The University Libraries offer a $200 prize to a student in a composition course for an outstanding paper that shows evidence of use of the library for research.

The contest invites papers from Fall and Spring semesters. Many types of papers can show evidence of use of the library, and different kinds of assignments require different kinds of library resources. Students don't necessarily need to use rare or obscure sources. The judges will look for evidence and its documentation. Types and currency of sources; varieties of sources; suitability of sources relative to the problem; these characteristics all play a part when a research paper succeeds.

Instructors of University Writing and Critical Reading courses, EngC 1011, 1011H, 1012, 1012H, 1013, 1013H, 1014, 1015 and 1016, are invited to nominate one paper from each section they teach. Nominations are due by 12:00 noon April 13, 2006. Instructors are asked to submit the original paper (with the instructor’s comments on it), to Marcia Pankake, 170B Wilson Library. Instructors should specify the class, section, and semester, include a copy of the assignment, and include their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

The criteria for the award are:

1. the paper meets the criteria specified by the instructor for the course, by virtue of the instructor’s nomination of the paper
2. the paper shows evidence of the student’s systematic and effective use of the University Libraries for research, appropriate to the argument of the paper.

A committee of library staff, with assistance from the Composition Program, will select the winning paper from those nominated by the composition teachers.

The winner will be announced by May 5, 2006. The teacher of the student who writes the winning paper will receive a $50 gift certificate good at the University Bookstores.

Questions? Call Marcia Pankake 624-7099, or e-mail m-pank@umn.edu.