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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. |
Photo courtesy of Paul Smith's College. |
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 1500 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 ($1000 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.
Photo courtesy of the State University of New York at Potsdam. |
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 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;
town/village/county historian information may be found through the Directory of Archival and Historical
Document Collections; and electronic resources focusing on the
region can be found at NNY Historical Newspapers and North Country Digital History.
Deadline:
All entries must be received by April 18, 2008.
Due to the large number of entries received, the NNY Library Network has moved the
announcement date of the winners from May 2, 2008 to late spring 2008.
To Enter:
Researching the North Country Writing Competition entries should be emailed in Microsoft Word
format to Writing Competition, or mailed to:
NNY Library Network, attn: Writing Competition, 6721 US HWY 11, Potsdam, NY 13676.