Q. How do I find copies of Bowdoin prize essays from past years?

The University Archives maintains comprehensive holdings of Bowdoin prize-wining student essays. Please note that prize papers written through 2019 are only available in paper and those from 2020 and later are only available in digital copy.

Searching for Bowdoin prize papers

All Bowdoin prize essays held by the Archives are cataloged in HOLLIS

1. Select "Library Catalog" instead of "Catalog & Articles"
2. Search by author, title, and/or keyword
3. You can try a search with the keywords: bowdoin prize with an additional keyword and/or date --

• For example: bowdoin prize 2020
• For example: bowdoin prize imperialism
• For example: bowdoin prize John Updike

A comprehensive list of recent prize-winning authors and titles is available on the FAS Prize Office website.   Use this information to search HOLLIS for specific authors/titles.

How to get access to recent digital Bowdoin prize papers?

For 2020 and later academic years, Bowdoin prize paper are accessible from links in HOLLIS. Click "online access" to read the thesis. Access is currently restricted to current Harvard affiliates and you will need to log in with your Harvard Key. Please note that the papers are fully readable but are not available for download.

How to request reading room or digital copies of Bowdoin prize essays?

You will need to create an online account in the HOLLIS Special Request system to submit requests for reading room use or digital copies. After you create an account, you may submit your request as either a Reading Room Request or a Copy Request.

 As you complete the HOLLIS SPECIAL REQUEST form, please be sure to include the following information in the fields to expedite the request (Please be sure to complete an separate request form for each unique title and call number).

• Library: Harvard University Archives
• Title: Enter the title of the thesis
• Author: Enter the name of the author
• Call number: (for example: HU 89.165.3509 or HU 89.2019.795 or Accession 2017.605)

Do note that the author’s written permission is required to copy theses and prize essays for the first five years after submission.

Imaging Services currently charges a flat rate of $135 to scan and deliver copies of Harvard theses, dissertations, and prize papers for reference use. If a digital version of the work already exists, Imaging Services only will charge a $30 fee to download a copy.

When you submit the online copy request, Imaging Services staff will reply with cost and delivery information.

Retrievals of prize essays from off-site storage can take up to three business days. For reading room or scan requests, you can check your HOLLIS Special Request account to monitor the status of your request.