Webster Book Prize
The Webster prize was endowed by Jerome P. Webster (Class of 1910) in the late 1950s and is one of the oldest collegiate book collecting prizes in the country. The winner receives $500 and is automatically eligible to enter the National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest, where contestants can win up to $2,500, and the sponsoring library up to $1,000.
About the Collection
A qualifying book collection is a group of items acquired (not inherited) upon a specific unifying principle, rather than a mere assemblage of books. For example:
- "Children’s books" is not a collection, but books for children by a certain author, illustrated by a specific artist, or within a particular genre qualifies.
- One cannot collect "history," but a collection of Russian history, Labor history in Ohio, or the history of art in Spain is valid.
- The collection can focus on the physical object (e.g., binding, illustration, edition) as long as the unifying principle is clear.
The collection is not judged on monetary value, rarity, or quantity. It must include at least ten items (books, pamphlets, offprints, or other printed ephemera), though winning collections typically average over 30 items.
Submission Requirements
- An annotated bibliography of your entire collection (1–2 sentences per entry describing why the item is included), formatted in MLA or Chicago Manual of Style.
- A brief essay (1,000–2,000 words) explaining your collecting focus, how you began, and your plans for future growth.
- 5–10 physical items from your collection (bring or ship to the Watkinson Library).
Pay
First prize is $500.
Deadline
Submissions are due April 1.
Questions and submissions should be directed to the Watkinson Library at 860-297-2268 (Raether Library & IT Center).