The Research Award is an annual award given to Western Washington University undergraduates who demonstrate outstanding library research in the writing of papers for courses taught across the colleges. 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.
What course papers are eligible?
A paper must have been completed for a WWU credit course. Papers completed in Fall Quarter 2016 through Winter Quarter 2017 are eligible.
How many awards are offered?
The number of $500 awards is 3 per year.
When is the application deadline?
How are submitted papers judged and when will the awards be announced?
Papers are judged by an interdisciplinary committee of Western faculty and awards will be announced by Monday, May 15, 2017.
Selection Criteria
- All undergraduates enrolled at Western Washington University in Spring 2017 are eligible.
- The $500 awards are given for excellence in research.
- Eligible research papers must have been completed for WWU course credit either in Fall Quarter 2016 or Winter Quarter 2017.
- Papers must meet the criteria of "research papers" which demonstrate an original thesis supported by ample research as cited in the paper's bibliography.
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.
Application Process
The award deadline is: Monday, April 17, 2017
All files required to be considered for the award, including faculty letter of support, must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2017.
Please send required materials, including the following, electronically to Elizabeth.Stephan@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.
- A letter of support from the WWU faculty member or instructor for whose class the research paper was completed.
Application Form
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