Undergraduate Research Award

Charles Von der Ahe Library
2009 Undergraduate Research Award

Purpose

The Loyola Marymount University Charles Von der Ahe Library is pleased to announce a new undergraduate research award program. The purpose is to recognize and reward LMU undergraduate students whose research makes expert and creative use of the services, resources, and collections of the Von der Ahe Library to produce a scholarly or creative work. For 2008, a prize of $750 will be awarded to one undergraduate student, plus two honorable mentions of $250 each.

Eligibility

To be eligible applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled at Loyola Marymount University as an undergraduate student in any class level. All disciplines are eligible. Groups and teams are not eligible; individuals only.
• Have completed and submitted an original research project for an LMU credit course during the spring 2008 or fall 2008 semester or summer sessions 2008. Revising and improving the previously submitted and graded research project is allowed and encouraged.
• Agree to contribute the project to the permanent collection of the Loyola Marymount University Library.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be judged by a library task force consisting of two librarians and one faculty member. The winning entry will best demonstrate:

• Use of an exceptional depth and breadth of library collections including multiple formats such as published print materials, databases and electronic resources, primary resources, and media.
• Effective application of information literacy principles, specifically –
• Formulating a research topic and determining information needs
• Evaluating and analyzing information
• Managing, organizing and synthesizing information
• Applying information in the context of the research project
• Communicating information in formats appropriate to an academic audience
• Using information responsibly by providing appropriate and accurate citations and credits
• Evidence of significant personal learning and mastery of content.
• Scholarly research papers should demonstrate clarity of thought, substantiated arguments, coherent organization, and exceptional stylistic quality.
• Creative works should be thought-provoking and original, with an overall high quality of presentation.
• Evidence of a sophisticated understanding of the process of research and inquiry.

Application Procedure

The application procedure requires three parts:

1. The student must fill out the form at: http://www.lmu.edu/Page29194.aspx
2. The letter of nomination from the faculty member should be sent by the faculty member to jcornelio@lmu.edu
3. All project attachments should be sent to jcornelio@lmu.edu. Required attachments are:

• A 500-750 word essay in MS Word describing research strategies and application of library tools, resources and services in completion of the project.
• Bibliography in APA or MLA style in MS Word.
• Final version of the completed project. Projects in all media are encouraged.
• Written projects should be double spaced; there are no other formatting requirements. There is no minimum or maximum length.
• Digital projects should be provided in any common digital format. If the file is too large to email (>1MB), store it on your LMU LionShare account or at any other publicly-accessible URL and state those URLs in the application form. As an alternative, you can copy the files to DVD or CD and deliver those to the library, room 207, by the deadline.

The nominating faculty member must have been the instructor of record in the course for which the research project was completed, and should send a separate email with letter of nomination.

Applications are considered the property of the library and will not be returned. Incomplete and/or late applications and late nomination letters will not be accepted.

Dates to Remember

• Application Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
• Winner Notification: Friday, March 27, 2009
• Awards Reception: Tuesday, April 7, 2009 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Tips and Hints

Give your completed application to your nominating faculty member. To write an effective nominating letter, the faculty member needs to understand your project, and the research that went into your work.

Before writing your essay, it may be helpful to keep in mind the following questions as you reflect on your library research experience.

• How did the library serve to incubate your ideas for this project?
• What did you discover about the tools and techniques for research in the library?
• What search strategies brought successful information? What gave dead ends?
• What did you learn about finding and evaluating information on your topic -- or in your discipline?
• What criteria did you use to evaluate the information you found?
• How did you recognize bias and contradictions in information sources?
• What discoveries did you make in the library by serendipity? And which through carefully planned search strategies?
• What lessons about the research process did you take away from the experience?
• Has this library research contributed to your mastery of strategies for lifelong learning?

Questions?

Contact Jill Cornelio at 310/338-4593, jcornelio@lmu.edu.

For information about the 2008 winners, click here.

Application form for the 2009 Undergraduate Research Award

*This monetary award may have implications for your financial aid. Please consult with the Financial Aid Office.