Library Research Prize
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library Prize attracts the very best undergraduate research projects from courses taught in departments across the campus. It recognizes excellence in undergraduate research projects that show evidence of:
- Extensive use of library services, resources and collections, and
- Significant knowledge in the methods of research and the information-gathering process
To be eligible to win, individual or team applicants must:
- Be Fairfield University undergraduates at any class level and in any discipline (arts & sciences, nursing, business, engineering, University College)
- Have completed their research project for a credit course at Fairfield University during the Summer 2007, Fall 2007, or Spring 2008 semester
- Agree to contribute to a display about their research mounted by library staff for public exhibition,
to be viewed in the library and also via the Internet.
- If a team project, all team members must contribute towards the application. If a team project wins, the award will be split equally among the team members
Application must include the following:
- Application cover sheet (complete online for Individual projects or Team project)
- A 500-700 word essay describing your research strategies and use of library tools and resources (essay tips)
- A letter of support from the supervising faculty member or instructor (completed online by faculty member faculty support form)
- A draft or final version of the research project, submitted electronically.
1. Written projects: the product should be approximately 7-30 pages.
2. Media projects: submit a printout of the first "page" of the project and any other necessary "pages", along with the project in its media format, or the URL of the web project.
- A bibliography or other appropriate listing of sources consulted. When preparing your bibliography keep in mind these two points:
1. Use bibliography format and conventions appropriate to the discipline (citation style tips)
2. Cite all sources you used, even if you did not directly quote from them. Note: The bibliography may differ from your Works Cited or Reference List since it will include not only your quoted sources, but also your background reading material.
E-mail your complete application package to Joan Overfield, Library Director, DiMenna-Nyselius Library by 4:00 p.m. April 17, 2008.
Submissions will be judged based on how well they demonstrate the following:
- Sophistication, originality and/or unusual depth or breadth in the use of library collections, including, but not limited to, printed resources, databases, primary resources, and materials in all media
- Exceptional ability to locate, select, evaluate, and effectively use library resources in the creation of a project in any media that shows originality and/or has the potential to lead to original research in the future
- Evidence of significant personal learning in the methods of research and the information gathering process, and the development of a habit of research and inquiry that shows the likelihood of persisting in the future.
A panel composed of Fairfield University faculty, librarians and other educators will judge entries on the evidence of the applicant's research strategy, process, and personal learning, which will be summarized in the research essay. Expectations for achievement will be commensurate with the applicant's class year and the requirements of the discipline.
- Deadline: April 17, 2008.
- Winner notification: April 29 , 2008
- Reception: tentative date of May 1, 2008
If a team project wins, the award will be split equally among the team members
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library thanks the University of California at Berkeley Library for their guidance in the development of our Library Research Prize for Undergraduates.
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