Student Video Contest

Create a one-minute video for a chance to win up to $1,000!

Since 2018, this annual student video contest has produced some amazing videos to highlight all there is to LOVE about UW Libraries! Put your creative talents to work, show some “LOVE” for the Libraries and AND win cash prizes! The contest typically opens late winter quarter/early spring quarter with entries due at the end of April. See below for eligibility, judging criteria and FAQs.

Before you ENTER, please read all of the information on this page to ensure your entry is accepted

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Awards*

$1,000 1st Place

$300 2nd Place

$200 3rd Place

Honorable Mentions: UW Libraries Gift Bags!

*Prizes of this nature may be taxable to the individual but are not considered wages even if the student is employed by the University. For US citizens and resident international students, these payments are reported by the UW at year end on a Form 1099-MISC if they exceed $600. For non-resident international students, 30% is withheld, and payments are reported by the UW on Form 1042-S for payments. The country of permanent residence must be on the Check Request form.

Inspiration

Check out winners from previous contests and view all past entries on our YouTube Channel.

Brainstorm ideas and get inspired by exploring the many different services, resources and support provided by UW Libraries:

Access to expert help anytime, anywhere! The many Librarians who answer your questions 24/7!
The tools and resources available via Special Collections, interlibrary loan, electronic books, streaming media, research databases, digital collections, software and more!
Libraries classes, workshops and community events that build connections and enhance skills.
Personalized support for research, writing and publishing through the Open Scholarship Commons, Odegaard Writing and Research Center and drop-in help hours.
The unique spaces offered by all UW’s libraries on all campuses, and the spaces and places that are important to your UW experience.
How you see the Libraries mission, vision, values through your own experience.

Eligibility

UW undergraduate or graduate students are eligible from the Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma campuses. Applicants must be enrolled/active at the time videos are submitted.
No prior video creation or editing experience necessary! (See resources below)
Video must not exceed the time limit of 60 seconds.
Videos should highlight how/why Libraries are important to student life/learning – see more ideas and inspiration below!
One submission per student. Even if you work as a team, only one student can apply via the official entry.
Video must be original content.
Video production (filming) must not violate the Libraries code of conduct or specific Libraries policies including the UW Libraries Photography and Video policies
Videos that do not meet the judging criteria may not be included in public communications about the contest.
All video submissions must include a UW personal release form for the creator submitting AND all individuals participating.
It is the responsibility of the student applicant to secure release forms on behalf of all individuals featured in the video. Forms must for signed and saved as PDF documents.
By signing the release form, you grant all rights to UW Libraries to use the video in perpetuity for public communication and marketing. Submissions will be posted to UW Libraries social media channels.
By signing the release form, you agree to give copies of editable files to the Libraries for use in future promotions of the contest or Library services.
A minimum number of entries must be received to complete/conduct the judging process. If the minimum is not reached, the deadline may be extended.
Videos must submitted in mp4 format before Wednesday, April 30, 2025 11:59PM

Judging Criteria

Judging is conducted by a team of UW librarians, faculty and staff

General criteria:

excellence in storytelling
level of creativity
effectively communicates the importance of UW Libraries to student life and learning
showcase of different types of resources and support

Winners will be contacts/announced within 3 weeks of deadline. Date TBD.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will my video be used after the contest?

All videos with attribution (the name of the submitter) will be posted to the Libraries Student Video Contest Playlist on the Libraries YouTube channel. Videos may be used to promote future student video contests. Videos may be edited to create new video content to promote Library services/support and/or future contests. Videos will be shared on Libraries social media channels, blog and web site to congratulate winners and promote the contest. See example here.

What if I graduate before the contest is over? Can I still enter?

YES, as long as you are a current student in good standing when the video is submitted.

Can I submit as a team?

No. Only one person can submit and be eligible for the awards. You may choose to give credit to contributors with your entry form. Any agreements to share award money are the responsibility of the person submitting the video. UW Libraries is not responsible for managing or deciding how awards are distributed once dispersed.