Booth Library at Eastern Illinois University invites students to submit their work for the 17th Annual Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Works. This program celebrates outstanding student scholarship and creativity that makes meaningful use of Booth Library’s resources, services, spaces, or expertise.
Eligibility
The competition is open to all Eastern Illinois University students (undergraduate and graduate) who are or were enrolled during the current academic year. Submissions must represent original work completed within the past 12 months. Individual and group projects are welcome. Only one submission per person is allowed. For group projects, please clearly describe each participant’s role and contribution.
Scope of Submissions
Student research and creative works may take many forms, including but not limited to:
Written submissions are limited to 25 pages. Students may submit portions of a thesis, provided a summary or outline of the remaining work is included. All submissions should be presented in a way that can be understood by an interdisciplinary review panel.
Use of Booth Library Resources
A central component of this award is demonstrating how Booth Library contributed to your project’s success. Each submission must include a detailed explanation of how you used library materials, spaces, technologies, services, or staff support during your research or creative process.
Citations and Academic Integrity
All submissions that rely on the work of others must include a complete list of references following a standard citation style. Use of AI tools is permitted but must be fully disclosed and described. Plagiarism or other breaches of academic integrity will result in disqualification.
Awards
Prizes will be awarded in separate undergraduate and graduate categories:
Award recipients will also receive certificates of recognition. Winning entries will be honored during National Library Week 2026 (April 19–25), and a digital copy of each winning work will be added to EIU’s institutional repository, The Keep.
The 2025–2026 student awards are funded by gifts from the friends of Carl Lorber, Jr., Professor Emeritus, former longtime head of Reference Services at Booth Library, and through the philanthropic support of the Coles County Zythological Society.
Important Dates
Incomplete submissions will not receive full consideration.
For questions or more information, contact:
Booth House
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-7400
jdreinhart@eiu.edu