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Monroe Library Student Research Competition

The Monroe Library Student Research Competition recognizes and rewards students who make exemplary use of the collections, resources, and services of the J. Edgar & Louise S. Monroe Library throughout the research process in order to produce an academic or creative work. You can view information about past winners. 

Award

  • $200 for a freshman/sophomore research project
  • $200 for a junior/senior research project
  • $200 for a senior capstone/thesis project
  • $200 for a graduate student research project

Eligibility

To be eligible to win, individual or team applicants must:

  • Have completed their research project for a credit course at Loyola during the past calendar year (spring, summer, or fall semester). Research projects include, but are not limited to, papers. Creative or innovative works in any format or discipline are encouraged.
  • Agree to contribute to publicity related to the award.

Collaborative projects are encouraged. If a team project applies, all team members must contribute toward the application. If a team project wins, the award will be split equally among members.

Application

Monroe Library is now accepting applications for the contest. To apply, please submit the following items by email, as separate attached files, to Jason Ezell at jezell@loyno.edu. Please use “Monroe Library Student Research Competition” as the subject line for your email. The deadline for submissions is 11:59pm Central Time on Friday, April 14, 2023.

  • Item 1: An explanation of the nature and scope of the project, including the project’s distinctive qualities and contributions to the field (approximately 250 words).
  • Item 2: An explanation of the research process for creating the project, especially in regards to the use of the collections, resources, and services of the J. Edgar and Louise S. Monroe Library (approximately 250 words).
  • Item 3: A draft or final version of the research project.
  • Item 4: A bibliography in the format appropriate for the discipline of the project.

Selection Criteria

A panel of Monroe Library faculty will evaluate the submissions based on how well applicants demonstrate the following:

  • Sophistication and/or originality in the use of the collections, resources, and services of the Monroe Library. Additional consideration will be given to projects that incorporate materials from the library’s Special Collections & Archives.
  • Exceptional ability to locate, select, evaluate, and effectively use information in the creation of a project.
  • Evidence of personal growth and reflection throughout the research process.
  • Level of achievement corresponds with the class year of the student(s) and the discipline of the project.

The number of prizes awarded in each category is subject to change depending on the pool of applications. This includes awarding no prize in a category for which no applicants meet the submission criteria.

Acknowledgement

The Monroe Library thanks the DiMenna-Nyselius Library at Fairfield University for serving as a model for the creation of the Monroe Library Student Research Competition.