The Thomas Reid Collecting Prize 2026 is now open for applications! Closing date: Friday 20th February, 2026.
About the Thomas Reid Collecting Prize
The Thomas Reid Collecting Prize is part of the Scottish Universities Book Collecting Prize Scheme. The aim is to encourage the collection of the printed word in physical form among the students of Scotland’s ancient universities.
The prize is named after the book collector Thomas Reid (d.1624), who gave his collection of more than 1300 books to the University of Aberdeen.
This prize has been endowed by Dr William Zachs and is administered by the University Collections and the Development Trust.
Details and How to Enter
- The Thomas Reid Collecting Prize is open to all registered students of the University of Aberdeen.
- Applications may include the printed word in any physical form, from books to match tickets to film posters.
- Your collection can be of any size, and does not have to be complete by the date of submission.
- The winner will be awarded £500 to spend on an item or items for their own collection.
- The winner will also win the opportunity to work with professional University Collections staff to identify items worth up to £250 to enhance the University Collections.
- The deadline for applications is midnight on Friday 20th February 2026.
- To enter, download the Application Form and Guidelines.
Thomas_Reid_Collecting_Prize_2026_Application_Form_and_Guidelines.pdf
If you are looking for a bit of inspiration, you might be interested in this online event from the Institute of English Studies in London on 3rd February- ‘Shelf Improvement: How to Collect and Present a Prize-Worthy Book Collection’.
More information & booking at: https://ies.sas.ac.uk/news-events/events/shelf-improvement-how-collect-present-prize-worthy-book-collection
But remember, we accept a wide range of printed items, not just book collections for the Thomas Reid Collecting Prize!
- Hosted by
- University Collections
- Contact
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If you would like further information please email uoacollections@abdn.ac.uk