The Libraries have launched the Binghamton Libraries Research Scholars Program for the spring 2024 semester. This opportunity, which supports the Universities’ strategic plan, provides experiences working on a guided research project within the Libraries. Each project, designed to be library-related, will help undergraduate students strengthen their research skills and provide the opportunity to build upon personal research interests.
“This impactful program creates unique research partnerships between students and librarians and signals a new direction for the libraries,” said Dean of Libraries Andrea Falcone. “I’m truly excited that knowledge and information will not only be accessed through the libraries, it will be created locally by our students and showcased by us as well.”
As part of the program, each student researcher will work closely with a library faculty or professional staff mentor. The final research results will be published in the institutional repository, the Open Repository at Binghamton (The ORB), and each scholar will be awarded $2,000 at the completion of their projects. While the publication and stipend are key aspects of the program, there are more intangible benefits to the program that undergraduate researchers may be interested in.
“We at the Libraries are excited about this new program,” said Matthew Harrick, subject librarian for English and Philosophy, who serves as the program coordinator. “This opportunity will give ambitious undergraduate students a solid foundation in academic, scholarly research through faculty and staff mentorship, creative projects and experiences in high impact practices, all of which will prepare them for their own advanced research.”
The Library Research Scholars Program is funded by the President’s Roadmap Strategic Priority 2, known as “SP2,” which aims to help the University provide a transformative learning community that prepares students for advanced education, careers and purposeful living. SP2 supports high-impact learning experiences like the new Library Research Scholars Program. Research projects being offered during the spring ‘24 semester include the following:
- Understanding the experiences and needs of underrepresented students at the Binghamton University Libraries
- Unlocking Knowledge: Investigating Information Literacy Programs in Correctional Facilities
- Diversifying the Archival Record through Community Archiving
- Critical Reading in the Sciences
- Research Analysis for the Libraries’ Instagram Platform
- Exploring bias and marginalized voices in the description and organization of collections
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. However, the priority deadline is Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
For information about eligibility, expectations or descriptions of each project and how to apply, visit https://www.binghamton.edu/libraries/about/admin/scholars/