The Ronald F. Borkert Prize for Library Research
Purpose
The Ronald F. Borkert Prize for Library Research, sponsored by The Yocum Library of Reading Area Community College, celebrates excellence in library-based research. The prize is named in honor of the late RACC Professor Emeritus Ronald F. Borkert who cared deeply about books and libraries. The annual Borkert Prize is designed to honor students who demonstrate sophisticated research skills by incorporating information found through The Yocum Library’s resources into original scholarship. While consideration is given to the product of the research, the prize focuses on the research process and application of information literacy - the demonstration of library research skills, adept use of library resources, and the reflection upon the strategies utilized to investigate a research problem.
Award
A monetary prize of $100 will be awarded for the most outstanding library-based research project. If the judges feel that no submitted projects reach the required standard, the Prize will not be awarded that year..
Eligibility
Applicants must:
• Be currently enrolled at RACC or have graduated the prior semester.
• Have completed the library-based research project /paper for a credit course at RACC within the last year (Spring Semester 2014 through Spring Semester 2015).
Criteria
Submissions will be judged on how well they meet the following criteria:
1. Depth and breadth in the use of library collections, including, but not limited to, print resources, online databases, Internet resources, primary resources, and materials in other media.
2. Effective application of the principles of information literacy by:
Determining information needs
Evaluating and analyzing information
Managing, organizing, and synthesizing information
Communicating information in formats appropriate to an academic audience
Making responsible use of information by appropriately documenting sources
3. Evidence of significant personal learning and an understanding of the process of research and inquiry.
4. Content of the research project.
Required elements:
Application form
A one to two page essay describing and reflecting upon your research strategy and the use and evaluation of library resources.
A final version of the research project including a complete bibliography in either MLA or APA format.
Application process:
The application, essay, and research project/paper may be submitted in print to the Assistant Dean of Library Services & Learning Resources, The Yocum Library, or as attachments in an email.
Submit your application packet by April 15th.
For questions about the Borkert Prize or the application process, please contact a librarian at The Yocum Library, 610-607-6237, Reading Area Community College, P.O. Box 1706, Reading , PA 19603-1706 or by email library@racc.edu
Application for the Ronald F. Borkert Prize for Library Research
Return the following three parts to the Assistant Dean of Library Services & Learning Resources, The Yocum Library, Room 202 by April 15th. They may be submitted in print format or as attachments in an email to theyocumlibrary@gmail.com or library@racc.edu
Required parts:
This application form
a one to two page essay on your research strategy and use of library resources
a copy of your research project/paper
Your Name: Student ID #
Title of Research Project:
Your E-mail:
Your Phone Number:
The course and faculty member for whom this research project/paper was completed:
The semester this research project/paper was completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Your signature Date
