is by Joan Stidham Nist. An article published in Bookbird , XIII: 2 (1976), further describes the materials in the University of Minnesota collection. Karen Nelson Hoyle, Curator Children's Literature Research Collections University of Minnesota Libraries Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A. The Evaluation and Selection Process Sharon M. Scapple The topic of this investigation centers on the question, what are the evaluating criteria used in the selection of the Mildred Batchelder Award? First presented in 1968, it is given to the American publisher of the most outstanding children's book originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country and subsequently published in English in the United States. The award, in the form of a citation, is presented annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (formerly, the Children's Services Division of the American Library Association) . The award honors Mildred L. Batchelder whose work as a children's librarian and former secretary of the Children's Service Division for thirty years has had "international and lasting effect. "1 It was so named for Mildred Batchelder 's dedication to introducing quality literature of all languages to young people. In purpose, the award is designed to encourage international exchange of quality children 's books by recognizing publishers of such books in translation in the United States. Mildred Batchelder points to the significance of the award: When children of one country come to know and love the books and stories of many countries, they have made an important beginning toward international understanding. To know the classic stories of a country creates a climate, an attitude for understanding the people for whom that literature is a heritage. When children know they are reading, in translation, the same stories which children in another country are reading, a sense of nearness grows and expands. Interchange of children's books between countries, through translation, 32 influences communication between the peoples of those countries , and if the books chosen for traveling from language to language are worthy books, the resulting communication may be deeper, richer, more sympathetic, more enduring. 2 Briefly, the evaluating procedure involves: 1.The Vice-President of ALSC appoints a committee of five members the year before the year of publication it is to consider. Previous to this current ruling, a five-member committee was appointed to serve a two-year period culminating in the presentation of the award. Two awards were announced in 1979 to facilitate a transition to the revised procedures. 2.The committee's function is to identify, read, and evaluate all eligible books during the year of its assignment. 3.Language specialists may be added ex-officio to the committee. 4.From the ALSC office a communication is sent out asking publishers to submit a list of titles which may be eligible for the Batchelder Award. 5.The committee selects the award winner. Previous to 1978, the committee nominated titles for the award and the selection was made by ALSC membership ballot. 6.The award selection is announced at the Friends of IBBY meeting early in midwinter week. Formal announcement is made by the ALSC President on April 2, International Children's Book Day. 7.Presentation of the citation to the award winning publisher is made by the President at the location of the President's choice. (The above information was provided by Mary Jane Anderson, Executive Secretary, ALA, April 20, 1978.) Though this selection procedure appears to be sufficient , a more thorough investigation reveals that it is not as sound as it could be. For one, information concerning selection procedures , other than delegation of duties , is 33 not readily or publicly available. Also, there does not seem to be established selection criteria which are passed from committee to committee. Such a lack of consistency can lead to subjective decisions. To offer the award in the hope of honoring outstanding translated children's literature, the Selection Committee should state, through means of established criteria, what excellence is. If the American publisher is to be encouraged to continue to publish quality translated children's literature, he must be aware of the criteria. The 'public' as well should be informed of the merits of the MLB Award. Other discrepancies arise...