Understanding Awards for Children’s Books and MediaThe How and Why of Who and What Wins

Francisca Goldsmith, for Publisher Spotlight

10/15

Be an informed award consumer What organization sponsors the award? How are award judges selected? What specific rules are applied to

identify qualified award candidates? What’s available among all qualified

award candidates? What influences the judges as a group

and as this particular group?

Why is this award supported by its sponsor?

Who are any cosponsors and what role(s) do they play?

What is the purpose of this award in terms of sponsoring organization’s public recognition?

Award SponsorshipOrganization purpose

Award focus related to organization mission

How does the sponsoring organization determine each season’s judging panel for this award? Elections? Appointments? Multiple year

service?

How are award judges selected?Expertise

Related professional qualifications

Are eligibility rules available for you to read to understand?

Is the makeup of the judging panel consistent with the expectations the rules give them responsibility for interpreting?

Rules Determining eligibility of works

Operating practices defined for judging panel

Are the number of candidates fitting the award criteria scope in the double, triple, or potentially higher number of digits?

Do the rules describe how judges are supposed to attain insight across the spectrum of eligibles?

Is there an award criterion linking selection to a contemporary event beyond the judges’ capacity to alter?

Availability of CompetitorsThe size of the eligible field

Resonance between criteria and public environment

Group DynamicsWorking methods of this specific judge panel

Personal and interpersonal influences