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Georgia State University Library
Undergraduate Research Awards
The University Library Research Awards recognize Georgia State University undergraduates who demonstrate skill and creativity in the application of library information resources for research papers/projects completed in fulfillment of a course requirement.
The Awards
$600 prize for a paper/project from a Junior or Senior for 3000 or 4000 level GSU course
$400 prize for a paper/project from a Freshman or Sophomore for a 1000 or 2000 level GSU course
$250 prize for the runner-up in each category
Eligibility
- Current Georgia State University undergraduates at any class level and in any discipline
- Papers/projects must have been completed for a credit course at GSU during the Spring 09, Summer 09, or Fall 09 semesters
- Papers/projects must be nominated by a faculty member and be accompanied by a letter of support from the faculty member who taught the course for which the paper/project was 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. All application materials remain the property of the Library. Winning papers/projects will become part of the University Archives.
- Group papers/projects are not eligible
- Papers must be written in English.
Evaluation Committee
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel consisting of GSU teaching and library faculty.
Selection Criteria
Successful 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
Application Procedure
Applications must include the following:
- Application cover sheet
- A reflective essay (approximately 500 words) describing the applicant’s research strategies, use of library tools and 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
- A letter of support from the supervising faculty member or instructor
- A final version of the paper/project: for papers, approximately 5-10 pages for lower division students and 10-20 pages for upper division students
- A bibliography or other appropriate listing of sources consulted (if not included in the paper/project)
2009 Award winners:
3000/4000 Level
Winner - Anne Bozeman, The Presidential Campaigns of Belva Lockwood
Ms. Bozeman skillfully integrated both primary and secondary sources from a variety of library collections and formats into her discussion of Belva Lockwood's role in 19th century politics. Her paper and her reflective essay clearly demonstrate that she has a masterful grasp of the research process.
Runner up - Renee Shelby, Sexual Minority Youth: The Effects of Stress on Well-Being
Ms. Shelby's extensive and creative use of library sources contributed to a very thoughtful and persuasive research paper. Her research paper and reflective essay show that she has an excellent understanding of the research process.
1000/2000 Level
Winner - James Lafayette Toles, The Virtual Classroom: An Enhancement or Replacement to Traditional Education
This paper was chosen for the number and breadth of resources that Mr. Toles used in his paper, the clarity of his reflective essay, and the accuracy with which he cited the resources used.
Runner up - Silvia D. Dimitrova, Creation in Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
This paper was chosen for the clarity of the reflective essay, the accuracy with which the cited resources were used, and the elegance of the writing in the paper.
Previous Undergraduate Research Award Papers
Questions should be addressed to Tammy Sugarman.