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Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
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SMSU URC Library Research Award

In conjunction with the University’s Undergraduate Research Conference, the SMSU Library sponsors a Library Research Award. The winner of the award demonstrates high quality use of library resources, articulates their research experience, and conducts a quality presentation. Winners earn an award of $350 on their student account. Please note if you are part of a group research project, the group must work collaboratively on the following as all members of the group will split the award.

If you would like to be included in the judging for these awards, you must submit the following:

  1. Your abstract.
  2. A bibliography of all works cited and all works consulted.
  3. A 300-500 word reflection essay describing your research process and addressing the questions listed below.

Essay Requirements

The reflection essay must describe your research process and address the following six questions.

  1. What library search tools/databases did you use and why?
  2. Explain how you began researching (e.g., search terms, phrases, research question) and how that evolved as you searched for sources.
  3. What did you learn about finding information on your topic? Was it necessary to move outside of your academic discipline to find sufficient sources?
  4. Did AI play any role in your research process? If so, what? If not, why not?
  5. Did you consult with a librarian, your faculty advisor, or anyone else during the research process?  If so, how did that benefit you? If not, why not?
  6. What would you change about your process if you were starting your research today?

Selection Criteria

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

  1. Completion of submission requirements (abstract, bibliography, reflection)
  2. Sophistication, originality, and/or depth or breadth in the use of research resources (e.g., printed resources, databases, primary sources, media sources, etc.)
  3. Evidence of their research process and personal learning as described in the reflective essay
  4. Reviewers reserve the right to ask follow-up questions or address concerns regarding the reflective essay
  5. Overall presentation
  6. Rubric used for evaluating presentations (link coming soon)

Submission Details

  • Due Date: Submit by November 23, 2026, at 11:59 pm (No later)
  • Submission Instructions: Submit materials for this award along with your abstract on the Library Research Submission Form. 

 

Based on the Charlene Conrad Liebau Library Prize for Undergraduate Research award process at UC Berkeley

For more information regarding the SMSU URC Library Research Award, contact:

Pam Gladis
Professor of Library
McFarland Library, BA512
Ph: (507) 537-6813
Email: pam.gladis@smsu.edu

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