Archival Scholars Research Award (ASRA) recipients receive a $1,000 stipend to develop independent research projects with support from a faculty member and a librarian or archivist mentor. The award is offered in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Library System (ULS) as the research projects utilize the distinctive collections housed across the ULS.
ASRA recipients conduct research in the Spring for 2 credits (6 hours per week), with workshops offered throughout the semester to help students better engage in their research and share their findings. Recipients should be prepared for this weekly time commitment and ensure they have room in their schedules to accommodate the required credit.
Recipients will collaborate on a digital interactive wall exhibit to showcase their research. The award culminates with an exhibit launch event where the students will have the chance to present their research experience to the public.
About the Archives & Special Collections
The ULS is proud to have distinctive collections materials housed in the Hillman Library Archives & Special Collections Department, Center for American Music, Frick Fine Arts Library, Theodore M. Finney Music Library, and Digital Collections. These units work collaboratively to make their collections available and easily accessible to undergraduates. Students are encouraged to contact A&SC by submitting an inquiry form to learn more about collections that might align with their research interests.
Who should apply?
Any Dietrich School and College of General Studies (CGS) undergraduate who:
- Has a research interest that aligns with and can be supported by materials in the University Library System’s (ULS) distinctive collections
- Can find a faculty mentor within the appropriate discipline to support and guide their research
- Wants to engage with a scholarly community, involving workshops, discussions, and collaborations with peers and faculty
- Has an interest in the humanities, especially in working with primary sources, archival materials, or special library collections
- Is motivated to conduct independent, self-directed research, showing initiative and curiosity beyond classroom assignments
First-time researchers are especially encouraged to apply! While recipients will be conducting self-directed research, the guidance offered by the faculty and ULS mentors creates a very supportive atmosphere in which students can build their research skills.
Application Materials
- ASRA Cover Page: Fill out the PDF form
- Research Proposal: Describe your project in 3-4 pages (excluding citations) typed, double-spaced, in 12-point font with 1-inch margins
- Community Statement: Address the prompt in 1-2 pages, typed, double-spaced, in 12-point font, with 1 inch margins
- Prompt: As an ASRA recipient, you will participate in a community of scholars. What excites you about sharing your perspective with this community? How do you think conversations with your fellow participants will enrich your development as a thinker and an individual?
- Letter of Support: Supplied by a faculty sponsor who accepts the responsibility to serve as a mentor throughout the award
- Faculty sponsor should email their letter of support directly to our@pitt.edu by the posted deadline
- Proof of Concept: Supplied by an archivist or librarian from the ULS who can confirm that there is material in the ULS collections to support your research. Reach out to A&SC here!
- The ULS consultant should email their proof of concept to our@pitt.edu by the posted deadline
- Confirmation: The application will ask you (the applicant) to confirm that you will not simultaneously hold other spring research awards (e.g., OUR awards or grants, or University Honors College fellowships)
Applications will reopen in Fall 2025