Application Guidelines

Purpose: The purpose of the Woodruff Library Undergraduate Research Award is to recognize and reward Emory College undergraduate students who 1) make extensive use of Woodruff Library’s collections and research resources in their original scholarship; and 2) show evidence of critical analysis in their research skills (i.e., locating, selecting, evaluating, and synthesizing information).

Number of Prizes: Up to three per year ($500 each). At least one prize will be awarded to a first-year student.

Eligibility: To be eligible to win, applicants must:

• be current Emory College undergraduates at any class level and in any discipline (humanities, social sciences, or sciences);
• have completed their research project since March 1, 2008 for an Emory College credit course, and
• allow library staff to display their research for public viewing following receipt of the Undergraduate Research Award.

Selection Criteria: Submissions will be judged based on how well they demonstrate the following:

• Sophistication, originality and/or unusual depth or breadth in the use of library collections, including, but not limited to, printed resources, databases, primary resources, and materials in all media;
• Exceptional ability to locate, select, evaluate, and synthesize library resources and to use them in the creation of a project that shows originality and/or has the potential to lead to original research in the future; and
• Evidence of significant personal learning and the development of a habit of research and inquiry that shows the likelihood of persisting in the future.

An evaluation panel comprised of Emory University faculty and librarians will primarily focus on the evidence of the applicant's research strategy, process, and personal learning, as summarized in an essay. Expectations for achievement will be commensurate with the applicant's class year and the requirements of the discipline. See more on judging criteria here.

Application Procedure

Applications must include the following:

• an application cover sheet; (PDF, 13k)
• a 500-750 word essay describing your research strategies and use of library tools and resources (essay tips);
• a letter of support from the supervising faculty member or instructor, submitted with the appropriate cover sheet; (PDF, 13k)
• a final version of the research project, including a 150 word abstract/summary of the project. (Projects in all media are encouraged.); and
  • Written projects: There is not a maximum length. Please include a diskette/CD with an electronic version of the project and award application.
  • Digital projects: Submit a printout of the first “page” of the project, and all other application components in paper, along with the desired format or URL of the digital project.
• a bibliography or other appropriate listing of sources consulted (bibliography tips).

Research Award Winners for 2008:

Sveta Milusheva, “The Cycle of Slow Privatization and Government Instability Leading to Increasing Poverty During the Transition in Bulgaria”

Andrew Shoenig, “To What Extent Was the Great Exhibition of 1851 an Exhibition of ‘All Nations’?”

Robert Stuhr and Michael Levy, “Conflict Diamonds: a Study of Partnership Africa Canada and the Movement Against Blood Diamonds in Sub-Saharan Africa”

Each winning entry received a $500 prize, funded by the Elizabeth Long Atwood Fund, presented by Rick Luce at the Undergraduate Research Symposium on April 16.

For more information, email researchaward@listserv.emory.edu