Eligibility

Applicants must

• Be undergraduates enrolled in a degree program in any discipline at Radford University
• Have completed a research paper or project for a Radford University credit course offered during either the spring 2008, summer 2008, fall 2008 or spring 2009 semesters. Print, Web, and other media projects are welcome.
• Agree to the exhibition of their projects online and in McConnell Library

See FAQ for more information about eligibility.

Application Process

1. Download, print, and complete a cover sheet
2. Letter of support from the class instructor
3. A brief 300-500 word essay describing your research strategies and use of all library tools and resources
4. A draft or final version of your research project. Projects in all media and formats are welcome. For online and media projects, submit URLs or CDs.
5. If not an official part of the project, include a bibliography of sources used in its creation
6. Please do not submit other materials, such as research logs or copies of articles.

Applications will be retained by McConnell Library and cannot be returned.

Submit all application materials by the deadline: Friday, April 24, 2009, 4 pm. Completed applications should be brought to the Administration Office in McConnell Library. The office, located to the left of the Joan of Arc statue in the outer lobby, is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Selection Criteria

A panel composed of three librarians and two teaching faculty will judge entries based on how well they demonstrate the following:

• Originality, depth, breadth or sophistication in the use of library collections
• Exceptional ability to select, evaluate, and synthesize library resources and successfully use them in the creation of a project or paper
• Evidence of personal learning and development of research skills
• The essay describing your research techniques will be given the most weight in the judging process

Expectations for achievement will be commensurate with the applicant’s class year and the requirements of the discipline.

Winner will be announced at the Library Research Award Reception on Friday, May 1, 2009.

Helpful Hints

Ask your professor for a letter of support at least one week before the deadline. Your application will not be considered without a letter.

Letters of support may be included with the application, sent under separate cover, or e-mailed to Candice Benjes-Small, cbsmall@radford.edu

Your essay is your best opportunity to showcase your use of the library. Make sure the essay reflects work completed for the submitted paper or project. For example, don't write about your extensive use and love for the library catalog if a quick check of your bibliography reveals you only cited articles (which are not found through the catalog).

Not sure what to write? See essays from 2006 Library Research Award First Prize (Ryan Mays) and Honorable Mention (Aaron Moore) winners, and 2007 Upper Division Winner (Scott McGregor).

Questions?

See the FAQ page first. If your question is not answered there, please contact refdesk@radford.edu