About the Libraries

Katheryne B. Willock Library Research Award

About the Award  

The Katheryne B. Willock Library Research Award recognizes University of Arizona students who have made extensive and innovative use of the UA Libraries’ information resources and services in support of their coursework. Up to three undergraduate and three graduate prizes will be awarded each year. For each category, $1,000 will be awarded per prize. Awards will be presented at the end of the GPSC Student Showcase, which is held in the Fall Semester the week of Homecoming.  The winning entries for the 2011 Library Research Award are available in the UA Campus Repository.

Eligibility

  • Graduate and undergraduate students of the University of Arizona who are participating in the GPSC Student Showcase are eligible to apply.
  • Submissions must be related to the project being submitted for the GPSC Student Showcase.
  • Both individuals and project teams may submit an application. Any awards to project team submissions will be divided equally among the members. 
  • Each student or project team may submit only one paper/project per award year.
  • Applicants must agree to have winning essays featured on the library website and archived in in the UA Campus Repository.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for 2012 has not yet been determined, but is generally in October of each year.

Application Process

An application consists of the following: An essay (maximum of 500 words) which describes in detail the research strategy and use of information resources (in any format).  Essays must be submitted as part of the GPSC Student Showcase application form, which is not yet available for 2012.

Evaluation Criteria

Although the Student Showcase presentations will be reviewed, the determination of the winner(s) of the award will be based primarily on the judges’ evaluation of how well the essay demonstrate the following criteria:

  • Extensive and innovative uses of library services and resources in any format.
  • Evidence of significant personal learning and the development of a habit of research and inquiry that shows the likelihood of persisting in the future.
  • Effective application of information literacy and fluency principles:
    • determining information needs
    • evaluating and analyzing information
    • managing, organizing and synthesizing information
    • applying information in the context of the research project
    • making responsible use of information by providing appropriate and accurate citations and credits

For questions about the Katheryne B. Willock Library Research Award, contact librarysupport@u.library.arizona.edu  

Essay Tips

  • In what way did the library’s information resources and librarians help to develop your ideas for the paper or project?
  • What did you learn about the process of doing research during the course of your work?
  • What did you learn about finding and evaluating sources?
  • What new discoveries did you make about library tools and techniques?
  • Was there a library service or collection that was particularly helpful?
  • What did you learn about library resources, tools or services that you did not know before? Which research tools and search techniques were useful, and which were not?
  • What lessons about the research process did you take away from the experience?
  • How would you describe the process you used in finding the information sources you used for your paper or project?

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Library Research Award?

The Katheryne B. Willock Library Research Award recognizes University of Arizona students who have made extensive and innovative use of the UA Libraries’ information resources and services in support of their coursework.

Who is eligible for the Library Research Award?

See above in the Eligibility section.

How much are the awards?

See above in the About the Award section.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for 2012 has not yet been determined, but it is generally in October each year.

Does my instructor have to nominate me to apply?

No. Nominations are not a requirement, but you must be accepted for the GPSC Student Showcase in order to be eligible for the Library Research award.

Could winning this Award affect my financial aid?

Yes. The award may affect your financial aid. Please consult your financial aid advisor.

What do you mean by library resources?

Library resources may be print or online books and journals; databases; primary resources such as those found in Special Collections; and library materials in any format. Requested items through interlibrary loan (ILL) or Document Delivery are acceptable as well.

What happens to the projects? Do I keep the copyright?

Individuals or teams must agree to have winning projects and essays featured on the library website and archived in the UA Campus Repository. Authors retain copyright. It is the author's responsibility to obtain permission from copyright holders for any images, media, or extended quotes that are incorporated in the work. Sources must be fully cited. Images taken from copyrighted or licensed resources may not be published beyond the UA community without obtaining permission. If you have questions about copyright, please contact Dan Lee.

When will Research Award winners be notified?

The winners will be notified at the conclusion of the student showcase. 

Do you have any examples of winning entries?

Yes, the winning entries for the 2011 Library Research Award are available in the UA Campus Repository.

Still have unanswered questions?

Please e-mail librarysupport@u.library.arizona.edu.