Weinberg Memorial Library Announces Prize Winners

Caroline Swift, an MBA student with a concentration in operations management, and Christine Panzitta, a junior secondary education/history major, were selected as The University of Scranton’s 2014 Library Research Prize winners. The University’s Weinberg Memorial Library inaugurated the prize in 2011 to recognize excellence in research projects that show evidence of significant knowledge of the methods of research and the information gathering process, and use of library resources, tools, and services.

Swift, Clarks Summit, who won in the graduate category, submitted a research paper that she completed for her OM 579: Research Methods course titled, “How E-Tailer Attributes Affect Online Shopping Intention: The Moderating Effects of Age, Gender, and Prior Experience.” She is a graduate teaching assistant in the Kania School of Management who plans to pursue a doctoral degree in supply chain and information systems at Pennsylvania State University this fall. Her supporting faculty member was Rose Sebastianelli, Ph.D., professor of operation and information management at the University.

In support of her application, Dr. Sebastianelli wrote, “The originality and significance of the topic resulted in the paper being accepted for presentation at an academic conference.”

Swift’s application essay states, “Interlibrary loan has been a lifesaver, providing me with everything from obscure articles to textbooks from faraway institutions. I am genuinely grateful for the skills I have acquired using the Weinberg Memorial Library.”

Honorable Mention awards in the graduate category were presented to Taryn Anthony of Catasauqua, chemistry master’s degree program; Patricia Gelling of Brooklyn, N.Y., an occupational therapy master’s degree program; and Kyle Corrado of South Plainfield, N.J., Christine Fischer of Waldwick, N.J., Michael McGraw of Browndale and Kristin Ryffel of Oakland, N.J., all in the doctor of physical therapy program.

Panzitta, Hamilton Square, N.J., who won in the undergraduate category, submitted a paper titled “Desertion in the Union Army 1861-1866” for her Honors Tutorial course, HIST 386H: Civil War and Reconstruction. After graduation, she hopes to teach history in a high school. Her supporting faculty member was Adam Pratt, Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of history at the University.

In support of Panzitta’s research, Dr. Pratt wrote that her research, “explores one of the most under-researched areas of the Civil War” and that her paper is “on the cutting edge of how historians are exploring the Civil War and its impact on American life.”

In her application essay, Panzitta, wrote that “With the help of the library I was able to expand the different types of sources I used for my research.”

Honorable Mentions awards in the undergraduate category were presented to Natalie Della Posta of Syracuse, N.Y., a neuroscience major, and Stephen Gadomski of Laflin, an exercise science and sport major.

University of Scranton students recognized at the Weinberg Memorial Library Research Prize are, from left: Christine Panzitta, winner, Stephen Gadomski, honorable mention, and Natalie Della Posta, honorable mention, all in the undergraduate category; Taryn Anthony, honorable mention, Caroline Swift, winner, and Tricia Gelling, honorable mention, all in the graduate category.

From left are: Charles Kratz, dean of the library and information fluency, and Caroline Swift, winner of the Weinberg Memorial Library Research Prize in the graduate category.

From left are: Charles Kratz, dean of the library and information fluency, and Christine Panzitta, winner of the Weinberg Memorial Library Research Prize in the undergraduate category.