The Research Committee received several applications this year, and it was wonderful to read the varied topics being studied by New Jersey Librarians and Library scholars. It was truly a difficult choice to make, but the Research Committee members selected the two submissions below. Come hear them talk about their research during the College & University Section Awards held at the NJLA Conference on Wednesday, April 26^th from 3:40pm to 4:30pm in Wildwood 6 & 7. We are looking forward to the Technology Award sharing the program with us.
 

Dr. Michelle Kowalsky & John Woodruff, both from Rowan University, for their book, Creating Inclusive Library Environments: A Planning Guide for Serving Patrons with Disabilities 

Abstract (from ALA Store): http://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2016/11/planning-guide-serving-patro...
Librarians are continually faced with challenges of how to best meet the needs of patrons with disabilities, whether those patrons have physical or intellectual disabilities, differing learning styles, or even temporary problems which impact their access and may change over time. And because planning considerations range from policies and organizational culture to facilities, technologies, and beyond, librarians need a guide that covers everything: areas that can be addressed quickly and easily as well as those that require long-term strategies. That guide is here. Packed with research-based best practices and handy checklists applicable to all types of libraries.

Bonnie L. Fong , Minglu Wang, Krista White, and Roberta Tipton, all from Rutgers University, for their Journal of Academic Librarianship article, Assessing and Serving the Workshop Needs of Graduate Students

Abstract (from article): please see the full article attached below
This study determined which workshop topics are of most interest to graduate students in the humanities, science, and social science disciplines, and what their preferences are for workshop formats, times, and communication. Topics in demand by students were evaluated against those identified as very important by graduate program directors. In addition to disciplinary differences, the needs of master's and doctoral students were compared (and contrasted). Findings were shared with multiple campus units and utilized to develop workshops and other services to more fully support graduate students with their research, grant, career, teaching, and technology training requirements.

The following are some events at the NJLA Conference, where our Award recipients will be noted and honored. We hope that people will come out and hear about their research. The Research Award will share the Wednesday, April 26^th afternoon session with the Technology Award. So lots to learn about what New Jersey Librarians and Library scholars are working on. Hope to see you there!

NJLA Awards Reception
presented by the Honors & Awards Subcommittee
Time: Tuesday, April 25th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm/Location Wildwood 1

College & University Section Luncheon
Local Contexts, National Demands: Navigating Standards in Academic Libraries featuring Emily Drabinski of Long Island University, Brooklyn
Time: Wednesday, April 26^th from 12:30pm to 2:20pm/Location: Wildwood 3    

College & University Section Awards
Time: Wednesday, April 26^th from 3:40pm to 4:30pm /Location: Wildwood 6 & 7