Library offers undergrad research award

A new program organized by the IUB library system recognizes the importance of students' hard work, diligent research and well-written papers and presentations. IUB Libraries has announced the Undergraduate Research Award Program for 2006, from which two nominees will receive prizes of $500 and $1,000. The awards are being funded by an endowment.\nBecause this is the first year for the program, award values might increase in the future. As outlined on the IU Libraries' Web site, the purpose of the awards is to recognize quality in undergraduate research projects that exhibit skill, literacy ability and creativity using the multitude of services, resources and collections available at the IUB Libraries. \nFreshman Andrea West said the program sounds like a good opportunity and added that it "basically rewards us for doing what we already do -- work in the library."\nCarolyn Walters, executive associate dean of IUB Libraries, said she has wanted to put a program like this together for awhile and confirmed that the judges will "support all disciplines." The program is open to projects in any field, and Walters said they will be judged on the quality of work. \n"It's great that anyone can apply because it provides an incentive for all students to work hard in any field," said sophomore Bruce Schneider. \nTo enter a project, students must be enrolled as an IUB undergraduate and have completed their project for a credit course during the spring semester, summer sessions or fall semester 2005. According to the IUB Libraries' Web site, the application procedure has several requirements, including a nomination form and letter from a faculty member or instructor, a 500- to 750-word essay that describes the research procedures and use of library tools and an electronic copy of the final research project. Walters said the essay and faculty nomination will be keys for judging, and students should feel free to approach their instructors if they want a nomination. Instructors can also nominate a student based on a class project. \n"For people who are willing to put in the time and effort to do this, it would definitely be worth it," Schneider said.\nSubmitted projects will be judged based on how well they display cleverness, originality and depth in the use of library materials, effective application of information and evidence of personal learning and comprehension of the research process. A panel of librarians and faculty who are members of the Bloomington Faculty Council Library Committee will evaluate the applications, which are to be submitted by 5 p.m. March 1. \nUpon submission, applications will become property of the IUB Libraries and will not be returned. Winners will be notified by May 1. For more information and evaluation criteria visit www.libraries.iub.edu. Walters said students who have questions about a specific project or requirement can contact her or ask at a reference desk in the library.