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ISF 189 & 190: Thesis: Library Prize

Charlene Conrad Liebau Library Prize for Undergraduate Research

Launched in 2003, the Charlene Conrad Liebau Library Prize for Undergraduate Research recognizes excellence in course-based research projects that show evidence of:

  • Significant inquiry using the Library, its resources, and collections
  • Learning about the research and information-gathering process itself

Important dates

  • Open for submissions: Friday, Dec. 15, 2023
  • Closed to submissions: Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 5 p.m. Pacific 

Details

  • Open to all currently enrolled UC Berkeley undergraduates
  • Research project must have been completed in a credit course at UC Berkeley from spring 2023 to spring 2024 (lower division) and summer 2023 to spring 2024 (upper division)
  • Prize awards: $950 (lower division) and $1,200 (upper division)
  • Upper- and lower-division submissions are evaluated separately
  • Winners must agree to assist with a public display of their research in the Library
  • Awarded submissions (winners as well as honorable mentions) will be added to eScholarship, the University of California’s open access publishing platform

Application procedure

Applicants need to submit the five documents listed below. Submissions can be in word or pdf. Incomplete submissions will not be evaluated. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that letters of support are submitted before the deadline. The committee will not solicit letters or send reminders. The deadline for all documents is April 11, 2024, 5 p.m. Pacific. 

  1. Application form
    The application contains important information about eligibility, award distribution, and other conditions associated with the prize.
  2. Research essay
    Entries should include a 500-750 word reflective essay describing your research strategies and use of library tools and resources. See Additional guidance for details.
  3. Research project
    A draft or final version of the research project can be submitted. Projects in all media are encouraged. See Additional guidance for details.
  4. Bibliography
    Entries should include a bibliography or other appropriate listing of sources consulted. See Additional guidance for details.
  5. Faculty or librarian statement of support
    Entries should include a statement of support from either a) the UC Berkeley faculty member or instructor for whose class the research paper or project was completed; or b) a UC Berkeley librarian who can speak to your research process for the paper or project you’re submitting.

Find additional information, including past priize winners, on the Library Prize website.