Library Research Award for Undergraduates

The University Libraries awards annual prizes for outstanding undergraduate library research in any discipline. As many as ten top prizes may awarded in two categories: 1. freshmen, sophomores, and juniors ($750 each), and 2. senior ($1,000 each). Student winners, faculty sponsors, and guests will be honored at a reception on June 9, 2009.

Eligibility: To be eligible to win, individuals or teams must:

• be University of Washington undergraduates at any class level and in any discipline.
• have completed a research project for credit at the University of Washington in Spring Quarter 2008 through Spring Quarter 2009.
• agree to display the research project in the library and to submit it to the UW digital repository

Application Procedure: Applications must include the following:

• final version of the research project. Projects in all media are encouraged.
• bibliography or other appropriate listing of sources consulted.
• 150 word abstract of the project.
• 750-1,000 word reflective essay describing research strategies and use of library resources.
• letter of support from the supervising faculty member.

Selection Criteria: Panels of librarians and faculty members review all applications. Submissions are evaluated on how well they demonstrate:

• Unusual depth or breadth in the use of library resources and 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 in any media that shows originality and/or has the potential to lead to original research in the future.
• Evidence of significant personal learning in the methods of research and inquiry.

The application deadline is 5pm, May 18, 2009. For applications and information, consult www.lib.washington.edu/researchaward; or email libaward@u.washington.edu.