The UMKC University Libraries offers the annual Martha Jane Starr Library Research Award, up to $1,000 for student research initiatives with a Women’s and/or Gender and/or Sexuality Studies (WGSS) focus to cover research expenses.
Martha Jane Starr Library Research Awards are open to all students, but preference will be given to a graduate student with a Women and Gender/Sexuality Studies focus and who is being mentored or supervised by a member of the Race, Ethnic, and Gender Studies faculty.
Types of Projects Funded
Awards are granted for various types of research activities and research needs, including:
- travel costs to research sites
- presentation of original research at symposia/conferences
- research equipment & supplies
- duplication of archival materials (microfilm, DVD, copying, etc.) *
- compensation for research participants
*a specific cost is required to request monies for these purposes
Eligibility
Martha Jane Starr Library Research Awards are open to all students, but preference will be given to a graduate student (Masters, doctoral, or professional students) with a Women and Gender/Sexuality Studies focus and who is being mentored/supervised by a member of the WGSS faculty. Applicants can resubmit an unsuccessful proposal one time only. Award winners must wait two years from the end of their project before applying for another Martha Jane Starr Library Research Grant.
Application Process
- Prepare the following materials:
- Project Abstract (no more than 250 words)
- Proposal and Budget (no more than 5 pages, double-spaced), to include:
- a detailed explanation of the research project
- a statement of how this project fits into current and future research plans
- a description of which Women and Gender Studies Collections in the UMKC Libraries Special Collections will be used to advance the research project
- a statement about the applicant’s contributions to the WGS program
- a statement about the importance of the project for the enhancement of WGS at UMKC
- a description of the anticipated outcome of the project (conference presentation, publication, etc.)
- an itemized budget, detailing expenditures and a justification for those expenditures (Note that the System per diem is $55/day [$27.50/day for fewer than 12 hours] within the state of Missouri and based on CONUS rates outside of Missouri). Mileage should be calculated at the university rate of $.43 per mile. More information on System reimbursement policies can be found at: https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/policies/finance/allowable_travel_expenses)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Brief statement from a mentor that the project is viable and that the student is actively working on it (note that this does not need to be a full recommendation letter).
2. Download and complete the application form.
3. Send complete application materials to Stuart Hinds, Curator of Special Collections and Archives via email at hindss@umkc.edu by 5:00pm, November 18, 2022.
Eligible Funding Requests
Support for research activities, scholarly activities or projects, community service or presentations, workshops, travel related to conference attendance, research related to applicant’s discipline or special needs requests.
Ineligible Funding Requests
Standard textbooks, university tuition, equipment, computer software or hardware and supplies routinely provided by your department or school.
Application Deadline
Applications should be submitted to Stuart Hinds, Curator of Special Collections and Archives via email at hindss@umkc.edu by 5:00pm, November 18, 2022. Awards will be announced January 2023.
Post-Project
At the end of the project, the grantee is expected to do one or more of the following:
- submit a one-page written report to the Director of WGSS and the Dean of Libraries
- give a formal presentation to WGSS faculty/students
- give a formal presentation for a library event
Martha Jane Starr Library Research Award Committee
The MJS Library Research Award Committee for 2022-23 will be comprised of two representatives from the Library and one UMKC WGS faculty member who will review proposals and award the grants. No critiques of proposals (successful or not) will be given by the Award Committee.
This award is possible through an NEH Challenge Grant and matching funds from the Martha Jane Starr Field of Interest Committee.
