Frederic Gershom Melcher (April 12, 1879 – March 9, 1963) was an American publisher, bookseller, and editor and a major contributor to the library science field and book industry. He is particularly known for his contributions to the children's book genre, including the
Newbery Medal and
Caldecott Medal. Melcher was named as one of the most important 100 leaders in the library science field in the 20th century in an
American Libraries article and has been described as "the greatest all-round bookman in the English-speaking world".