Are you working on a research project in a course this semester? Did you use the Library’s resources, services, collections, or spaces in order to complete your research? Then the Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize is for you!
Update for 2025-2026: Starting this year, there will be one submission deadline for the Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize for all projects completed this academic year. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline has passed.
Monday, May 11, 2026 is the deadline for all projects completed in the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Intersession 2026, and Spring 2026 academic terms. The application form, found at the contest website, is now open and accepting submissions.
The Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize recognizes excellence in research projects that show evidence of significant knowledge in the methods of research and the information gathering process and use of library resources, tools, and services.
Three prizes of $500.00 each will be awarded to the winning individual student or group in the following categories: Undergraduate Foundational (100-level courses), Undergraduate Upper-level (200- to 400-level courses), and Graduate. If won by a group, the award will be split equally among the group members.
All you need to do is write a 500- to 700-word essay describing the research strategies you used, your use of library tools and resources, your personal learning, and connections you’ve made to the Ignatian characteristics applied to research. Check out the judging rubric and our Tips web page for advice on how to craft the best 500- to 700-word essay you can about your research.
A statement of faculty support from the instructor who assigned the research project, submitted through the faculty support form at the contest website, is also required for each submission.
Winners will be announced in May after the deadline.
For additional information on how to apply, what to include in a completed application, and to access the application, visit the Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize page: www.scranton.edu/libraryresearchprize