|
|
|
|
|
|
Award Background
Award Eligibility
Project Criteria
Application Procedure
Other
Q: What is the Library Research Award for Undergraduates?
A: It is an award for University of Washington undergraduates who demonstrate outstanding examples of undergraduate library research.
Q: How many awards are offered?
A: The number of awards varies. In previous years, six to ten awards have been given in two categories: (1.) Non-senior category (Freshmen/Sophomore/Junior) and (2.) Senior category.
Q: Why is the library doing this?
A: It is the mission of the University Libraries to enrich the quality of life and to advance intellectual discovery by connecting people with knowledge. The Libraries actively promote opportunities for undergraduates to participate in research initiatives that expand creativity and academic scholarship.
Q: When is the deadline to submit research project documentation?
A: The deadline to submit your research project documentation is 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2008.
Q: What if I'm not quite finished?
A: The deadline to submit your research project documentation is 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2008.
Q: Is it possible to submit my project earlier than May 19?
A: Yes, you may submit your project anytime up to, but no later than May 19.
Q: Can I receive this award if I am enrolled at UW Bothell? What about Cascadia Community College?
A: This award is eligible to any individual or team who are University of Washington undergraduates at the Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma campuses and pursuing a degree. Students enrolled at Cascadia Community College are not eligible for the award.
Q: Are groups or teams allowed to participate?
A: Yes, groups or teams may participate in the award competition. For group or team projects, identify the explicit role and contribution of each member. Each member of the group or team should submit an application form and essay. A winning group or team would share the monetary award.
Q: Why are each group member required to submit a separate essay?
A: It is important to identify the explicit role and contribution of each member, and all participants must provide evidence of meaningful and/or substantial individual knowledge obtained from the research process.
Q: I graduate in June of 2008. Am I eligible to receive the award?
A: Yes, graduating seniors who graduate within the academic year (Spring 2007, Summer 2007, Fall 2007, Winter 2008, and Spring 2008) are eligible.
Q: I have already graduated but my research project was completed during the quarters indicated under Eligibility. Is my project eligible for the award?
A: If you graduated no more than one quarter after completing your project, and meet all other eligibility requirements, your project is eligible for the award.
Q: My project was completed for a course that took place before the first quarter indicated under Eligibility? Can you make an exception and consider my project for this year's award?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot consider projects completed before the quarters specified.
Q: What resources can we use for our projects?
A: Participants are not limited to, but may use printed resources, databases, primary resources, and materials in all media to complete research projects.
Q: In what way will we be judged?
A: You must show exceptional ability to choose, assess, and integrate library resources into your research project. See: Selection Criteria.
Q: Is there anything else?
A: Yes, participants must provide evidence of meaningful and/or substantial individual knowledge obtained from the research process.
Q: Is there a length requirement for projects?
A: There are no project length requirements.
Q: How do I apply for this award?
A: You may apply online after mid-December 2007. Instructions will be posted on the Apply section of the Research Award Web site.
Q: When is the deadline to apply?
A: You may apply at anytime before 5:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2008.
Q: Do I have to be nominated to participate?
A: Not at all. Nominations are not a requirement, but you must have a letter of support from your course instructor. A second letter may be submitted from a University of Washington faculty member familiar with your research.
Q: May I submit multiple projects for the award?
A: Yes, you may submit multiple projects, but you will only receive one monetary award for the contest.
Q: What are the requirements?
A: Applicants must submit a 750-1,000 word essay describing the use of library resources and tools in completing the project. In addition, a letter of support from a faculty member or instructor is required. Thirdly, a final version of the research project, including a summary of 150 words, must be submitted by 5:00 pm, May 19, 2008. to receive the award. Finally, please include a bibliography or other appropriate listing of sources consulted.
Q: Do I have to submit my project in paper?
A: Projects in all media are encouraged.
Q: May I submit a speech for a research project?
A: Yes, a speech may be submitted. You must provide a written version of the speech with a bibliography. A video of the speech is not required, but may be submitted to supplement the written material.
Q: If my project is in another language other than English, will it be eligible?
A: Projects in non-English languages may be submitted, but the accompanying essay must be in English. Additionally, submissions of works in other languages may benefit from the inclusion of an English translation.
Q: The person who knows the most about my research is not the faculty instructor, but a teaching or research assistant. Must the support letter come from the faculty in charge of the class?
A: In such a case, you may submit a letter of support from either the instructor for which the project was completed, or the teaching or research assistant who you feel knows the most about your research. The project, however, must be for credit at the University of Washington.
Q: Can I submit additional letters of support for my project?
A: Yes, additional letters of support from other faculty, librarians, and teaching assistants are okay.
Q: Would an independent study course qualify for this competition?
A: Yes, any for credit course offered at the University of Washington would qualify.
Q: I am on the faculty and have been asked to write a letter of support. Are there any guidelines?
A: You may wish to refer to the Selection Criteria and Faculty Toolkit sections of the Library Research Award web page.
Q: If I'm a winner, how will the award be dispersed?
A: You can receive a check.
Q: Will the Award impact my financial aid?
A: Please consult your financial aid advisor.
Q: What about other scholarships or funding?
A: We encourage you to consult the scholarship or funding organization.
Student Finances provides helpful information regarding financial aid and scholarships.
Q: When will we find out who the Award recipients are?
A: Award recipients will be notified before the Award Reception.
Q: What is the UW digital repository?
A: DSpace, the UW digital repository, captures, distributes and preserves digital research products. Here you can find articles, working papers, preprints, technical reports, conference papers and data sets in various digital formats. Content grows daily as new communities and collections are added to DSpace.