LIBRARY WEEK 2023
Sustainability Essay Competition
As part of our celebration of National Library & Information Week, we are promoting the role of Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums and Resource Centres (GLAM/R) in critical thinking through an essay competition on a topical and relevant theme to the UCC, Jamaica and the world. Performance Goal 6.7 in UCC’s draft Strategic Plan for 2023 – 2028 challenges us to promote adherence to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and these are aligned with Jamaica’s Vision 2030 Strategic Development Plan. Hence, the UCC is on a mission to enhance our sustainability and resilience as an institution, but what does that mean to our students and other stakeholders. This Essay Competition is aimed at giving students and opportunity to think critically about sustainability and environmental management towards making recommendations to the UCC for improvement.
The Competition
Essays should be a reflection of your own experience and expectations, based on your research into the topics. Your essay should be between 1,200 – 1,500 words (over 1,500 words will not be considered). Only under-graduate students are eligible. AI generated essays will not be accepted and anyone who uses this method will not be considered.
| Prizes will include: cash awards, cell phone credit, tokens. Awards will be presented during the Library & Information Week Panel Discussion: “Sustainability & Resilience for Buildings and Facilities – Designing, Retro-fitting and Environmental Management” on Friday, 3rd November. |
Essays must be uploaded by 8:30am, Tuesday, 17th October, 2023 and the form completed here.
Essay Questions:
OPTION 1: Based on your experience and research, describe and discuss how the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) can improve the sustainability and resilience of its campus buildings, grounds and facilities including the Library and/or Resource Centres, through the use of smart solutions bearing in mind the SDG Goals (particularly #4, #8, #9 and #11 - the focal goals in UCC’s Draft Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028).
OPTION 2: Based on your experience and research, describe and discuss how the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) can improve the sustainability and resilience of its campus buildings, grounds and facilities including the Library and/or Resource Centres, with reference to key environmental management system components:-
- Solid waste
- Liquid waste
- Energy conservation
- Water conservation
- Use of chemicals
- Health and safety
- Nature conservation
- Community benefits
- Management approval & staff/student engagement
Guidance regarding judging:
- Essays must show evidence of research e.g. properly referenced information.
- AI generated essays will not be accepted and anyone who uses this method will not be considered. Your essay must present your reflections based on your research of the topics.
- Essays must be between 1,200 to 1,500 words (essays over 1,500 words will not be considered).
- Only under-graduate students are eligible.
- Essays must have an introduction that sets the context for the body of the essay e.g. providing properly referenced definitions.
- The main body of the essay must describe and discuss how UCC can enhance sustainability and resilience in relation to:-
- Either, OPTION 1: the SDG Goals (particularly the relevant ones and any other you consider of special relevance to the UCC)
- Or, OPTION 2: the environmental management system components outlined.
- The essay must have concluding remarks which clearly summarise your recommendations for enhancing the sustainability and resilience of the campus buildings, grounds and facilities.
