KU Libraries accepting entries to Snyder Book Collecting Contest

KU Libraries announces an open call for entries to its annual Snyder Book Collecting contest, which awards KU undergraduate and graduate students for their collections of books, digital items, graphic novels, music, and film that share a particular subject, topic, or theme. 

Bibliographies and essays should be submitted via the contest entry form by 11:59 p.m., March 27, 2022. Entry packets will be used for preliminary judging to determine finalists. Awards will be offered in both Graduate and Undergraduate divisions: First Prize: $600, Second Prize: $400, and Honorable Mention: $100. Each winner will also receive a gift card from contest co-sponsor Jayhawk Ink. The first place winners in each division are eligible to compete in the National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest, which awards a top prize of $2,500.

The awards ceremony will be held Thursday, April 21, 5:30 p.m. in Watson Library, Third Floor West. The ceremony will feature former Snyder contest winner Danny Caine, owner of The Raven Bookstore, as the keynote speaker.

“The Snyder Book Collecting Contest has endured for over 60 years because our students’ love for books endures,” said Kristin Sederstrom, Acquisitions & Resource Sharing library manager. “Over the years I’ve seen fascinating and diverse thematic collections from students who developed a passion for collecting books during childhood or found their love of books during their academic career at KU. This contest is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their collections and share their stories of collecting with the community.” 

The Snyder Book Collecting Contest began in 1956, when Robert Vosper, then Director of KU Libraries, wanted to encourage young people to collect books. His effort influenced donor Elizabeth Morrison Snyder of Kansas City to offer her enduring financial support for the contest. This 64-year tradition returns following a hiatus in 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic. 

More information about the Snyder Book Collecting Contest can be found online here.