Learn more about the inaugural Undergraduate Research Award.
Community-Based Learning
University Libraries supports Community-Based Learning (CBL) classes in the following ways:
- Providing information literacy and research support to students participating in internships, co-ops, capstones, independent studies, and community-based projects.
- Consulting with faculty to develop and enhance undergraduate research in community-based learning projects.
- In development: Critical Cultural Literacy Toolkit for Community-Based Learning, grant funded through Purdue University's Institute for Information Literacy.
Undergraduate Research
University Libraries supports undergraduate research outside of the classroom in a variety of ways:
- Offering the University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award.
- Publishing undergraduate research in our institutional repository ThinkIR.
- Providing research consultations to participants in the Office of Undergraduate Research's programming, including the Undergraduate Arts and Research Showcase and the Summer Research Opportunity Program.
Engaged Programming
One Grand Idea: Developing Award Winning Undergraduate Research
Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 11 am - 2 pm, SAC 116/117
University Libraries will be hosting an engaged learning event to prepare students to submit applications for the first annual Undergraduate Research Award. This workshop will include interactive stations that walk students through the research process: from asking questions to designing studies to communicating findings. Students will learn more about the $1,000 award that will be offered in the spring semester and how they can best utilize library resources. This is a drop in event, and food will be provided.
University Libraries Engaged Learning Committee
The Engaged Learning Committee was established in 2022 to evaluate and enhance library support for university engaged learning initiatives. A 2023 needs assessment identified several High Impact Practices designated as engaged learning at the University of Louisville, such as capstone projects, global learning, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based learning. The committee found that library engagement with these areas varied. To coordinate and expand library support, the committee is developing a suite of evidence-based, high-impact engaged learning services designed to equip students with valuable research skills and real-world experiences that support successful civic engagement, career development, and lifelong learning.
Committee Members:
Alexandra Howard - Business Librarian & Engaged Learning Coordinator
Gina Genova - Clinical Librarian, Health Sciences
Chad Kamen - Special Collections Librarian
Courtney Stine - Director, Bridwell Art Library
Tessa Withorn - Science Librarian
Collaborate With Us
Interested in collaborating with the Libraries on an engaged learning experience? Please contact Alexandra Howard, Engaged Learning Coordinator: alexandra.howard.1
Campus Resources
Center For Engaged Learning
Manages university engaged learning experiences through the CARDS Excel program.
Office of Community Engagement
Provides resources to faculty on developing Community-Based Learning (CBL) classes and coordinates the university's Signature Partnership Initiative.