The East Texas Research Center at Stephen F. Austin State University is sponsoring an "I Found it in the Archives" essay and video contest to showcase how archived materials positively impact people's lives.

"We're seeking entrants who have found something special in our collections - records, documents, photos, recordings, a meaningful item or treasure," said ETRC Director Linda Reynolds. "If it has meaning to you, it has meaning to us and is a wonderful basis for your entry."

Entrants should submit either a 400-word essay or a video posted to YouTube describing their quest for information and explaining how finding it has made a difference. Those submitting an essay also should include a color photo of themselves. Videos should be no more than two minutes long.

Contest entries will be accepted from Jan. 17 to Feb. 6. The entry form and a complete list of contest rules can be found online at http://libweb.sfasu.edu/proser/etrc/Contest/ifoundit.html

The entries of five finalists will be posted online for a public vote. All finalists will receive a gift bag, and the winner will receive a prize package of gifts from local businesses and will be entered into the national competition sponsored by the Society of American Archivists. National winners will be hosted at the August Society of American Archivists annual awards ceremony in Chicago.

For additional information, e-mail asketrc@sfasu.edu.