Two $100 prizes (one for freshman and sophomores, one for juniors and seniors) will be awarded during Honors Convocation April 30, 2010. Prizes will recognize research that makes use of library-based resources and services, both print and online resources, particularly those provided through Hofheimer Library.
Eligibility Guidelines
- Students must be enrolled at VWC.
- Research must have been completed to meet requirements for a VWC course taken and completed at VWC between summer 2009 and spring 2010.
- The research should include the use of library-based sources, including but not limited to, print materials, sources from online databases, web resources, and materials obtained through interlibrary loan.
Application Procedures
- Application Form
- Application essay: A brief 350-500 word essay describing your research strategies and use of library tools and resources. Consider describing resources and techniques used for research, evaluation of information searches, assistance from your instructor and/or library staff and what research skills you may have learned. Tell about the good and the bad. Essay writing tips.
- Draft or final version of the research project, including the bibliography.
- A letter of support from the faculty member for whose class the research paper or project was completed.
Review and Award Decisions
The judges will determine winners based upon evidence of an exceptional ability to locate, select, evaluate, and synthesize information resources. In addition, evidence of learning and development of research skills will be considered. For this prize, the library research process is the primary focus. Therefore, the application essay should decribe the strategy, process and learning aspects of the research. The judges panel for spring 2010 includes VWC research librarians, Dr. Brett S. Heindl (Assistant Professor of Political Science), Dr. Lydia C. Kennedy (Assistant Professor of Math)and Mr. Gavin Pate (Visiting Assistant Professor of English)
Deadlines:
| April 14, 2010 | Completed application due to the library. All parts must be submitted electronically. |
| April 17-19, 2010 | Eletronic distribution of copies of completed applications to judges for review. |
| April 22, 2010 | Judges meet to discuss applications and determine winners. |
| April 30, 2010 | Honors Convocation and announcement of winners |
Questions? For additional information about the award, contact Research Librarians Patty Clark 455-3221 or Meagan Storey 233-8771.