Undergraduate Library Research Award (ULRA): Home

The ability to perform research for accurate and relevant information is vital to academic success, professional potential, and effective civic participation. The OSU Undergraduate Library Research Award (ULRA) examines both the product of research (a paper or project) and emphasizes the importance of understanding and reflecting upon the process of developing a topic and research strategy in order to locate, evaluate and use the best information possible. We encourage all eligible undergraduates who have recently completed research for a formal OSU research program, course credit or faculty-sponsored independent study to apply.

• The application deadline for the 2025 award is March 4, 2025.
• The following submitted items will be assessed: a maximum 500-word reflective essay describing the research process and a final or near-final version of the research project with bibliography (see evaluation criteria). Applications must also include a faculty recommendation.
• Awards will be given in the following two categories:
  • Underclassmen (fewer than 60 semester credit hours passed as of application deadline)
  • Upperclassmen (60 or more semester credit hours passed as of application deadline)
• One winner will be named for each category, and will be awarded $1,500.
• Winners will be notified in April and formally announced prior to the end of the semester. Winning essays, projects, and student profiles may be highlighted on this website and other OSU media, including our institutional repository, ShareOK.
• For more detailed information on eligibility guidelines and application process, please see the links on the left side of the page.