The Ross-Blakley Law Library Award for Exemplary Student Research is not just any writing competition. As research experts, the librarians are looking for the best examples of effective gathering and synthesis of resources, in print or online.
Current 2Ls, 3Ls, MLS students, and LLM students are eligible to submit their entries. The top prize is $500 and a Certificate of Recognition, and second place receives $250 and a Certificate of Recognition. Winners also may publish their papers in the Ross-Blakely Faculty Scholarship Repository and gain exposure in the academic legal world.
Students must submit a minimum 3,750-word scholarly paper with citations in Bluebook format, written June 2021-March 2022. Entries must not be prepared for moot court, employment, or an Advanced Legal Research course, but they may be prepared for other course assignments, journal assignments, or graduate writing requirements. Students also must submit a 250- to 500-word description of their research process, which can include reasons for writing the paper, selection and execution of research methods, and lessons learned during the process. The abstract should not summarize the paper.
The selection criteria include sophistication, creativity and depth in the selection and use of research materials, innovation in research strategy, and skillful synthesis of research into a scholarly paper.
Applications must be submitted electronically via the online Submission Form. Submissions will be accepted on an ongoing basis until Monday, March 28, 2022 at 9:00 am.
Looking to get a leg up on the competition? Meet with a Librarian to get expert advice that can take your research game to the next level.
