The Hesburgh Libraries invites submissions from undergraduate students for the 2025 University of Notre Dame Library Research Award.
This annual competition awards prizes in several categories to undergraduate students who demonstrate, through an 800-word essay, excellence in using library research skills and resources for their research projects, course assignments, and creative endeavors.
Students from every discipline are invited to submit a brief essay describing how they used library resources for a project or assignment completed during summer 2024, fall 2024, or spring 2025. Library resources include online catalogs and search tools, digital and print resources, library collections, people, spaces, services and more.
All winners receive a cash prize, are featured on news.nd.edu and other University websites, and are featured in our Library Research Award Winners Circle.
First-Year Student Award:
Sophomore or Junior Award:
Capstone Project or Senior Thesis Award:
Group Project (award will be divided equally among group members)
In addition to these main award categories, specialized awards may be given for exemplary work in the area of digital scholarship.
Sunday, May 11, at 11:59pm (EDT)
Step 1: Write an 800–1,000 word essay in English about the library resources used in your research or creative work. Your essay must be about a project for a credit-bearing course or supervised research project during summer 2024, fall 2024 or spring 2025.
Step 2: Ask the appropriate instructor, faculty mentor, or advisor to submit a recommendation letter in support of your research or creative work.
Step 3: Complete and send your submission by Sunday, May 11, at 11:59pm (EDT).
Students can learn more about the award and submission guidelines at library-research-award.library.nd.edu.
View past award winners in the Winners Circle on the website or read about recent winners who were featured in Notre Dame News.
Download the 2025 award poster.