The Ohio State University Libraries is pleased to announce the Thomas Gregory Song Research Fellowship for an independent research project that makes substantial on-site use of the Thomas Gregory Song (TGS) Papers in the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library (https://library.osu.edu/collections/ SPEC.RARE.0195/collection-inventory). Written predominantly in Japanese and English (with some documents in Korean), the TGS Papers include Song family genealogical records; personal photographs from Song’s childhood; an Oral History Interview; over 2300 blog posts; and personal correspondence, journals, and essays. The TGS Papers shed significant light on topics of World History, East Asian Studies, Asian American Studies, Asian diaspora, migration, and gender and sexuality studies.  For more detailed information on the Song Family history and related collections held at the University Libraries, please visit the recently launched Thomas Gregory Song Family Exhibit.

Applications are due by on Dec. 15, 2022 at 5:00pm.

FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS:

This semester-long fellowship positions students with interests in academic research to experience more deeply the type of partnerships many researchers have with libraries around projects that enhance knowledge in disciplines including, but not limited to history, area studies, ethnic studies, gender and sexuality studies, and immigration and mobility studies.

Under the mentorship of the curator of the TGS Papers, students gain valuable experience through hands-on projects that culminate in the realization of a professional research paper or creative inquiry product such as a curated exhibit, conference poster, or digital resource.

This semester-long fellowship includes wages up to $2500 and a commitment of a minimum of 160 hours and maximum of 180 hours toward the execution and completion of the project.

ELIGIBILITY:

This fellowship is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, from all disciplines, who will be enrolled at The Ohio State University during the 2023 Spring Semester. Students with the ability to conduct research in Japanese and/or Korean are especially encouraged to apply. Students must be in good standing at OSU. Note: Undergraduate and Graduate Students for whom the Cost of Attendance (tuition, room/board, books, miscellaneous expenses, and transportation as determined by the university) is fully funded are not eligible.

GUIDELINES:

The TGS Research Fellowship offers wages up to $2500 for a minimum of 10 hours of archival research per week, for a minimum of fourteen and a maximum of sixteen weeks toward the development of a final research product.  The proposed research project will make substantial use (up to 60%) of the Thomas Gregory Song Papers of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Libraries. In addition to using the TGS Papers, the project may integrate a breadth of other library resources, services, and consultations.

The final project may be submitted in various formats (e.g., final essay, website, digital exhibit, or conference paper). Recipients of Spring 2023 fellowships must complete their research by May 7, 2023 at 5:00pm. Please note: All final projects must be submitted electronically and in English by the deadline.

Recipients will also share their work with the university community through an open presentation, blog post, or other appropriate means. Presentations at annual university student research expos, departmental student colloquia or workshops, or off-campus student conferences are highly encouraged.  Products of research will give credit to the individual special collection, and a copy of any publication resulting from or informed by research will be submitted to the University Libraries.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

What to submit:

• Project Description providing an overview of the proposed project, the relevance to the TGS Papers, materials the applicant intends to use, and the expected outcome of the research. Please include Institutional Review Board application status (if applicable); not to exceed four (4) single-spaced pages.
• Project timeline showing project milestones you plan to accomplish during the semester-long fellowship.
• Personal Statement describing who you are, your year in your current academic program (undergraduate or graduate), your major and/or disciplinary interests, your current and future goals, and how you believe this project will help you achieve your goals for the future. Please be sure to include all relevant achievements, skills, education, extracurricular activities, personal experiences, and aspirations. If applicable, please include evidence of language proficiency and/or coursework in Japanese, Korean, or other foreign languages (e.g., course(s) taken, course titles and grads, and/or JLPT scores); not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages.
• Curator Meeting Summary confirming that you have met and discussed your project idea and tentative timeline with the collection curator: Japanese Studies Librarian, Dr. Ann Marie Davis (davis.5257@osu.edu).
• Institutional Review Board application status (if applicable)
• A brief curriculum vitae/resume not to exceed three pages, including name, title, education, language skills, and contact information.
• Advising report, available through Buckeye Link, illustrating you are in good academic standing.
• Letter of support provided on the student’s behalf by a current or former university instructor who can offer evidence of your academic strengths, achievements, and promise.

How to submit your application:

• Complete applications packets, including a summary of your meeting with the collection curator, should be submitted to the East Asian Studies unit of The Ohio State University Libraries using the online form found here: http://go.osu.edu/TGS_Papers_Student_Research_Fellowship
• Letters of support should be submitted to the East Asian Studies unit of The Ohio State University Libraries using the online form found here: http://go.osu.edu/TGS_Papers_Student_Recommendations

To access and complete all forms, you must use a Google Chrome web browser.

Applications are due by on Dec. 15, 2019 at 5:00pm.

APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA:

The selection committee for the Thomas Gregory Song Research Fellowship will use the following criteria to evaluate application materials and award fellowships accordingly.

Clarity and Persuasiveness of the Proposed Project

• Project description establishes the project’s originality
• Project description demonstrates the applicant’s interest in learning about the research area and methods
• Project description indicates the value of the project to the field

Cogency of the Personal Statement and Timeline

• Personal Statement reasonably links the project to the student’s future plans
• Project timeline is logical and feasible

Academic Potential as Revealed in Supplemental Documents

• Letter of recommendation reveals knowledge of the student’s work ethic and past achievements
• Letter of recommendation reveals awareness and support for the student’s academic endeavors and future plans
• Letter of recommendation offers evidence of the student’s potential to undertake independent research
• Letter of recommendation documents the student’s ability to conduct research in a timely and appropriate manner
• Collection curator indicates strong support for the project

ANNOUNCEMENT OF DECISIONS:

Decisions will be emailed to applicants by January 15, 2023. Queries about applications in process cannot be acknowledged.  Fellowship recipients and their research projects will be recognized in University Libraries’ publicity.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For additional questions or to learn more, please contact the collection curator, Japanese Studies Librarian, Dr. Ann Marie Davis, at davis.5257@osu.edu.