SU Library hosts student Web, book collecting competitions

SU Library hosts student Web, book collecting competitionsJanuary 17, 2001Jonathan Hayjhay@syr.edu

The Syracuse University Library is sponsoring a pair of competitions–one for Best Student Web Site and the other for Best Undergraduate Book Collection–aimed at expanding students’ academic horizons and encouraging involvement with the Web and books. The compeititions were conceived by Peter McDonald, associate librarian for collection development. McDonald is working with the SU Bookstore to make the competitions annual events.  The Web site contest is open to any SU student–undergraduate or graduate–showing appreciable experience, knowledge and ability in Web creation, content and design. Awards will be given in two categories–one for academic Web sites and the other for sites focusing on public interest, or informal or popular culture.  First prize is $500; second prize is $200; third prize is a $75 SU Bookstore gift certificate. Up to three students may collaborate on a project, but the award amount will remain the same. Application forms are available on the library’s Web site, http://libwww.syr.edu. Completed forms must be submitted to McDonald at 219 E.S. Bird Library by 5 p.m. March 16. “Web design is very popular,” McDonald says. “I’m sure the judges will have a lot of great options to choose from. Of course, Web site content will be critical for success here.” The book collection contest is open to undergraduate students showing appreciable experience, knowledge and ability in the area of book collecting. Collections must be based on some unifying category, such as subject, a single author or group of authors, or a place or genre of publication. The books must represent a well-defined field of interest.  “Book collecting is an excellent hobby that we hope more students will pursue,” McDonald says. First prize is $500; second prize is $200; third prize is a $75 SU Bookstore gift certificate. Application forms, also available from the library’s Web site, must be submitted to McDonald by 5 p.m. March 2. Awards for both competitions will be announced during the week of April 23, and an awards ceremony will take place during the week of May 7.