From: Sue McCleaf Nespeca <nespecas>
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 02:44:10 -0500

Regarding Cassie's Post:

"I just wondered, do the people on the award committees look at discussions and opinions such as the ones on this list, and do they pay attention to them or do they try to remain unbiased and vote strictly on their own opinions and the arguments presented by their committee?"

As chair of the Sibert Committee this year, I would like to say that yes indeed, we do "pay attention" to listserv discussions, reviews, what has already won honors etc. We also welcome recommendations from members of the Association for Library Service to Children.

When we get to committee discussions at the Midwinter Conference though, our role is to find the best book/s that match the criteria for our award - in the case of my committee, the criteria for the Sibert Award. That is our responsibility. We also have done much research on our own, checking sources, notes, eligibility etc.

There are very many wonderful informational books that may meet the needs of students seeking information, are great reads, and could even make "best books" lists, or may win other awards or accolades. But it is possible they may not be the most perfect candidates to fit the criteria for the Sibert award.

And some of the discussion on listservs may make for interesting reading and writers may have very valid points, but again, contributors may not be discussing the same evaluative criteria that the committee is.

By the way, guidelines and criteria for each award is posted on the Association for Library Service to Children's web page.

This is my understanding of our role according to the guidelines given in the wonderful manuals we receive as committee members of such awards.

Sue McCleaf Nespeca Sibert Chair
Received on Mon 20 Jan 2003 01:44:10 AM CST