Academic Library Services to Graduate Students Interest Group

  • 1.  Suggestions for raffle prize

    Posted 23 hours ago

    We are doing a short survey with our graduate students about library services and want to offer a raffle and prize as an incentive to participate. Does anyone have suggestions for prizes? I was thinking about a Visa gift card so they could use it for groceries, gas, or meals, but am open to other ideas. Thanks in advance!



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    Brianna Hughes
    STEM Reference and Instruction Librarian
    University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    She/Her/Hers
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  • 2.  RE: Suggestions for raffle prize

    Posted 2 hours ago

    Hi Brianna,

    I know one of the issues with giftcards can be that many universities either no longer allow you to use departmental budgets or P-cards to buy them, or make it extremely challenging with tons of hoops to jump through.  If you have a way around that issue, I think they're potentially really great!

    That said, some options I've had luck with include:

    • Owala water bottles (I had no idea the cult following these things have prior to our offering them - especially if you snag one of the limited release colors/patterns)
    • University-branded blankets, pillows, scarves, hats, etc.
    • Meal plan flex bucks/vouchers (similar to giftcards, but often easier to purchase)

    Hope you have good participation!



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    Andrew Yager
    Access Services Manager
    University of Maryland, College Park
    He/Him/His
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    Original Message