book award consumer help
TRANSCRIPT
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