Winesett Library Research Awards

The Winesett Awards for Library Research recognize creative and original library research completed by Radford University students. Prizes are awarded every Spring to the students whose submissions illustrate exemplary use of resources through Radford University Libraries, as well as the development of information literacy skills. Projects completed by Radford University students as part of a course assignment, in which library materials, services, or support were used, from the previous calendar year and the current semester, are eligible to apply

2025-2026 Awards have concluded. Winners & finalists from previous years can be viewed in the Archives of the Winesett Scholars. Visit this page often to stay up to date on 2026-2027 award submissions!

Thinking about applying?

• View Frequently Asked Questions and Track Your Research, to be prepared when submissions open!
• View last year’s rubric.
• Contact the 2026-2027 Co-Chairs with any questions:
  
  • Alyssa Archer at aarcher2@radford.edu
  • Amber Mear at amear@radford.edu

Applications generally include:

1. A draft or final version of your research project, in Word, PowerPoint, or PDF format. The project must include a bibliography of sources used in its creation.
2. A 400-600 word essay describing the following related to your research project:
   • Research strategies
   • Use of any library services and/or resources
   • Evidence of personal learning and development of information literacy skills
3. A statement of support completed by your class instructor. This is a separate form your instructor must fill out in order for your application to be considered complete.

Selection Criteria

A panel composed of librarians/library staff, teaching faculty from different colleges, and (if available) a student assistant will judge entries based on how well they demonstrate the following:

• Originality, depth, breadth, or sophistication in the use of library collections
• Exceptional ability to select, evaluate, and synthesize library resources and successfully use them in the creation of a project or paper
• Evidence of personal learning and development of information literacy skills

The essay describing your research techniques and learning process will be given the most weight in the judging process.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

1. Be a student enrolled in a degree program in any discipline at Radford University.
2. Have started or completed a research paper or project for a Radford University credit course offered in the current semester or previous calendar year.
3. Agree to the exhibition of their paper/projects online and in McConnell Library (including archives).

Papers or projects may be in print format, based on the web, or in an audio-visual format.