The Award recognizes student researchers who demonstrate skill and originality in the application of library and other information sources in a research project. This award highlights and promotes the library’s resources and services to the greater student community. Most importantly, this award promotes information competency values by encouraging undergraduate researchers to develop and extend their research skills and critical thinking abilities.

Prizes:

The First Place winner of this award will receive $200 and the Second Place winner will receive $100. The winners will be announced at the 9th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium on Friday, March 28, 2008.

Eligibility:

1. Any student whose project is eligible for the Spring Undergraduate Research Symposium and whose project effectively utilizes library resources.
2. In addition, the following application procedures must be fulfilled:

Application Procedure:

The student must:

1. Complete Award Application Cover Sheet.
2. Write and submit as part of the application a brief (250-500 words) essay describing the student’s research strategies, use of library tools and resources, and what was learned from the research process.
3. Submit a bibliography listing all resources consulted or quoted during the course of the research project. The bibliography must conform to a recognized style guideline (e.g. MLA, APA, etc.).
4. Submit the draft or final version of the paper or project by Tuesday March 25, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. to Dr. Palmer Hall at the Louis J. Blume Library. A draft, if submitted, must show substantial progress toward completing the final work.
5. Submit all application materials together as a single packet. Be aware that application packets are considered library property and cannot be returned.

NOTE: In the case of digital projects, submit a printout of the first “page” and all other application materials in paper, along with the desired format or URL. CD/DVD copies of web sites or digital projects must be submitted. Do not send originals. For other non-print formats, please email the Chair of the Library Award Committee.

To sum up, the application packet must include:

• Award Application Cover Sheet
• a brief (250-500 words) essay describing your research
• a bibliography
• a draft or final version of your paper or project

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Late applications will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria for the Louis J. Blume Library Undergraduate Research Award (pdf file):

The 250-500 word essay on research process could describe:

--initial search behaviors and resulting changes in search behavior

--new information learned about library resources

--connections with future research

--interaction with reference librarian(s)

--how material not available in the library was accessed: InterLibrary Loan, TexShare services, etc.

--how sources were evaluated for credibility, timeliness, relevance, etc.

Questions may be directed to Diane Duesterhoeft at dduesterhoeft@stmarytx.edu or (210) 436-3346.

Undergraduate Research Award Application Cover Sheet (deadline is Tuesday, March 25, 2008)

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Contact: Diane M. Duesterhoeft • email: dduesterhoeft@stmarytx.edu 
URL: http://library.stmarytx.edu/acadlib/infocomp/ugresearch.htm
updated March 18, 2008
 
Louis J. Blume Library • St. Mary's University
One Camino Santa Maria • San Antonio, TX 78228-8608 • USA
Reference: (210) 436-3508 • Circulation: (210) 436-3430

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