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Thanks to the generosity of Professor James H. Marrow and Dr Emily Rose, this prize was endowed in 2006 in honour of Daniel and Joanna Rose. The purpose of the prize is to encourage students to build their own coherent collections of books.

The collection entered for the prize must be solely owned by the student and must have been collected by the student. It may be on any topic or by a single author, from any period, or of any genre, or it may reflect bibliographical features (edition, illustrations, binding, etc.). Paperbacks and ephemeral material may be included if they are relevant to the collection; modern textbooks should not be submitted. The size or monetary value of the collection will not be factors in determining the winning entry.

Each contestant must submit an essay of not more than 500 words explaining the genesis of the collection, what its interest is to the owner, and ideas for future development. This must be accompanied by a bibliographic list of the books, with brief annotations (maximum 10 A4 sides in all, including the essay) which might point out interesting features of some of the books (illustrated editions, translations, or other pertinent features of the book's production and/or reception). Entrants are encouraged to refer to the previous winning entries for inspiration in compiling the list. The criteria for evaluation will be the intelligence and originality of the collection, its coherence as a collection, as well as the thought, creativity, and persistence demonstrated in defining it and bringing it into being.

The competition is open to all current undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University of Cambridge registered for a degree. Entries will be judged by a panel appointed by the Library Syndicate, and shortlisted entrants will be invited to meet the panel, speak for not more than 5 minutes about their collection and show some of the books.

The winner will be announced during the Easter Term and will receive a prize of £500.

Entries must be submitted so as to arrive not later than 31 January 2024 and should include the following:

(a) a completed application cover sheet (download in .pdf format or .doc format);

(b) an anonymous essay of not more than 500 words explaining the genesis of the collection, what its interest is to the owner, and ideas for future development;

(c) a bibliographic list of the books, with brief annotations (maximum 10 A4 sides in all, including the essay).

Informal enquiries are welcomed by Liam Sims, Rare Books Specialist (tel: 01223 333123; email: ls457@cam.ac.uk). Entries may be sent by post to Liam Sims, Rare Books Department, Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DR, or by email to ls457@cam.ac.uk (email is preferred where possible).

How to enter

To enter, students should submit a list of their collection together with a short essay, explaining the theme and significance of the collection. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to talk about their collection to the judges. Applications for the 2024 prize are open and must be submitted by 31 January 2024. Entries should include:

(a) a completed application cover sheet (download in .pdf format or .doc format);
(b) an essay of not more than 500 words explaining the genesis of the collection, what its interest is to the owner, and ideas for future development;
(c) a bibliographic list of the books, with brief annotations (maximum 10 A4 sides in all, including the essay).

Informal enquiries are welcomed by Liam Sims, Rare Books Specialist (tel: 01223 333123; email:ls457@cam.ac.uk). Entries (in PDF or Word format) should be submitted by email to ls457@cam.ac.uk. Please ensure that your name appears only on the cover sheet; essays are shortlisted anonymously.