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The Distance Library Services Essay Contest recognizes a student's effective and efficient use of the SU Libraries. The Prize will be awarded near the end of each spring semester to a student whose essay best addresses this topic: How have SU Libraries' services and/or resources helped you in your academic journey?

Eligibility

• Students must have been a full- or part-time undergraduate or a graduate student at SU at the time the library resources were used.
• Students must be willing to allow the Libraries to display the winning essay. The winning essays will become part of the University Archives and will be posted in SU’s institutional repository, SOAR@SU.
• Students need to reside 25 miles away from the main campus.

Awards

There will be two prizes awarded: one for an undergraduate student and the other for a graduate student. The prize in each case will be $100. Winners also will be featured in the Library Matters e-newsletter and on the library social media.

Application Information

A complete application will include:

• The online SU Libraries
• A short (500-700 words) reflective essay on the above topic. The essay should articulate your engagement and experience with the SU Libraries resources (collections, services, staff) that supported and enhanced your academic journey. This is the most important part of your application.
• A completed application form with SU email.

Submissions must be typed in Times Roman or Arial 12pt font.

Center the essay title at the top of the page with your name and department.

Upload the essay as a Word document, a Google doc, or as a PDF copy.

Deadline

To apply, complete the online application at SU Libraries Distance Library Services Essay Contest application by the deadline of 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on April 30. The application period will open March 15, 2024.

Evaluation Process and Criteria

The essays will be reviewed by a selective panel from the library based on the following criteria:

• Personal knowledge and growth as a result of using library resources and services in your academic journey. Such resources and/or services could include but are not limited to –
  • use of library databases, books, journals
  • chat, phone, email services, interlibrary loan
  • a liaison librarian teaching a synchronous/asynchronous class
  • a liaison librarian being embedded in your courses
  • a course LibGuide
  • assignments created by librarian and teaching faculty
  • research consultations with the librarians
  • workshops or bootcamps, etc.
• Be well-written with few to no grammatical or spelling errors.

The review committee's decisions are final.