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Notable Children's Recordings Submission Process

To submit works for consideration for the Notable Children's Recording List:

• Review the terms and criteria below.
• Send one copy and a completed Information Verification Form for each recording to the ALSC office (ATTN: Notable Children' Recordings, 50 East Huron, Chicago, IL 60611-2795).
• Submit one copy and a completed Information Verification Form for each recording to the committee chair.  If you are able, send one copy of the work to each committee member (no need to send form).
• A list of selection committee members can be accessed from the left hand navigation. 
• Deadline for submitting works is December 31 of the publication year.  However, we encourage you to send your submission in early so the committee members have ample time to review the work.

Terms and Criteria

Terms

1. The Notable Recordings List is developed annually from recordings for children released in the United States during the preceding year. There are no limitations as to the number of titles nor the type of recordings included on the list.
2. The committee, in its deliberations, is to consider only the recordings eligible for the List which:
1. were released in the year preceding the Midwinter meeting during which the selections are made.
2. are currently available through a U. S. distributor
3. are available on audiotape and/or compact disc
4. are produced in English. This requirement does not limit the use of words or phrases in another language where appropriate in context.

Definitions

1. “Respects young people’s intelligence and imagination” indicates either the lyrics of music or the text of an audiobook. This also indicates that recordings to be considered are those for which children are a potential audience.  The recording exhibits respect for young people’s understandings, abilities, and appreciations. 
   Children are defined as persons of ages up to and including fourteen and recordings for this entire age range are to be considered.
2. “Exhibits venturesome creativity” shall be recordings which provide an auditory experience that is appealing to children and that goes beyond the ordinary.
3. The committee shall consider all forms of recordings – music, storytelling, informational, audiobook, book and recording combinations.  Reissues of previously recorded works are not eligible.
4. “Released in the year preceding” means that the recording was released to the public in that year, was available for purchase in that year, and has a copyright date no later than that year.

Criteria

Recordings are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. respects young people's intelligence and imagination
2. exhibits venturesome creativity
3. in exemplary ways reflects and encourages the natural interest of children and young adolescents
4. depicts excellence through the effective use of voices, music, sound effects, and language
5. maintains high standards in aesthetic and technical aspects
6. adapted materials remain true to, expand, or complement the original work

Association for Library Service to Children

50 E. Huron
Chicago, IL 60611 
Toll Free 1-800-545-2433, x2163
alsc@ala.org

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