Library Prize for Undergraduate Research

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How to Apply

To be considered for the Library Prize for Undergraduate Research: EITHER (1) submit all application materials in hard copy by Monday, March 29, 2010 (tentative) at 5:00 p.m. to the Office of the Dean of Libraries on the mezzanine level of Paley Library; OR (2) submit all application materials online by Monday, March 29, 2010 (tentative) at 5:00 p.m. using the Library Prize Blackboard site (Submit Online).

Please read the requirements for submission in either format.

If you are submitting in hard copy:

All materials must be submitted as a single packet to the Office of the Dean of University Libraries on the mezzanine level of Paley Library by Monday, March 29, 2009 (tentative) at 5:00 pm.

Include a cover sheet [WORD / PDF] with your application. Fill out all applicable fields.
Include with your application a signed letter of support [WORD / PDF] from the professor for whose course you did the research project. Although not required, you may submit a second letter of support from a different professor who is also familiar with your paper or project. Under no circumstances will more than two faculty support letters per project be considered by the judges. PLEASE NOTE: All letters of support must bear the signature of the professor. It is your responsibility to make sure the letter is delivered to the Office of the Dean of University Libraries by 5:00 p.m. on March 29, 2010.
Write and submit as part of your application a brief 500-750 word essay describing your research strategies and use of library tools and resources. View the Essay Tips for a more detailed description of what to include in your essay. You may also want to look at the Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Rubrics judges use to aid in their evaluation of the essay (and the research project). While the criteria and rubrics do not provide instructions on how to write the essay, they do provide a sense of the kinds of things judges are looking for.
Submit a bibliography containing all resources consulted or quoted during the course of your research. The bibliography, which is mandatory regardless of whether or not your professor originally required it, must conform to a recognized style guideline (e.g. MLA, APA, etc.).
Submit the draft or final version of your paper or project by Monday, March 29, 2010, at 5:00 pm to the Office of the Dean of University Libraries on the mezzanine level of Paley Library. A draft, if submitted, must show substantial progress toward completing the final work. You will not be penalized for submitting a draft.
Submit all material as a single packet. If you are submitting a multimedia project, include a CD, DVD, URL, or other standard format along with your application packet. Use paper clips, envelopes, and/or folders. Do not use staples; do not bind your project or use a three-ring binder. Please remember that all materials are considered library property and cannot be returned.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Late applications will not be considered.

Send an email to the Chair of the Library Prize Committee at libprize@temple.edu if you have questions. Please note that the Prize email address is for questions related to the Library Prize, not for the submission of materials. Information sessions will be announced closer to the submission deadline.

If you are submitting online:

All materials must be submitted online using Blackboard by Monday, March 29, 2010 (tentative) at 5:00 pm (Submit Online).

Include a cover sheet [WORD / PDF] with your application. Fill out all applicable fields.
Include with your application a signed letter of support [WORD / PDF] from the professor for whose course you did the research project. Although not required, you may submit a second letter of support from a different professor who is also familiar with your paper or project. Under no circumstances will more than two faculty support letters per project be considered by the judges. PLEASE NOTE: All letters of support must either bear the signature of the professor OR be submitted by the professor directly to the Library Prize Blackboard site. If you cannot submit the signed letter electronically (by scanning, for instance), and if the professor does not submit it electronically through Blackboard, it is your responsibility to make sure a signed hard copy of the letter is delivered to the Office of the Dean of University Libraries. The deadline for either method is 5:00 pm on March 29, 2010. If your professor decides to submit electronically, send him or her this link. Tell your professor to click on the "Professor Submissions" section in the Blackboard course.
Write and submit as part of your application a brief 500-750 word essay describing your research strategies and use of library tools and resources. View the Essay Tips for a more detailed description of what to include in your essay. You may also want to look at the Evaluation Criteria and Evaluation Rubrics judges use to aid in their evaluation of the essay (and the research project). While the criteria and rubrics do not provide instructions on how to write the essay, they do provide a sense of the kinds of things judges are looking for.
Submit a bibliography containing all resources consulted or quoted during the course of your research. The bibliography, which is mandatory regardless of whether or not your professor originally required it, must conform to a recognized style guideline (e.g. MLA, APA, etc.).
Submit the draft or final version of your paper or project through Blackboard by Monday, March 29, 2010, at 5:00 pm. A draft, if submitted, must show substantial progress toward completing the final work.
If you are submitting a multimedia project, attach a file in a standard format to your Blackboard submission along with your other application materials.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Late applications will not be considered.