Helene Lafrance Library Undergraduate Research Award

As Santa Clara University strengthens its commitment to undergraduate research, the University Library is supporting this effort by annually offering two undergraduate research awards. These awards will honor students who demonstrate exemplary research skills and creativity through the comprehensive use of library and information resources to produce a scholarly work or class project of high quality.

A committee of faculty members and librarians evaluates entries on the evidence of the applicant's research strategy, process, and personal learning as demonstrated in the submitted project, summarized in a reflective essay describing the research process, exhibited in a bibliography, and supported by a faculty letter of recommendation. Each winner is awarded a $1,000 monetary prize along with a plaque recognizing the individual’s accomplishment. This collection includes projects by the winning authors and other finalists for the award.

This award was renamed in 2025 to honor Helene Lafrance. Helene served the Santa Clara University community as a social sciences librarian and Head of Research and Outreach from 1995-2020. In her time at Santa Clara, Helene launched numerous visionary programs, including the Library Undergraduate Research Award. In addition, Helene was a scholar with a fierce commitment to social justice and equal rights– which is reflected in the award-winning work of SCU undergraduates.