eLincoln Prize

The Electronic Lincoln Prize is a $10,000 prize awarded for the finest scholarly work on the era of the American Civil War.   However, facing a lean scholarly year the Prize may not be awarded.  The work must be presented in digital format on the World Wide Web, CD-ROM, DVD, or other forms of electronic distribution.

The prize favors originality over the dissemination of information. When competing work shows similar merit, preference is given to work on Lincoln, the common soldier, and projects that reach the broadest public. Individuals, groups, or institutions may compete for the Prize. No site shall win the Prize more than once, but achievement over time might be honored independently of previous awards.

• (1) Projects that show genuine originality should be given preference, to those (however worthy and useful) that essentially digitize books that are readily available in major libraries.
• (2) Preference should be given to Web sites that make the most of the digital environment in terms of materials, format, and access.
• (3) Preference should be given to projects that are easily accessible and reasonably priced for those who might want to use them.
• (4) Preference should be given to projects that are accompanied by CD-ROMs or other forms of permanent and finished presentation.
• (5) Attention should be given to the likely size of the audience. Even an admirably planned and readily accessible project that is likely to be of interest only to a few individuals is not a strong candidate.

The Electronic Lincoln Prize jury serves a two year term. The jury reports January 15, ranking three finalists. Using the LP (and Pulitzer) model, the Board makes the final choice of winner(s) but could differ from that of the jury's rankings.