This annual award is given to Western Washington University undergraduates who demonstrate outstanding library research and writing in coursework at WWU. It recognizes excellence in undergraduate research papers based on:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Library Research Award for Undergraduates?
The Research Award is an annual award given to Western Washington University undergraduates who demonstrate outstanding library research in the writing of research papers. WWU Libraries provides opportunites for undergraduates to participate in research that enhances academic scholarship and creativity.
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What course papers are eligible?
The project must have been part of a credit course taken while at WWU and students must be enrolled students at Western in spring quarter, 2020. Papers completed between spring quarter of 2019 through winter quarter 2020 are eligible.
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How many awards are offered?
There are three $500 awards per year.
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When is the application deadline?
Monday, May 18, 2020, before midnight.
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How are submissions judged and when will the awards be announced?
Submissions are judged by an interdisciplinary committee of Western faculty and awards will be announced by Friday, June 19, 2020.
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Selection Criteria
- All undergraduates enrolled at Western Washington University in spring 2020 are eligible.
- The $500 awards are given for excellence in research.
- Eligible submissions must have been completed for WWU course credit in spring, summer, or fall of 2019 or winter 2020.
- Submissions should demonstrate an original thesis supported by ample research as cited in the submission's bibliography.
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Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be judged on how well student researchers demonstrate:
- Unusual depth or breadth in use of library resources and collections, including printed resources, primary resources, and databases.
- Exceptional ability to identify, locate, select, evaluate and synthesize library resources and use them in creating a research paper which shows originality or potential to lead to subsequent original research.
- Demonstration of significant personal knowledge in the methods of research and inquiry.
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Application Process
The award deadline is: Monday, May 18, 2020
All files required to be considered for the award, including faculty letter of support, must be submitted before midnight on Monday, May 18, 2020.
Please send required materials, including the following, electronically to gabe.gossett@wwu.edu
- An application cover sheet.
- A 500-750 word reflective essay describing your research strategies and use of library tools and resources.
- A final version of the research paper.
- A bibliography or other appropriate listing of sources consulted, if not already included in the research paper submission.
- A letter of support from the WWU faculty member or instructor for whose class the research paper was completed.
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Application Form
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