The annual University Library Undergraduate Research Award recognizes a Georgia State University undergraduate student who demonstrates outstanding skill and creativity in the application of library information resources in a research paper or project completed in fulfillment of a course requirement.

Deadline

All application materials are due by 5:00 p.m. on February 10, 2012. The award winner will be notified by March 30, 2012.   

The Award

• $600 prize

Eligibility

• Open to Georgia State University undergraduate students at any class level and in any discipline/major
• Papers/projects must have been completed for a credit course at GSU during the Spring 2011, Summer 2011, or Fall 2011 semesters
• Papers/projects must have the support of a faculty member and be accompanied by a letter of support from the faculty member who taught the course for which the paper/project is submitted 
• Papers/projects must include evidence of library research
• Applicants must agree to give the Library permission to exhibit the winning papers/projects in the Library. Winning papers/projects will be archived and made available in the Digital Archive @ GSU.  Student authors retain the copyright to their work.
• Group papers/projects are not eligible.
• Papers must be submitted in English.

Follow these steps to apply now!

Read the step-by-step instructions (RTF) on how to create an account and submit your materials 

Create an account at the Undergraduate Research Awards page and Login.  

Submit your final research paper/project. The paper/project must include a complete bibliography using the citation style appropriate to the discipline.

• Submit your supplemental materials:

•  Application Cover Sheet (RTF)
• Reflective Essay (approximately 500 words) describing the applicant’s research strategies, use of library and information resources, how the research contributed to the quality of the paper/project, and how the applicant can use these research skills in future papers/projects. Read our Essay Tips. 
• Cover sheet and letter of support from nominating faculty member (RTF).

Evaluation Committee

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel consisting of GSU teaching and library faculty.

Selection Criteria

Successful papers/projects will be judged based on:

• Extensive and creative use of library services, resources and collections in any format including, but not limited to, printed resources, databases, primary sources, and materials in all media
• Responsible use of information by providing appropriate and accurate citations and credits
• Evidence of significant personal knowledge in the methods of research and inquiry
• Quality of the reflective essay

See Award Winning Papers from past years

Questions should be addressed to Bryan Sinclair, Associate Dean, University Library