Dr. John Archer Library Award
What is the award?
The Dr. John Archer Library award was established in 2012 for one full-time undergraduate student from the University of Regina or the three federated colleges (Campion College, First Nations University of Canada, Luther College) who demonstrates written evidence of significant inquiry using the Library’s resources and services along with learning about the research and information-gathering and citing process for their graded course project. The award is given annually based upon comments in an approximately 500 word reflective library essay and not the graded project.
How am I recognized?
The student with the best written and most compelling reflective library essay wins $1,000. Funds will be sent as an e-transfer by SAFA. Archer Library usually recognizes the student in a private photo-op ceremony in the University Archives and Special Collections Reading Room. A few guests (University Librarian, Dean from your faculty, and the course instructor who graded your assignment) will be invited. The student will pose with award trophy and their engraved name on the award's plaque which will afterwards be returned to a display case in the Library. The winner will also receive a congratulatory certificate from the University Librarian. The reflective essay, graded course project, and ceremony photos are deposited in oURspace. A photo of the student on a poster is used for promoting the award the following year. Finally, the student's name is included on their transcript when they graduate.
Who can apply?
The award is targeted for any University of Regina student who is currently classified as an undergraduate student. More information about eligibility is here.
When can I apply?
Undergraduate students can apply starting in the first week of classes in early January (once the Winter Semester has begun) for work completed in the previous fall, winter, spring, or summer semester. The University of Regina's Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) establishes the common deadline for all awards.
What is the award's application deadline?
The annual deadline for applying is February 1 which is SAFA's Winter Semester Awards Deadline Submission. SAFA will begin accepting applications early in the Winter semester.
More information
How can I apply for the award?
Applications for the award are available online at the University of Regina Student Award and Financial Aid (SAFA) Student Awards Management System (SAMS). Type the word LIBRARY in the SAMS browse box to find the library award application. Library staff will not provide assistance with the application or writing the reflective essay.
Eligible undergraduate students must complete the following and submit to SAFA:
- award’s application form
- submit a 250-500 word reflective essay
- copy of your previously graded research project
- signed and dated memo from your professor who graded your research project
All applications must be submitted to SAFA and their staff are available to answer questions about the application and submission process.
How is a winner chosen?
Librarians are appointed to adjudicate after SAFA has reviewed and vetted applications to ensure they were submitted successfully. Librarians grade reflective essays using a rubric, and if necessary, read the graded assignments for reference. Students' names are removed from all documentation during the review.
When is the winner recognized?
The winning student will usually be contacted by SAFA late in the Winter Semester and a bank e-transfer for the $1,000 will occur soon afterwards. The Library's private photo-op ceremony is usually scheduled in the spring.
