A novel approach to reading and writing

by Megan Roby

Are your shelves lined with novels, textbooks, DVDs and CDs about your favorite subject matter? If so, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library is currently sponsoring a competition you may be interested in.

This March the library will host the fifth annual Bibliophiles’ Award. This competition is designed for students who are “passionate about a subject and have an interest that goes beyond what they’ve learned in their courses,” said Dr. Elizabeth Petrino, English professor and chair of the Faculty Library Committee.

According to Petrino, the Bibliophiles’ Award was brought to Fairfield University by Professor Katherine Schwab of the visual and performing arts department, based on a similar award she encountered at another university.

The award application is open to juniors and seniors from any major or school. Eligible students must posses at least 25 books or media material on any subject matter that they find of personal interest. Of these 25 materials, at least 15 must be paperback or hardcover books. The remainder of the materials may come in the form of DVDs, CDs, or VHS tapes. Students are asked to write an essay of three to five pages based on their collection and chosen subject matter as well as an annotated and full bibliography.

Although the award has been in existence for five years, new guidelines have changed the competition. Never before have DVDs, CDs, or VHS tapes been counted as acceptable material. Petrino and other members of the Faculty Library Committee and Friends of the Library, who are funding the competition, are hoping the allowance of other media material will increase the amount of entries from the usual dozen or so.

Winning entries in the past have focused on such varying subjects as “Law and Marginalizing Communities,” “Ice Skating,” “Evolution and the Origins of Humanity,” “Design and Engineering of Yachts,” and “American Experience in World War II.”

The deadline for all entries is Friday, March 12 and winners of the award will be announced on Friday, April 16. The winners of the Bibliophiles’ Award will receive monetary awards in the amount of $250 for first place, $150 for second place, and $75 for third place.