The Libraries have launched the Binghamton Libraries Research Scholars Program for the spring 2026 semester. This opportunity 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.
As part of the program, each student researcher will work closely with a library faculty or professional staff mentor on a library-related research topic. Students will strengthen their research skills and have the opportunity to build upon their personal research interests. 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.
The Library Research Scholars Program aims to help the University provide a transformative learning community that prepares students for advanced education, careers and purposeful living. Research projects being offered during the spring ‘26 semester include the following:
- Celebrating Cultural Continuity
Faculty Mentors: Benjamin Andrus, Neyda Gilman
This project will engage an undergraduate scholar in designing a digital and/or physical exhibit focused on the Haudenosaunee Festival at Binghamton University. The student’s goals will include: Curating and Interpreting Photographic Materials; Assigning Rich Metadata to Curated Materials; Designing an Exhibit; Presenting and Publishing. - Library Student Alumni Oral Interview Project
Faculty/Staff Mentors: Carrie Blabac-Myers, Elizabeth Brown
For this project, mentors will assist student researchers with a literature review, data collection and creation of a final project (oral histories) from a selected number of Library Student Employees (LSE) alumni. This project will focus on creating oral histories from alumni interviews for the purpose of collecting examples of quotes, alumni photos, and producing qualitative and quantitative statistics from the project data (including graduation year, major, career paths). This information will provide insight into the impact of LSE work on alumni career success. - Models for Research Assistance at Binghamton University Libraries
Faculty Mentor: Elise Ferer
In this project, the participating student will review the library literature on reference services in academic libraries along with our current services and those of peer institutions. Following this review, students will be able to choose how to proceed with the support of their mentor. Possibilities could include an environmental scan of the Libraries’ spaces, qualitative or quantitative review of information seeking behaviors of Binghamton University students, and/or potential recommendations for reference or research assistance models for the Libraries. - Information Access and Correspondence Education for Incarcerated People
Faculty/Staff Mentors: Sasha Frizzell, Caitlin Holton
This project will investigate the broad information landscape for incarcerated learners, with a focus on correspondence education nationwide. The project activities include reviewing scholarly literature, compiling and organizing information about current correspondence education programs, and analyzing the common trends and gaps in availability. The final product will be a poster presentation that communicates both the research findings and the creation of the registry, demonstrating how libraries can play a role in supporting incarcerated learners. - Partnering for Knowledge: Developing Research Skills Through Community-Engagement
Faculty Mentor: Laura Lipke
This project aims to incorporate the elements of information literacy, service learning and evidence-based practice to enhance the research skills of undergraduate students within the health-related programs at Binghamton University. This project will be fast paced and require dedication to the learning process, and will require students to collaborate with community organizations, conduct research within library databases, provide a synthesis of the data collected, with the potential to be developed into a publishable manuscript. - Recycling 3D Printing Waste in the University MakerLab
Faculty/Staff Mentors: Chungmin Park, Neyda Gilman
The goals of this project are to research recycling possibilities of 3d printing filaments and explore sustainable solutions to ultimately develop an internal filament recycling system within the MakerLab that has the potential to expand into a university-wide recycling system. This project will bring value to students by giving them opportunities to engage directly with sustainability challenges while learning practical skills in design, some of material science, and problem-solving. - Documenting Binghamton Queer History Through a Self-Guided Tour
Faculty Mentors: Lark Wilson, Jillian Sandy
The student who completes this project will gain a better understanding of research using local history and Special Collections materials. They will investigate both ethical and practical considerations for conducting research and maintaining the records of members of marginalized communities. They will create a final product that is publicly accessible and could be linked to in a resume or professional profile.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. However, the priority deadline is Friday, November 7.
For information about eligibility, expectations or more detailed descriptions of each project and how to apply, visit binghamton.edu/libraries/about/admin/scholars/