The Sanford Bederman Research Award in Urban Geography offered by the Georgia State University Library recognizes GSU graduate students who demonstrate skill and creativity in the application of library information resources in research papers or projects that address the complex challenges of cities through geographical research. The Award seeks to single out graduate students who are using library information resources in innovative ways to better understand the social, political, economic, or environmental challenges faced by cities or urban regions. 

The Award

$600 prize

Deadline

All application materials are due by 5:00 p.m. on February 11, 2013.  Award winners will be notified by March 29, 2013.

Eligibility

• Current Georgia State University graduate students.
• Papers/projects must have been completed for a credit course at GSU during the Spring 2012, Summer 2012, or Fall 2012 semesters.
• Papers/projects must have the support of a faculty member and be accompanied by a letter from the faculty member who taught the course for which the paper/project was submitted.
• Papers/projects must include evidence of library information resources.
• 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. Authors retain the copyright to their work.

Evaluation Committee

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

Application Procedure

Applications must include the following four (4) documents in doc or pdf format. Submissions should be sent electronically to Joseph Hurley, Data Services, Geosciences, Government Information, Maps & GIS Librarian. Email: jhurley@gsu.edu

1. Application Cover Sheet (Word)
2. Reflective Essay (approximately 500 words) describing the applicant’s research strategies, use of library information resources, how the research contributed to the quality of the paper/project, and how the applicant can use these research skills and resources in future papers/projects. 
3. Cover sheet and letter of support from nominating faculty (Word)
4. A final version of the paper/project. There is no length requirement. The paper/project must include a complete bibliography.

Selection Criteria

Successful papers/projects will be judged based on:

• Extensive and creative use of library information resources 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 knowledge in the methods of research and inquiry.
• Quality of the reflective essay.

Questions should be addressed to Joseph Hurley.