Eligibility

To be eligible to win, applicants must:

  • be Berkeley undergraduates at any class level and in any discipline (arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences and engineering)
  • have completed their research project for a credit course at UCB during either the Summer 2007, Fall 2007, or Spring 2008 semester
  • agree to contribute to a display about their research mounted by library staff for public exhibition during the year following receipt of the Prize

    • See FAQ for more information about eligibility.


    Application Procedure

    Applications must include the following:

    • Application cover sheet  | download application cover sheet |
    • A 500-750 word reflective essay describing your research strategies and use of library tools and resources | essay tips |
    • A letter of support from the supervising faculty member or instructor, submitted with the appropriate cover sheet  | download faculty cover sheet |
    • A draft or final version of the research project. Projects in all media are encouraged. 

      • Written projects: the product should be approximately 7-30 pages for lower division students and 20-60 pages for upper division students.  
      Digital projects:       submit a printout of the first 'page' of the project, and all other application components in paper, along with the desired format, or URL, of the digital project.
    • A bibliography or other appropriate listing of sources consulted | bibliography tips |

    Deliver your complete application package to Room 241, Evans Hall by 5:00 on April 14, 2008.

    When preparing your application package, please:

    • Use paper clips, envelopes, or folders
    • Do not use staples
    • Do not bind projects
    • Do not put projects in 3-ring binders
    • Applications are considered property of the Library. They cannot be returned.


    Selection Criteria

    Submissions will be judged based on how well they demonstrate the following:

    • Sophistication, originality, or unusual depth or breadth in the use of library collections, including, but not limited to, printed resources, databases, primary sources, and materials in all media
    • Exceptional ability to locate, select, evaluate, and synthesize library resources and to use them in the creation of a project in any media that shows originality and/or has the potential to lead to original research in the future
    • Evidence of significant personal learning and the development of a habit of research and inquiry that shows the likelihood of persisting in the future.
    A panel composed of UC Berkeley faculty, librarians and other educators will judge entries on the evidence of the applicant's research strategy, process, and personal learning, as evinced in the paper and summarized in the reflective research essay. Expectations for achievement will be commensurate with the applicant's class year and the requirements of the discipline.


    Dates to Remember
    • Deadline - April 14, 2008, 5:00 p.m.
    • Winner Notification - May 2, 2008
    • Reception - May 14, 2008, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

    Questions?

    See the FAQ page first. If you still have questions, email prize@lists.berkeley.edu
     

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