The North Country region is comprised of a past that is rich in history, and those who are interested in exploring a piece of that past are encouraged to take part in a very unique competition.

The Northern New York Library Network based in Potsdam, NY is pleased to initiate its first Researching the North Country Writing Competition.

Purpose:
The purpose of the Researching the North Country Writing Competition is to encourage original research concerning the people, places, and institutions of Northern New York. Participants are particularly encouraged to make use of the collections of libraries, archives, and other cultural resources in the region as primary resource materials.

Eligibility:
Submittals must represent original, primary research concerning historical events, persons, institutions, or organizations from any of the following counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, or St. Lawrence. Submittals must be no less than 1,500 words. Previously published research is not eligible.

Categories:
There will be two awards: First Place and Second Place. Each award consists of a certificate, publication on the NNYLN web site, and a cash prize ($1,000 for First Place, $500 for Second Place). It is possible that awards will not be given every year.

Format:
Submittals must be double spaced, and will not be returned. Submittals must include the researcher’s name, address, and telephone number. Each submittal must have a title. Illustrations are permitted, as are oral history resources. Citations and bibliographies must follow standard style guides.

Judging Criteria: (In order)
      1. Quality of scholarship
      2. Originality of topic and treatment
      3. Use of local libraries, archives, and cultural resources
A panel of experts will judge the submittals.

Availability of Research Materials:
Primary source research materials are available throughout the region, and many may be found on- line through the Northern New York Library Network's website. Names and locations of academic and public libraries are available at Libraries in NNY (www.nnyln.org/libnny.php); town/village/county historian information may be found through the Directory of Archival and Historical Document Collections (www.nnyln.org/archives/Archives_Contents.html); and electronic resources focusing on the region can be found at NNY Historical Newspapers (http://news.nnyln.net/), and North Country Digital History (http://history.nnyln.net/).

Deadline:
All entries must be received by April 18, 2008. Winners will be announced on National History Day - May 2, 2008.

To Enter:
Researching the North Country Writing Competition entries should be emailed in Microsoft Word format to: writingcompetition@nnyln.org; or mailed to: NNY Library Network, attn: Writing Competition, 6721 US HWY 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.

This complete list of guidelines may be found on the Northern New York Library Network’s website at www.nnyln.net/writingcompetition.php