An academic library that supports a children's literature or education program will include the medal books in its collection. As soon as the announcements are made during the ALA Midwinter Meeting, I immediately order both the Newbery and Caldecott Medal books to add to our collection. Children are encouraged to read both the Newbery and Caldecott books. They are steeped in tradition and are considered by many to be classic or quality children's literature, loved by children and adults. With the emergence of the Internet, Newbery and Caldecott books have reached an even wider audience.
Educators can use the Internet to discover lesson plans based upon the medal books.
Also, web pages are devoted to the history, tradition, award criteria, and background of the medals. There are numerous Internet sites that list all the medal winners for both categories. Children have written reviews of the books, and these have been placed on web pages hosted by schools and families. A web search can access any number of these pages to gain insight into the awards, a bibliography of winners, and author or illustrator information. Children are not the only audience for Newbery and Caldecott Medal books.