Welcome to our seventh ‘Spotlight on…’ blog series! As part of #LoveYourLibrary month, our Student Advisors have been bringing light to some of Catalyst’s lesser-known fantastic features.

Looking for books can be frustrating, especially when you finally find the one you want and realise all copies are out on loan. But have no fear because a cool thing about our library is the fact that we can reserve books!

What makes it even better is that after you reserve a book all you have to do is sit back and relax because not only will they email you once the book is available…but they’ll even leave it for you to collect right next to the self-issue machines.

All you have to do is simply go to the Reservations shelves on the ground floor of Catalyst, find your student number (they are all filed in numerical order) and your book will be waiting. You do not even need to go through the hassle of finding the book on the library shelves, they do all that for you. Just make sure you take a few steps to the left to self-issue the book and you are good to go!

Did you also know that if the library does not stock a particular book at your home site, they may have it at one of the others and you can reserve it. There are three libraries in total; Aintree, Manchester and our main in Catalyst at Ormskirk. TOP TIP: Aintree also has a great fiction selection for any avid readers out there!

All libraries are open to use so if you happen to be visiting Manchester or Aintree, or they are closer to home for you, then you can collect and return books there too – which is one of the great things I love about our library, it makes book borrowing easy!

Location and opening hours of all libraries can be found on our webpages!

Written by: NATASHA TAPERA

2nd Year BA Counselling & Psychotherapy

Student Advisor for Library & Learning Services

Welcome to the fifth of our ‘Spotlight on…’ blog series! As part of #LoveYourLibrary month, our Student Advisors will be bringing light to some of Catalyst’s lesser-known fantastic features.

Today, Dylan uncovers the delights of Catalyst’s very own CD collection…

Attention music lovers! If you’d much rather listen to music played from your CD player than your phone then look no further. Edge Hill offers an array of CD choices in Catalyst, many of which you are eligible to loan! The CD collection is located on the 2^nd floor of Catalyst.

If you’re a lover of the classics, Beethoven might be the best choice for you.

Or, if you prefer mellow music, Bob Marley’s tunes could be your choice.

For band lovers there is a collection for The Beatles and their greatest hits.

And for the lovers of musicals, there are multiple; CATS, Fun Home, Oliver and many more are available for you to loan and listen to.

There are many more artists to be discovered in the music collection!

Why not check it out yourself and find your favourite genre?

Written by: DYLAN BOOTH

3rd Year Creative Writing Student

Student Advisor for Library & Learning Services

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
~ Ghandi

Today, 17^th February, is Random Act of Kindness day. Research has proven that showing kindness and consideration to others has multiple benefits for both giver and receiver. Being kind increases oxytocin, which strengthens the heart and cardiovascular system, and produces endorphins, which are our natural painkillers. Kindness is contagious, showing kindness produces a ripple through its recipients, leaving more than just one person happy.

There are so many ways of showcasing your kindness and helping other people, either today, or throughout the year. I’ve made 15 suggestions here detailing how you could practise kindness to those around you:

1. Pay it backward and buy coffee at 53.3 Degrees for the person standing behind you in line.
2. Send positive text messages to people you love throughout the day. Show them how much they mean to you.
3. Let someone purchase their shopping before you if they only have a few items.
4. Suggest a book recommendation using Edge Hill’s Library Services.
5. Brighten your family member’s morning by leaving a kind or funny message on your mirror with a whiteboard marker.
6. Smile at five strangers.
7. Help someone loan a book at the Catalyst.
8. Practice self-help and self-kindness by spending some time today doing something you love.
9. Leave a generous tip for a helpful and kind server.
10. Compliment a stranger.
11. One for the year; on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day think of those friends who have lost a parent and check in with them. Those will be tough days.
12. Why not join a bone marrow registry? Having yourself on the registry could be the difference between life or death for someone who needs bone marrow or stem cells. Anthony Nolan are a great charity that focus on finding stem cells and bone marrow for patients in need.
13. Listen – don’t interrupt. Sometimes people just want someone to listen, not suggest a solution.
14. If you’ve had great experiences from a business you like, why not write them a review online? These help a lot more than you realise.
15. When you’re discouraged by your own voice, tell yourself something positive. You deserve kindness too!

The Random Acts of Kindness Organisation showcases different ways that you can exhibit kindness and offers resources to promote a kinder and more thoughtful world. Why not become a RAKtivist? RAKtivists are ambassadors of the Random Acts of kindness Organisation that share their knowledge and lead by example.

Video Credit: Random Acts Of Kindness, 2018

Make sure that, at least today, you offer kindness to those around you – strangers, family, colleagues, friends. People benefit from your generosity more than you can know.

Written by: DYLAN BOOTH

3rd Year Creative Writing Student

Student Advisor for Library & Learning Services

Can you believe that extreme ironing is a hobby? People take to mountains, helicopters and even mid-air to iron their clothes. Have you ever heard of Baggists? Baggists collect sick bags from aeroplanes and websites are available for Baggists to buy and sell bags they may not have found.

So… to celebrate national hobby month, why don’t you take up a new hobby? I won’t expect you to iron your bed sheets whilst hung from a parachute or fly around the world to collect bags from flights – but even taking up the smallest hobby that you enjoy can improve your overall satisfaction.

I’ve listed hobbies below to give you an idea of new activities you could trial out:

• Join a new society – Edge Hill host an array of societies including cheerleading, LGBT society, murder mystery and table top gaming.
• Reading – Some people wish they had time to read, but don’t. Why don’t you give yourself some time to go through Catalyst’s resources and find yourself a book?
• Learn a new language – Why not download an app to help you learn a new language? In an ever-expanding and multi-cultural world, learning a new language is never a bad thing. Not only is it a mind-sharpening activity, it also proves very good on a CV!
• Writing – Writing fiction, poetry, scripts or non-fiction can earn you money. If you’ve had that idea nagging in your head for a while, get started!
• Scrapbooking – Are you the artistic type? Scrapbooking can be extremely therapeutic and stimulating for those who love art and aesthetic. Put your artistic practises to use and create a collage of your memories.
• Learn to play an instrument – Music-lovers might like this one. Developing your skills as a musician has so many benefits, and you might discover your hidden talent.
• Meditation – It might sound strange, but meditation can slow down the mind and relax your anxieties and encourage a healthier mindset.
• Join the gym – Why not join Edge Hill University’s renowned gym? Its facilities are enough to cater for all sporty types or new starters!

If you already have a hobby – celebrate by doing more of it. Improving and strengthening your wellbeing using hobbies will have positive impacts on your approach to university.

To celebrate the new year why not try something new?

Written by: DYLAN BOOTH

3rd Year Creative Writing Student

Student Advisor for Library & Learning Services

Exam season is upon us and, in case you missed the revision tips and techniques workshop in December, I’m here to provide you with some helpful tips for revision.

The key thing about finding your perfect revision strategy is not what technique to use, but how to use it. Students often *trick* themselves into thinking that they’re revising but, truthfully, the revision technique is not working for them. Finding the best possible technique will enhance your revision knowledge and ensure you’re not wasting precious time.

Below is a table of revision techniques alongside tips on how to make techniques effective.

Interesting fact to note: using highlighters and listening to music are scientifically proven not to be beneficial. Although it’s proven, if those methods do help you revise, then go for it. Finding your revision strategies is all about what works with you and how you can manage it.

These days you can take your revision anywhere with you just by using your phone. There are many strong and effective apps to use when revising, I’ve chosen my favourite and listed them for you.

Go Conqr   Allows the user to create mind maps, flashcards, quizzes, slides and notes to equip every student with a revision bank.

Evernote    Allows the creation of notes in multiple formats including checklists, sketches, photos, scans, audio, video, PDF’s & web clippings.

One Note   Similar to Evernote, allows the user to file notes into notebooks and multiple formats.

Instapaper Allows the user to save and store web articles (adjustable for ease of reading) which can later be read offline.

Pocket        Similar to Instapaper, allows the user to save articles for offline reading and tag articles for easy searching and recommended interests.

2Do             Allows the user to create organisable tasks, projects and checklists in a calendar-based time-management app.

Any Do       Similar to 2Do, allows the user to organise the tasks in a calendar but offers more options in terms of attachments and sorting.

Trello          Allows the user to create work-boards for projects and designate workflows in a project management tool.

Another crucial aspect to note when coming to revision is how you approach revision. Below is a table of dos and don’ts when coming to revision.

Don’t panic this exam season and take on board the advice in this blog post. Think about how you can make your revision work for you, and whether your current method is effective or not. Remember, eat, drink and sleep, missing out on these three things will impact your mindset and mentality towards revision.

Written by: DYLAN BOOTH

3rd Year Creative Writing Student

Student Advisor for Library & Learning Services

Learning Services is aiming to bring hundreds of unwanted textbooks back into the hands of students. The Pass the Book scheme is aimed at collecting used, old or unwanted textbooks and then re-distributing them in the new academic year. Your donations will not only allow students to save money on buying new textbooks, but it will give them the opportunity to explore new books that will help them with their studies.

If you have finished with your old textbooks why not pass the book and donate them to the Pass the Book scheme. To donate, simply bring any books to the Welcome Desk of the University Library.

#PassTheBook

After much success from previous years the Pass the Book scheme is ready for 2018.

The scheme revolves around the idea of ‘giving back’. By donating your old or unwanted textbooks to the Pass the Book scheme you are ‘giving back’ to other students who will be able to use these books for their studies or personal enjoyment.

Instead of forgetting about your unwanted textbooks and leaving them in a cupboard to gather dust, donate your textbooks to other students at the University. We will then re-distribute all of the donated textbooks in the new academic year to other students at the Great Textbook Giveaway event.

If you would like to donate any books to this scheme then please bring them to the Welcome Desk of the University Library.

#PassTheBook

100 years ago a change occurred; women were given a voice.

After fifty years of campaigning the 1918 Representation of the People Act marked the first time any women, in the United Kingdom, were able to vote. Over the years that followed further Acts were passed generating more and more equality for women voters.

Jump forward 100 years and you only need to read the newspapers, or scroll through your social media streams, to see woman are again front and centre in many of the headlines around pay equality, sexual harassment and artistic recognition to name just a few.

Throughout 2018 Edge Hill University will be marking the 100 year anniversary of women’s suffrage with a series of events, installations, and activities across campus.

The University Library, in collaboration with the Students Union, are also recognising 100 years of women’s suffrage by bringing together a collection of reading material in the library foyer to keep the conversation going.

There are a wide selection of books on display from dystopian novels such as The Handmaid’s Tale to the history of women in Britain to explorations into feminist movement. If you are keen to read more about women’s studies there are lots more books on the 2^nd floor of the library (shelfmark 301.412 is a good place to start) or have a search of the library catalogue for your topic/title of choice.

If you are interested in having a chat about all things feminism the SU will be hosting a self-defined women only brunch entitled Food and Feminism on Tuesday 13^th February (11am-1pm). And on Thursday 8^th March they will be asking self-defining females across campus: What would be your message to other women? as part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day.

You can read more about the University’s Wonder Woman project on their webpages and be sure to join them in Hale Hall on Tuesday 6^th February (11am-2pm) for their Wonder Woman Launch Event.

Learning Services 👻 It may be a scary time of year but Learning Services is on hand to give you all the support you need to help you study happier and healthier. Come along to one of our special, spooky, workshops all next week to learn how to manage your time, be more organised, relax your mind, find your resources, stop procrastinating and take the fear out of presenting!

All workshops will take place in the University Library meeting room, which has been spookily renamed the LS Meeting Room of Doom for one week only! The meditation workshop required a more serene and open space so look for this one in the Dance Studio, over in the Wilson Centre, and the free healthy snacks and mindful activities will be available at the Ask Desk every weekday 11am-4pm.

️Manage your time and be a more organised you!
Monday 30^th October, 12pm-1pm – LS Meeting Room of Doom

Are you struggling to find enough hours in the day to get everything done, and on time? Come along to our free workshop and learn how to be a more organised you! Evaluate how to plan your time more effectively, identify gaps you could be using better, explore tips and tools to help prioritise and organise your studies!

Meditation, relaxation and clear your mind!
Tuesday 31^st October, 1pm-2pm – Dance Studio, Wilson Centre

Students – do you struggle to keep on top of your workload? Would you like to reduce stress and anxiety in the run up to deadlines? Meditation can help you to focus and concentrate better and for longer, reduce anxiety and boost your energy and sleep quality – all of which could have a positive impact on your studies.  Come along to our free meditation taster session! Learn to meditate in a relaxed environment using a simple, non-religious technique.

Take the stress out of finding resources!
Wednesday 1^st November, 1pm-2pm – LS Meeting Room of Doom

Are you feeling forever lost when looking for your resources? Are you struggling to use the library catalogue or overwhelmed by all the results in Discover More? Then this is the workshop for you – come along and be guided through the top tips and techniques to take the stress out of finding resources!

Stop procrastinating and be proactive!
Thursday 2^nd November, 12pm-1pm – LS Meeting Room of Doom

Do you get high levels of anxiety at the thought of starting tasks? Do you get frustrated and your tolerance levels reach a new low at the thought of completing yet another piece of work? Then come along and explore hints and tips to overcome procrastination, improve motivation and productivity towards your academic work!

Take the fear out of presentations!
Friday 3^rd November, 1pm-2pm – LS Meeting Room of Doom

Are you scared to take centre stage to present your work? This workshop will cover the different stages of putting together a powerful presentation from practical tips to confidence techniques. How to recognise the importance of planning and structuring your presentation, learn how to create a presentation that is both accessible and visually appealing and discover how to deliver to an audience with confidence!

Take a break with free healthy snacks and mindful activities (drop in)
Daily, 11am-4pm – Ask Desk

It is well known that one of the most important factors to be successful at University is your health and wellbeing, and sometimes we all need a little bit of a boost! A lot of burn the candle at both ends but it is important to find a good balance between valuable time for yourself and time for study. Come along to the Ask Desk all week (11am-4pm) to fuel your brain cells into action. There will be free healthy snacks and water and you can take a well-earned break from your studies. Please note free healthy snacks and water will be limited each day – first come, first served!

So come along and learn how to study healthy, study happy!

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If you are looking for some entertaining downtime you can also watch our 🎃 Spooktacular BoB Playlist 🎃 free online now! _________________________________________________________________________

Learning Services wishes a very warm welcome to all new students joining us this year…and, of course, this welcome extends to all our lovely returning students too 👋

Over the next few weeks there is going to be a lot of information coming your way to help you settle in to University life, so we thought this handy overview may help you pick out the important bits! 🔎

The University Library will be offering 8 days of student led support as we invite you to join our current students for…

• Student Led Library Tours: a short tour around the library building, and facilities, to familiarise yourself with what will soon become your second home on campus!
• Student Led Learning Edge Support: all tours will include an overview of the essentials you will need to know when accessing resources with a virtual guided tour of Learning Edge!

Tours and Learning Edge support are available on a drop in basis (no booking required) and will run every half hour on the following days…

• Monday 18^th September            10am – 3:30pm
• Tuesday 19^th September           10am – 3:30pm
• Wednesday 20^th September     10am – 3:30pm
• Thursday 21^st September          10am – 3:30pm
• Friday 22^nd September              10am – 3:30pm
• Monday 25^th September            10am – 3:30pm
• Tuesday 26^th September           10am – 3:30pm
• Wednesday 27^th September     10am – 3:30pm

New for 2017/18 we will also be offering two evenings of Twilight Tours for all those busy bee’s unable to make it to one of our daytime events. Again, these are available on a drop in basis (no booking required) and will run every half hour on the following evenings…

• Tuesday 3^rd October        6pm – 8pm
• Thursday 5^th October       6pm – 8pm

We look forward to seeing you all in the library, and at your Learning Services Induction session, very soon!