What is the Award?
- The LPC Library Research Award recognizes excellence in student research and information competency skills and the inquiry process in using the library, its resources, and collections.
- One to three winners will be selected to receive a scholarship.
- Each member must explain their contribution to the work for group projects.
- Award winner(s) will be announced - date TBD
- Supported by the Linda Lucas Memorial Fund.
Who is Eligible to Win?
- Applicants must be a currently registered LPC student with a minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours AND
- Have completed a research paper/project for a credit course at LPC during the current academic year of application (paper/project would be completed during the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semester)
- Have an LPC Library record in good standing.
Application package must include ALL of the following:
- Library Research Award Contact Sheet.
- A 200-300 word Research Process Essay describing your research process and how you used the library’s information resources and services. If this is a group project, each member should explain their contribution to the work.
- Library Research Award Faculty Support Form.
- An electronic copy of the final draft of the research paper or project. Written papers: the paper or other written product should be 5 pages or longer, not including the required “Works Cited” or bibliography.
- A “Works Cited” or bibliography of sources consulted in a standard citation format such as MLA or APA, which is usually part of the paper/project.
What are the Selection Criteria?
Submissions will be judged based on how well they demonstrate these elements:
- Originality and/or unusual depth or breadth in the use of library collections, including, but not limited to, printed resources, online databases and Web resources, primary resources, and media.
- Excellent ability to find, evaluate, select, and synthesize information resources and use them to create a research paper/project.
- Evidence of significant personal learning about information competency/research skills as summarized in the application essay. Include a statement of how the research skills gained apply to your academic or personal life.
- Evidence of correct and consistently applied MLA, APA, or other appropriate citation format.
Essay Tips
(Note: One of the requirements for submitting a research paper to the Library Research Award is to write an accompanying 200-300 word essay that describes your research process and how you used library and other research tools and information resources.)
In addition to reviewing the selection criteria, please address the following questions as you reflect on your library research experience:
- In what way did the library’s print and/or online collections, as well as reference and instructional services, serve as a resource for developing your ideas for the paper or project?
- How would you describe the process you used to find the information sources for your paper or project? Which research tools and search techniques were useful, and which were not?
- What lessons about the research experience did you take away from the experience?
- How might you apply the research skills you learned to your academic or personal life?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My paper/project was completed for a course that took place before the semesters indicated under the Who is eligible? Can you make an exception and consider my project for this year’s award?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot consider projects completed before the semesters specified.
Q: I have not yet completed the paper/project by the award deadline. Is it necessary to submit a finished paper/project? Would a draft version be acceptable?
A: You may submit a draft version of your project. However, for the purposes of judging, the more complete a project/paper is, the better.
Q: I dropped the class but did the research and completed my project. Is my project eligible?
A: No, you must have already gotten, or be in the process of getting, credit for the class to be eligible for the prize.
Q: Is my honors course project/paper eligible?
A: Yes.
Q: Are team projects eligible?
A: Yes, they are. Teams should submit a single application for their project. All team members should contribute. If a team project/paper wins, the team members will split the money equally.
Q: I have graduated from LPC but completed my research project during the semesters indicated under Eligibility. Is my paper/project eligible for the award?
A: If you graduated no more than one semester after completing your paper/project, and meet all other eligibility requirements, your project is eligible for the award.
How To Apply:
The submission process has four parts:
-
The Research Project
a. An electronic copy of the final draft of the research paper/project. Written papers; the paper or other written product should be 5 pages or longer, not including the required "Works Cited" or bibliography
b. A "Works Cited" or bibliography of sources consulted in a standard citation format such as MLA or APA, which is usually part of the paper/project.
2. Research Process Essay
A 200-300 word essay describing your research process and how you used the library's information resources and services. If this is a group project, each member should explain their contribution to the work.
Where to upload the above materials
Where to upload the Faculty Support Form - your application is not complete until a Faculty Support Form is uploaded. Please follow up with your supporting faculty member to ensure your application is received on time.
Application Deadline: All above materials must be submitted by Friday, May 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm