In order to stimulate the interest of students in books and printing, and in all the bibliographical concerns which motivate its members, the John Russell Bartlett Society has established this annual prize competition, open to undergraduates at any Rhode Island college or university. In so doing, the Society honors the memory of Margaret Bingham Stillwell, Brown University Class of 1909, the University's first woman Professor of Bibliography and a renowned scholar of early printing, with the intent of encouraging students to share her lifelong pleasure in reading and book collecting.

A contestant's collection may be in any field. It may emphasize some particular interest within a field, or exemplify certain bibliographical features such as edition, issue, and other conditions of manufacture and sale; illustration, type, calligraphy, binding, etc. All types of books, including paperbacks, may be included, as long as their place in the collection can be justified (the inclusion of textbooks is nevertheless discouraged, except in rare cases).

Any undergraduate of a Rhode Island college or university who wishes to compete is invited to obtain an entry form and a brochure containing rules and guidelines for the competition from the Chair of the Stillwell Prize (name and address below).

Entry forms for 2010 must be submitted by March 15, 2010 and addressed to “Stillwell Prize, Box A / John Hay Library, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912”; or as an e-mail attachment, by arrangement with the Chair. See application here. The final competition and judging will take place at 6:00 p.m. on April 19, 2010 at the John Carter Brown Library, corner of George and Brown streets, Providence, as part of an evening event sponsored by the John Russell Bartlett Society.

RULES FOR THE 2010 STILLWELL COMPETITION

Before entering, contestants are strongly encouraged to contact the Stillwell Prize chair, Richard Noble, at the John Hay Library, Brown University (Richard_Noble@Brown.edu;  401-863-1187).

The competition is open to all undergraduates attending Rhode Island colleges and universities.

Written entries (essay and bibliography) must be submitted by March 15, 2010.