In celebration of the Asian Library’s 50th birthday, UBC Library is pleased to announce the Peter Ward Open Essay Contest.

The contest’s theme is “How has the Asian Library helped you achieve your goals?” It aims to challenge students and community users to review their experiences and contemplate the Asian Library’s future. Essay topics on collections, services, facilities, space and your vision of the Asian Library will be accepted.

The winning essayist will receive $500!

At the Asian Library, we strive to bridge Asian, Canadian and North American cultures so we are truly a living library of Asian studies and research. We respond to users’ changing study habits and demands, face-to-face or online. Our commitments to the community also run deep.

We are privileged to call the beautiful Asian Centre home – but we would like to improve the Library’s space and ambience. By sharing your experiences and ideas, you will be part of a milestone in the Asian Library’s development.

ESSAY ENTRY DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 20, 2010

Essay submissions will be judged by a panel of UBC faculty and librarians. Entrants are encouraged to use images, videos, sound files and other formats to illustrate their ideas.

Application Rules:

1. The contest is open to all.
2. All entries must be received (mail or electronic) on or before deadline date. Mail to:

Peter Ward Essay Contest
The Asian Library
1871 West Mall, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 1Z2

OR submit by e-mail to asian.library@ubc.ca

1. Submissions in any ONE of the following languages will be accepted: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Punjabi, Indonesian, English.
2. All essays must be titled and signed, accompanied by an electronic file.
3. Essays must contain a minimum of 1,000 words and no more than 1,500 words.
4. Essays must be typed, double-spaced, on one-sided 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
5. Student entries should include the name of the school or university the entrant is attending.
6. All entries must include a cover sheet with the entrant’s legal name, mailing address, e-mail address if available and telephone number.
7. The Asian Library retains the right to quote, publish or upload the essays in part or in entirety for administrative and educational purposes.
8. All entries become the property of the Asian Library and will not be returned to the writers.

The winner will be notified by mail or e-mail and invited for the presentation of the award on March 5, 2010 at UBC.