Each year the Duke University Libraries run a series of essay contests recognizing the original research of Duke students and encouraging the use of library resources. We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2018-2019 library writing and research awards. We will be celebrating our winners and their achievements at a special awards reception coinciding with Duke Family Weekend.  All are invited to join us for refreshments and the opportunity to honor the recipients.

Lowell Aptman Prize

Recognizing excellence in undergraduate research using sources from the Libraries’ general collections.

• 1st and 2nd Year Prize: Veronica Niamba for "The Day Man Stood Still," nominated by Gray Kidd
• 3rd and 4th Year Prize: Jess Chen for "Post-Modern Folk Chronicler," nominated by Dr. Paul Jaskot
• Honors Thesis Prize: Jack Bradford for "Errand into the Water Closet," nominated by Dr. Tom Ferraro

Chester P. Middlesworth Award

Recognizing excellence of analysis, research, and writing in the use of primary sources and rare materials held by the Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

• Undergraduate Prize: Sierra Lorenzini  “Fair Haired: Considering Blonde Women in Film and Advertising,” nominated by Dr. Kristine Stiles
• Graduate Prize: Michael Freeman for “P. Duke Inv. 664R: A Fragmentary Alchemical Handbook,” nominated by Dr. Jennifer Knust

Ole R. Holsti Prize

Recognizing excellence in undergraduate research using primary sources for political science or public policy.

• Amanda Sear for “To Smoke or to Vape? E-cigarette Regulation in the US, the UK, and Canada,” nominated by Dr. Ed Balleisen
• Yue Zhou for “Learning Languages in Cyberspace: A Case Study of World Languages Courses in State Virtual Public Schools,” nominated by Dr. Leslie Babinski

Rudolph William Rosati Creative Writing Award

Recognizing outstanding undergraduate creative writing.

• Valerie Muensterman for "Did You Forget Your Name?"
• Caroline Waring for "The Roof"
• Blaire Zhang for "Sapiens"