Library Research Award Frequently Asked Questions
Purpose * Eligibility * Evaluation Criteria * Evaluation Committee * Application Procedure * Application Deadline
| Purpose |
Q: Why is the Library doing this?
A: The Library recognizes that now research is becoming both
easier
and more difficult at the same time. We want to encourage use of Library-subscribed
databases as well as a systematic, thoughtful, and creative approach to research.
Q: How many awards are there?
A: There are three awards: one award of
$300 for a paper/project done for a 100 or 200 level class, one award of $300 for a paper/project done by a First year student, and one award
of $750
for a paper/project
done for a 300 level class, not including senior theses (360s and 370s).
Q: Who is funding the award?
A: The awards are being generously funded by the Wellesley College Friends
of the Library.
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| Eligibility |
Q: Who is eligible for this award?
A: Any Wellesley College student registered for a Wellesley College course.
Q: What if I'm a transfer student or a Davis Scholar?
A: As long as Wellesley College considers you a matriculated
Wellesley College student, you are eligible. Transfer students and students
admitted under the Davis Scholar program would be eligible, but students
here on an exchange program or post- bac students would not be eligible.
Q: What courses are eligible?
A: Any Wellesley College 100, 200, or 300 level course, with
the exception of 360s, and 370s, taken for a letter grade, is eligible.
Q: What about courses taken at another academic institution?
A: Courses taken at other institutions, including MIT, exchange
programs, and semesters abroad, are not eligible.
Q: Are groups or teams eligible to participate?
A: Yes, group or team papers/projects are eligible. In this
case, the monetary
award would be divided among the team members. In the case of groups or teams,
only one research strategy essay should be submitted, but it is expected that each team member will have contributed to the essay.
Q: Are only papers eligible? Are other types of projects eligible?
A: Multimedia projects are certainly eligible for this award, as long as the
project involved substantial library research.
Q: What about science projects? Are they eligible?
A: Science projects are eligible as long as library
research was involved in the final project. If the project was only laboratory
experiment based, the project
would not be eligible.
Q: I am a graduating senior. Is my paper/project eligible?
A: As long as your paper/project was completed before 2nd
semester of your senior year, it is eligible.
Q: May I submit my paper/project more than once?
A: No, papers/projects may only be submitted once, even if they didn't win
the first time. However, students who did not win are welcome and encouraged to submit another paper.
Q: May I submit multiple papers/projects at the same time?
A: No, a student may only submit one paper/project in a given year.
Q: I dropped the class, but did the research and completed
the paper/project. Is it still eligible?
A: No, you must have completed the course for the paper/project
to be eligible.
Q: I haven't completed the course for which the paper/project was done. Is
it still eligible?
A: Circumstances vary. Please contact Betty Febo with details.
Q: I completed my paper/project during a prior semester. May I submit it anyway?
A:Eligible papers must have been completed during the Spring and Fall of the year prior to the award year..
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| Evaluation Criteria |
Q: How will my paper/project be judged?
A: Your paper/project will be judged on the quality of the
research that went into the paper/project, not the quality
of the paper/project itself. The paper's bibliography will be considered as well. These
criteria will be used to judge your paper/project. Your research
strategy essay will also be afforded great weight [essay
tips].
Q: What resources can I use for my paper/project?
A: You may use, but are not limited to, printed resources,
databases, Web resources, primary resources, and materials in all media to
complete research projects. Remember
also, research and instruction librarians are here to help you get started
and you are encouraged to consult librarians if needed.
Q: How can I find reliable sources for my paper/project?
A: We have a Web page to help you get started. You are also encouraged to come to a library reference desk or make an appointment with the librarian who works with your subject area.
Q: Is there a length requirement for papers/projects?
A: No, there is no length requirement.
Q: My paper/project was completed in a foreign language. Is it still eligible?
Must I translate it?
A: Yes, papers/projects completed in languages other than
English are eligible and no translation is necessary.
A 1 page abstract or summary in English is required. The required 500 - 700-word
essay describing your research
strategies must be written in English.
Q: Does the research for my paper/project have to be done at Wellesley?
A: No, research can lead to many different places, both real and virtual!
The actual research can happen anywhere.
Q: Must I use only Wellesley Library resources or Wellesley-subscribed databases? May I use sources on the wider Web?
A: You may use any source you think is appropriate to the research for your paper/project. Part of the evaluative process is to determine what information a Web sourse will contribute to your paper/project and how to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of Web sources. Help in evaluating Web sources.
Q: I got help from a librarian who suggested some sources to use. Is that
OK?
A: Part of learning good research techniques is to know the
people who can help you along the way. Making an appointment with a research
librarian is encouraged if you are
unsure where to start, or what to do next.
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| Evaluation Committee |
Q: Who will judge my paper/project?
A: Your paper/project will be judged by a committee composed
of two faculty, two librarians, and one member of the Friends of the Library
Steering Committee.
Q: Will longer papers/projects be judged more favorably than shorter papers?
A: The length of the paper is not a factor in evaluation. The course assignment
will determine the length and evaluations will be based on the quality of
the research that went into the paper/project.
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| Application Procedure |
Q: What must my application include:
A: Your application must include the following:
Q: Should my application materials be submitted all at once, or may I submit
pieces at a time.
A: Your application should be submitted in a package form,
including all pieces required.
Q: Where do I send my application?
A: Email your completed application to Library Research Award in First Class. Projects
that cannot be emailed may be sent to Betty Febo, Clapp Library.
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| Application Deadline |
Q: What is the deadline to submit applications?
A: The deadline for the 2010 award is 5:00pm March 1, 2010.
Q: My application will be just a little late, is that OK?
A: The 5:00pm March 1 date is firm. No exceptions will be
made. Remember, that you may submit your application at any time after you
have completed the
course and prior to 5:00pm March 1, 2010. You are encouraged to contact your supporting faculty early.
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Betty Febo |
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