Jocelyn A. Rankin, PhD (1946-2010)

Mercer University School of Medicine Skelton Medical Libraries Jocelyn A. Rankin Student Excellence in Library Research Award This award honors Jocelyn A. Rankin, PhD, founder and Director of the Medical Library on the Macon campus of the Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) and founder of the Georgia Interactive Network for Medical Information (GaIN), the Mercer University-based electronic healthcare nonprofit that was active from 1983-2015. Dr. Rankin’s tireless service to MUSM students and faculty as well as Georgia’s underserved health professionals (1974-2000) exemplifies passion and commitment to information access, problem-based learning, scholarship, and research.

Purpose

This award recognizes a MUSM student who demonstrates outstanding proficiency in the use of the collections, services, and resources of Skelton Medical Libraries as well as exceptional information-seeking skills. It is intended to promote extensive and meaningful use of library resources and services as well as foster the development of life-long learning in students. 

Eligibility

• Applicant must have conducted the research while enrolled at MUSM and be currently enrolled as a student on any campus in any of the MUSM academic programs: Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBMS), Master of Science in Preclinical Sciences (MSPCS), Master of Family Therapy (MFT), PhD in Rural Health Sciences.
• Submissions must contain an element of library research using Skelton Medical Libraries resources, services, and/or staff.
• Team submissions are allowed if each applicant is currently enrolled at MUSM.
• Applicants must consent to photographs of award recipients being displayed online.

Application Packet 

Do not submit articles, posters, or finished project materials. All requirements for consideration follow; any other items will be stripped from the application packet during the blinding process.

1. Cover Sheet with student signature(s). Fillable PDF Document | Fillable Word Document
2. Structured Abstract (200-300 words) briefly describing and summarizing your research project using the following examples:

• National Library of Medicine (NLM). Structured Abstracts. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/bsd/policy/structured_abstracts.html
• National Student Association of Medical Research (NSAMR). How to Write a Scientific Abstract: A Guide for Medical Students.
   https://cdn.southampton.ac.uk/assets/imported/transforms/content-block/UsefulDownloads_Download/3A1D7DB6088B4499A2309C7802B1CF9B/NSAMR%20abstract.pdf

3. Bibliography/References formatted appropriately using a formal style guide (i.e. AMA, APA, NLM) with the chosen style specified, e.g. AMA References.
4. Reflective Essay (500-750 words) addressing the following components:

• What library resources/services did you use? Name one or more.
• How did you locate your sources?
• Did a librarian assist you? If so, how? 
• Why did you select the library resources/sources you used? What criteria did you use? What was it about these sources that made them appropriate?
• Did you decide against using any library sources you identified? If so, why? 
• What, if any, difficulties using library resources did you encounter?

Evaluation Committee & Criteria

Each application will be blinded from personal information. It will then be carefully reviewed by a panel consisting of designated MUSM faculty and librarians. Submissions will be judged on three components which are detailed in the Scoring Rubric . Students are encouraged to refer to the Scoring Rubric when completing their application. 

1. Structured Abstract (10 points)
2. Bibliography/References (10 points)
3. Reflective Essay (30 points)

Submission Procedure

The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 25, 2024. Incomplete or submissions after this date will not be considered. Electronic submissions of this document are accepted in Word or PDF files. All application materials remain the property of the library and will not be returned unless requested by the applicant. Email your completed application packet to Jennifer Dawson at dawson_jd@mercer.edu. 

Award Notification & Promotion

Only one award will be given each year. The recipient will be notified no later than Thursday, October 31, 2024 and will receive a prize of $250 and a certificate and have their name engraved on the Jocelyn A. Rankin Student Excellence in Library Research Award plaque displayed at each of the 4-Year campus libraries: Columbus, Macon and Savannah.