Library Research Award 2023

First Place: Katerina Dronov '24

"Wartime Welfare Development: The British Beveridge Report and American Wagner-Murray-Dingell Bill"

When considering documents to compare to the Beveridge Plan, a report renowned for establishing the British Welfare State, the Wagner-Murray-Dingell Bill is unlikely to come first to mind. In fact, it is often overlooked in secondary literature. However, an overview of primary sources indicates that the two are particularly connected. With the Beveridge Plan published in 1942 and the Wagner-Murray-Dingell Bill first introduced to the American Senate in 1943, both originated from the World War II era. In their proposals, their reception, and outcomes, both serve as illustrations of the course welfare development took in their respective nations. When examined in the context of each nation’s history of welfare development each serves as a lens by which the resulting welfare systems can be compared. In their content, both proposals called for extended and nationalized social security. In both cases, universal healthcare became a topic of concentrated focus. In their reception and application (or lack thereof) the Beveridge Plan and Wagner Bill revealed the forces at play that shaped the social insurance systems of each nation. In Britain, Labour successfully led the postwar Progressive movement, building off a history of past reforms. In America, conflicting interest groups stalled attempts at reform that perpetuated its exceptionalism in the realm of welfare development.

Completed for HIST 470 with Dr. Brandon Marsh

Second Place: Katelin Carter '24

"Expanding Medication-Assisted Treatment in Drug Courts: A Comprehensive Examination and Proposed Solution to Expand MAUD and MOUD Programs in the United States"

This article examines the relationships between substance abuse, criminal justice, and public health in the United States, with a specific focus on Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) within drug treatment courts. The analysis uncovers the limitations of punitive measures, particularly within the framework of President Richard Nixon's "War on Drugs," revealing the need for evidence-based solutions like MAT in criminal justice. The pivotal role of MAT in addressing opioid addiction within drug courts is explored in detail, and data is presented supporting its effectiveness. Despite this efficacy, persistent barriers to its implementation are identified, including stigma, policy constraints, and healthcare disparities. Legal scholars' varying opinions on MAT are presented and analyzed, revealing the necessity for increased education and training to dispel stigma and misconceptions surrounding MAT medications among legal professionals.

The article concludes by proposing a research design to address existing gaps in the literature, focusing on stigma as a barrier to MAT accessibility. The research design suggests conducting a survey of legal professionals, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to gather data on the prevalence of stigma in different contexts, and the availability of MAT in drug courts. The research aims to inform evidence-based policy recommendations and targeted interventions that will increase the availability and use of MAT in drug treatment courts. In summary, this article not only identifies challenges within the drug court system but also proposes solutions, emphasizing education, policy reform, and targeted interventions to enhance MAT accessibility. 

Completed for PSCI 470 with Dr. James S. Josefson

Honorable Mentions:

• Annaliese Franklin and Erica Nelson, "Synthesis of Fluoxetine"
• Zachary Watts, "Equality by Combat Motivations to fight in the All Japanese American 442nd Regimental Combat Team"
• Ewan Benjamin, "The Boy Scout Movement and Indian Nationalism"

See the winners of the 2022 Library Research Award here.

• Undergraduates enrolled in a degree program in any discipline at Bridgewater College who have completed a one-semester scholarly paper or creative project for which library research is a substantial component.
  • Students who graduated in May 2023 may submit their work from Spring 2023
• Only assignments completed as part of Spring 2023 or Fall 2023 coursework are eligible
  • Submissions may come in the form of written assignments, infographics, musical compositions, and more—as long as library research was conducted as part of the assignment creation
  • Works co-written with faculty are not eligible
  • Papers or projects completed as part of a summer research fellowship are not eligible
• Individual and group projects are eligible
  • Awards for group projects are split between each group member

Submissions must include the following documents:

1. Completed research project in Word or PDF format (without any edits since the submission for coursework)
   1. A bibliography of sources used in your paper or project
2. 300-500 word reflective essay that touches on:
   1. your research strategies,
   2. how you used library resources and services to complete your paper or project,
   3. and how your research enhanced your growth as a scholar
3. Signed recommendation form from the faculty member who assigned the research paper or project
   1. Download the recommendation form here

Submissions for the 2023 Library Research Award have closed.

Check back later for more information on next year's award.

Submissions will be evaluated on three criteria: 

1. The originality, depth, breadth, or sophistication in your use of information sources in the research project
2. The ability to select, evaluate, and synthesize library resources and use them successfully in your paper or project
3. Evidence of growth as a scholar/development of research skills.

The Judging Committee will include a librarian, the CEL Director of Student Research, and one faculty volunteer from each school.