The Ross-Blakley Law Library at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law is pleased to announce the 2020 recipients of the Ross-Blakley Law Library Award for Exemplary Student Research.

Brent Bihr is the first-place award recipient for his paper: Dark Patterns, Warcraft, and Cybersex: The Addictive Face of Predatory Online Platforms and Pioneering Policies to Protect Consumers.  Bihr is a second year student. Olivia Stitz is our second-place winner for her paper: Comity, Tipping Points, and Commercial Significance: What to expect of the Hague Judgments Convention.  Stitz is also second year student.

Their papers demonstrate sophistication and originality in the use of research materials, exceptional innovation in research strategy, and skillful synthesis of research results into a comprehensive scholarly analysis.  A review panel comprised of librarians Beth DiFelice and Tara Mospan and Clinical Professor Kimberly Holst selected the winners from a number of very competitive entries. We received more submissions this year than in any other year.

To read more about the winning papers, please follow this link: The 2020 Recipients of the Ross-Blakley Law Library Award for Exemplary Student Research

Congratulations to our 2020 Winners!

You can view all past award winners here: Ross-Blakley Award for Exemplary Student Research Winners

Do you want to win $500?  Do you want something special to add to your resume? How about all the pats on the back you will get from family and friends if you win this prestigious award?  You better get to work!

The deadline to enter the annual Ross-Blakley Law Library Award for Exemplary Student Research is March 30th at 9:00am.

The purpose of the award is to encourage students to focus on practical skills and to refine their research abilities beyond ordinary proficiency to achieve their personal best. We are most interested in your research process. Submissions may be, but are not limited to, papers written for a class or as a journal note.

Two award recipients will be selected.  The first place winner will receive $500.00 and a Certificate of Recognition.  The second place winner will receive $250.00 and a Certificate of Recognition.

A panel composed of two Law Librarians and one Legal Writing Instructor will judge submissions based on how well they demonstrate the following:

• Sophistication, originality, or unusual depth or breadth in the use of research materials, including, but not limited to, online and print resources, search engines and databases, primary and secondary legal resources, interdisciplinary resources, and empirical resources
• Exceptional innovation in research strategy, including the ability to locate, select, and evaluate research materials with discretion
• Skillful synthesis of research results into a comprehensive scholarly analysis

To learn more about the award including eligibility, acceptable papers, selection criteria and application procedures, please visit: Ross-Blakley Law Library Award for Exemplary Student Research

You can read about past winners here: Ross-Blakley Award for Exemplary Student Research Winners

And remember, if you need help with your research, don’t forget to Meet with a Librarian.

Good Luck!