Woodruff Library Undergraduate Research Awards

Application Guidelines

Number of Prizes:

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

Dates:

Application Deadline: 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6th, 2013

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
2. show evidence of critical analysis in their research skills (i.e., locating, selecting, evaluating, and synthesizing information).

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, 2012 for an Emory College credit course. Projects in all media are encouraged.
• 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.
• 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 focus primarily 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 will be submitted through Blackboard** and must include the following:

• An application cover sheet.
• A letter of support from the supervising faculty member or instructor, submitted with the appropriate faculty cover sheet.
• A 500-750 word essay describing your research strategies and use of library tools and resources.  (See essay tips.)
• A 150 word abstract/summary of the project.
• A final version of the research project.
• A bibliography or other appropriate listing of sources consulted (See bibliography tips.)

**Applications will be submitted through Blackboard. For access to the Blackboard site, or for more information about the award, email:

researchaward@listserv.emory.edu

Award:

In conjunction with the Undergraduate Research Symposium held at the Dobbs University Center Commons on Wednesday April 24, 2013, from 3-6 pm. For more information visit http://college.emory.edu/home/academic/research/sire/symposiums/index.html