The Binghamton Libraries Research Scholars Program, a spring 2024 pilot project in support of SP-2, provides undergraduate students with experience working on a guided research project. Participating students will work closely with a library faculty or professional staff mentor on a library-related research project that strengthens research skills and provides the opportunity to build upon personal research interests. Research results will be published in the ORB, Binghamton’s institutional repository. Scholars will be awarded $2,000 at the completion of their projects.
For questions contact Matthew Harrick, Coordinator.
We are no longer accepting applications for this program. We anticipate announcing a new round of projects for the Fall 2024 semester, and we encourage you to look for this call for applications and apply to our future research projects.
Benefits:
- Gain hands on original research experience under the mentorship of faculty and staff
- Develop skills to effectively synthesize research and communicate the results in a recognizable scholarly format (e.g. paper, digital project, etc.)
- Learn about the academic libraries role in the research cycle
Eligibility: Open to BU undergraduates actively enrolled in classes.
- Must be able to commit 120 hours over the course of the Spring 2024 semester
- Applications are encouraged from students from historically underrepresented backgrounds
- Preference will be given to students who meet the requirements as determined by the project, but do not have previous research experience
Expectations:
- 8 hours of dedicated time per week for orientation sessions, cohort meetings, mentor meetings, research time, and reflection and evaluation at the conclusion of the program
- Productive research under the mentorship of a faculty librarian or staff member resulting in an academic, public-facing intellectual product
- Preparation and presentation of your work to the campus community. This may be at Research Days or another venue. (costs directly related to presenting will be covered by the Libraries)
Spring 2024 Research Projects
Understanding the experiences and needs of underrepresented students at the Binghamton University Libraries
Faculty/Staff Mentors: Dr. Nancy Abashian/Anna Norris
This project seeks to understand students’ experiences while using spaces and services in the Binghamton University Libraries, particularly how underrepresented students perceive and experience library services, facilities, and materials.
Research Scholars will conduct a literature review, will be guided through ethical considerations throughout the research lifecycle including recruitment, data collection, analysis and reporting, and will be trained in how to gather and interpret qualitative data.
This research project will culminate in a public-facing intellectual product that will be shared with the Libraries and campus. This may be a scholarly paper, creative work, digital product or other product appropriate to the project. After the results of the project are presented, they will be published in the ORB, Binghamton’s institutional repository.
This position has been filled.
Unlocking Knowledge: Investigating Information Literacy Programs in Correctional Facilities
Faculty Mentors: Ben Andrus/Megan Benson
Incarcerated individuals in the United States have varying access to information resources that is highly dependent on local prison policy. This project focuses on the Broome County Jail and the information access provided there. The student researcher will conduct a literature review about library services offered in prisons, evaluate the current services offered at the jail, communicate with staff about possible collaborations, and propose an educational curriculum based on external research and local availability of resources.
This research project will culminate in a public-facing intellectual product that will be shared with the Libraries and campus. This may be a scholarly paper, creative work, digital product or other product appropriate to the project. After the results of the project are presented, they will be published in the ORB, Binghamton’s institutional repository.
This position has been filled.
Diversifying the Archival Record through Community Archiving
Staff Mentor: Madison White
Special Collections seeks a research student to explore contemporary practices of community archiving as a method for diversifying collections and supporting the preservation of underrepresented histories. This project would focus on the ways in which other universities have partnered with communities to document a richer local history.
The student research will review the archival literature (with particular focus on challenges that community archives have faced, including ethical and practical issues) and speak with archivists about community archives in an academic setting; compile a list of aspirational models from academic institutions that have implemented such programs; propose a list of local organizations and underrepresented communities that are central to a fuller understanding of local history.
This research project will culminate in a public-facing intellectual product that will be shared with the Libraries and campus. This may be a scholarly paper, creative work, digital product or other product appropriate to the project. After the results of the project are presented, they will be published in the ORB, Binghamton’s institutional repository.
This position has been filled.
Critical Reading in the Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Laura Lipke
Critical reading of scientific literature goes beyond accepting the information provided at face value: it encourages the reader to appraise the scientific process and methodologies, and promotes critical thinking. Critical reading skills encourage students to think like a scientific researcher and author, to understand the structure of scientific papers, to interpret, test and question the data provided within the literature, and learn how to contribute to the scholarly conversation in their field of study.
This project will contribute to the Libraries’ Information Literacy Toolkit through the development of a literacy guide for critical reading in the sciences. The student will be tasked with conducting an extensive literature review on this topic. The student will also be tasked with the development of a subject guide for our Toolkit, which will include an introduction to critical reading, an explanation of its importance, student learning objectives, example instructional and classroom materials and activities, and additional library and internet resources.
This research project will culminate in a public-facing intellectual product that will be shared with the Libraries and campus. This may be a scholarly paper, creative work, digital product or other product appropriate to the project. After the results of the project are presented, they will be published in the ORB, Binghamton’s institutional repository.
This position has been filled.
Research Analysis for the Libraries’ Instagram Platform
Staff Mentor: Bryan Field
Over the last couple of years, the Libraries social media presence has increased significantly. In 2022 and 2023, the Libraries’ Instagram page will have an estimated 420 original posts and an increase of 265 followers. The goals of this research project will be to identify the types of social media posts shared in 2022 and 2023, and to explore the effectiveness of each type based on post insights including reach and engagement. Tasks will include composing a literature review on library social media effectiveness, creating categories and corresponding rubric to identify the various types of posts, using the Instagram analytics for data collection, and drawing conclusions based on the relation between the post types and performance.
This research project will culminate in a public-facing intellectual product that will be shared with the Libraries and campus. This may be a scholarly paper, creative work, digital product or other product appropriate to the project. After the results of the project are presented, they will be published in the ORB, Binghamton’s institutional repository.
This position has been filled.
Exploring bias and marginalized voices in the description and organization of collections
Faculty Mentors: Emily Creo/Sasha Frizzell
The Student(s) embarking on this research project will examine the systemic bias in libraries, museums, and their catalogs. This project will help expose and analyze how these institutions shape Western knowledge and reinforce oppression through the presentation, description, and organization of their collections.
The student(s) will gain an understanding of both cataloging and collections practices within the library. This project could include site visits to other libraries and museums for engagement with external collections. Through this project, students will be guided by faculty mentors to gain valuable skills in research and critical analysis, while making a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation around diversity and inclusion in libraries and museums. This project would be well-suited for those with a background or interest in the arts and humanities. Any student interested in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is encouraged to apply.
This research project will culminate in a public-facing intellectual product that will be shared with the Libraries and campus. This may be a scholarly paper, creative work, digital product or other product appropriate to the project. After the results of the project are presented, they will be published in the ORB, Binghamton’s institutional repository.
This position has been filled.
