Services to Children, and they may be able to provide you with some general background as well. The terms for the award are clearly spelled out; they are not determined by each year's committee. The award is for distinguished writing, not popular appeal, and it would probably take an official ruling by the ALSC Board, with the agreement of the Melcher family, to change the purpose of the award. As a former committee member, I can tell you that the details of all Newbery Committee meetings are confidential so you're not likely to get "the inside story" from a committee member. All they can tell you is the sort of general information about how the committee works, the terms for the award, etc., -the sort of information that can be easily obtained in print from other sources.
Good luck with your project.
K.T. Horning, CCBC Uw-Madison
Received on Thu 31 Oct 1996 05:00:00 PM CST
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 18:00:00 -0500
Eric- Perhaps the best place to start would be to do a general literature search on the history of the Newbery Medal. There have been many, many articles, books, and theses written that would answer some of the general questions you have about the award process itself. Check an index called
"Library Literature" -- a standard resource in the reference collections of most university and large public library systems. The history of the award has been well documented so you will find a lot on it without too much digging. Since the topic is far from obscure, virtually any local children's librarian or general reference librarian could help you get started.
The award is administered by the American Library Association's Association of Library Services to Children, and they may be able to provide you with some general background as well. The terms for the award are clearly spelled out; they are not determined by each year's committee. The award is for distinguished writing, not popular appeal, and it would probably take an official ruling by the ALSC Board, with the agreement of the Melcher family, to change the purpose of the award. As a former committee member, I can tell you that the details of all Newbery Committee meetings are confidential so you're not likely to get "the inside story" from a committee member. All they can tell you is the sort of general information about how the committee works, the terms for the award, etc., -the sort of information that can be easily obtained in print from other sources.
Good luck with your project.
K.T. Horning, CCBC Uw-Madison
Received on Thu 31 Oct 1996 05:00:00 PM CST
