Book Reviewing Groups (RG)

Reviewing groups (RG) started their activities with the aim of evaluating books published during the preceding year. These groups select the best of the published works of the previous year and present an annotated bibliographical list of selected books accompanied with an annual report on the status of children’s literature in Iran. The lists and data prepared by these groups are put at the disposal of creators, publishers, specialists and librarians, and help to evaluate both the quality and quantity of growth.

The formation of the RG dates back to 1964 when functions of the CBC were divided into subject areas. In that year, the four main Groups were the Library, Reading Habit Promotion, Book Club and Periodicals. One of the main objectives of the Reading Habit Promotion and Book Club groups was to introduce quality books to children and young adults. With the work progressing, the need for the formation of an independent group to evaluate books was realized and finally in 1965 The Board of Directors decided to add the RG to the other working groups. At first, reviewing used to be carried out according to age groups but gradually significant changes occurred in presenting the list of quality books. Prior to holding two workshops in the years 1983 and 1984, the issue of selecting the evaluation criteria was brought up which were indicated in the annual reports of the said years. Then, the Reviewing Groups continued their work on the basis of literary genres. Between years 1993-1994 with the increase in the number of books published in Iran, two separate lists were prepared, representing quality and appropriate books. However, in the year 1998, the RG policy was changed to present only one list of recommended books in order to put more emphasize on the of literary and artistic qualities of the works being published.

In 1998, the list of appropriate books was prepared in two sections, literary and informative books and since 2002 the CBC lists are divided into two sections namely quality and books that have positive points.

Each Reviewing Group has a research-study program in addition to their routine work, in harmony with the progress of children’s literature in Iran and affecting the works of both creators and publishers.

The Reviewing Groups work is carried out under the guidance and supervision of the Executive Council of the Reviewing Groups.

The RG regularly cooperate with the CBC Workshop to introduce children’s literature to new members. Those who have passed this training may start their activity by becoming a member of the RG. Support material required, are provided by the CBC Research Library.

There are more than 100 specialists working in 12 RGs. The RGs consist of the following groups: Persian fiction; translated fiction; illustration; poetry; non-fiction (religion, social studies, biography, science, art, games and entertainment); reference books; periodicals; young adult manuscripts; adult manuscripts; criticism; literature for advanced readers (adult novels); library oriented research.
Each group holds regular weekly or biweekly meetings during which members discuss their worksheets and reach the final decision.