Library and Learning Services Student Engagement team (aka the UniSkills team) have recently recruited some new Student Advisors to join our already established (and award winning!) team. You may have already met Callie, Darren and Maya during #EHUReadySetRevise, or one of our recent UniSkills Webinars, but read on to find out more about who they are, what they are studying and how they can support you!
Continue readingIn a continuation of our Study Happy campaign we decided to extend the #MyEHUStudyHappySpace competition until Monday 16th November…so you still have time to enter and a chance to win up to £30 Amazon eVoucher!
Study Happy is all about finding the perfect study-life balance for you. Part of that process is your study environment. We know this year has been a challenge for many, so it has been super inspiring to see your #StudyHappySpace’s on social media: Twitter and Instagram.
Hannah (and Hank!)
“At first I struggled with online learning during the end of last semester. However this year I am much more engaged in the blended learning approach. I am thoroughly enjoying the present in person sessions and I am engaging well with the online sessions too. My little puppy Hank certainly helps to motivate me, when he isn’t trying to get my attention! I am enjoying being at home and engaging with the sessions in a secure and safe environment.”
Em
“I think blended learning is good, I like having lectures pre-recorded so I can watch them at my own pace and around other responsibilities. I also like having my seminars in person as it allows me to share my ideas properly and have a good discussion with peers and tutors. I have 1 online seminar though, and I find that good as my teacher makes everyone feel really comfortable and really helps us get our ideas out and discuss using the text feature 😊”
Eleanor
Eleanor claims the benefits of surrounding her study space with plants helps her feel “…calm before I attempt to study, it helps me get in the right mind set 🍃🍃”
Georgia
Georgia is proving size doesn’t matter when it comes to your favourite study space as she “…love[s] to work in the study rooms in the Catalyst 💫”
Jodi (and Rocky!)
“I feel Edge Hill have gone above and beyond in supporting the transition to online learning, I could not be prouder to be a part of the University. All of the teachers have showed amazing resilience and motivated me to do the same, I now feel ready for whatever teaching throws at me! 😄”
If you have been inspired by these entries, get snapping and share your #MyEHUStudyHappySpace with us on Twitter or Instagram. Remember to tag us (so we see it!) and use the #MyEHUStudyHappySpace to spread the important message of Study Happy!
One of our main services to you, as the University Library, is providing access to high-quality academic resources and we do this in abundance – although at present you cannot access the physical book stock, you do have access to nearly 250,000 online resources!
Accessing Online Resources
The best place to start accessing your online resources is your Online Reading List, as your tutors will have compiled a list of great materials to begin your research journey. But really great research doesn’t limit itself to just one place, so be sure to make the most of all your resources via the Library Catalogue, Discover More and your online specialist subject databases.
Lots of eBooks remain multi-user, where available, with many extended to unlimited access until 30th June. We are also continuing to prioritise eBook purchases, looking into further electronic provisions and have a handy eBooks Guide to help you read online, or download, at your leisure.
If you come across any materials, such as books or journal articles, that are not currently accessible online then don’t despair – this isn’t the end of the line! Simply place a request via our You Want It, We Get It service, select the electronic option and we will do our best* to source a copy for you.
Additional Resources
Many publishers around the world are still making additional content temporarily available to support teaching and learning where access to physical books and resources may be limited. Keep up to date with all of these extra resources, and how to access them, on the additional access to eResources webpage.
UniSkills
So, all these resources, and lots of ways to access them, may feel a little overwhelming but don’t worry because that’s another great service we provide – helping you find, navigate and make the most of all your online resources!
A great place to start is our Digital Library Induction and UniSkills Finding Academic Information webpages. On here we have created a package of online tutorials to guide you through how to access, and make the most of, your key learning resources. And don’t forget you can also book a UniSkills virtual 1-2-1 appointment for support with library search skills, finding resources and improving your search strategy, including:
Further Help & Support
If you need any further help or support with your online resources, or any other library related queries, get in touch with us via email or live chat.
As we’ve mentioned before Library and Learning Services are no stranger to supporting students online and already offer a well-established digital library service…but we wanted to make sure you have a quick and easy list of just how (and who) to contact for more help and support!
Online Assessments
For a lot of students, the online assessment period started on Monday 18th May and will run until Friday 5th June, so it’s important to know how to access support should you need it…
Academic Skills Support
All of us in Library & Learning Services would like to wish you the very best of luck in your online assessments and remainder of your academic year!
Online Assessments will soon be here (Monday 18th May to Friday 5th June 2020) and we want to help you feel as prepared as possible for them. Usually this time of year we are supporting you with a Revision Central campaign but, this being a year like no other, we are bringing out the big guns to combine two campaigns, and will also be including all the great support from our Keep Calm and Submit campaign!
Preparing for your online assessment…
Assessments can be a daunting part of university life, and it is only natural that you will want to perform at your very best. When it comes to revision there are no right or wrongs, so you might find what works for your course mates doesn’t work for you.
Before lockdown our Student Advisors created this video for you with lots of great revision study tips that work for them – take a look to discover if any could also work for you!
There is lots more advice and guidance available on the UniSkills Exam Preparation webpages, but we’ve pulled out some good starting points for you below:
Another great way to prepare for your online assessment would be to complete our UniSkills Online Assessment Toolkit. In here you will find lots more advice, tips, videos and even an online assessment checklist quiz!
Accessing Help & Support…
Even though you cannot physically see us right now, there is still lots of help and support available to you online:
So remember, we are here for you if you need us and wish you all the very best with your upcoming assessments – you’ve got this guys!
If like all of us in Library & Learning Services you are missing Catalyst, and haven’t quite perfected your new study space, we hope these handy tips will provide some useful guidance on how to make the most of your off campus studying.
Tip 1: Plan (and adapt) your new study routine
It can be challenging when your regular routine changes, even more so when it is out of our control, so taking time to plan a new study routine is a great place to start – think about what works best for you! Start small and plan a day/week at a time or look ahead and plan backwards from future deadlines and/or assessment dates. Although it isn’t always possible to plan for every eventuality it is sensible to set boundaries and consider other commitments, such as childcare or employment, when adapting to your ‘new’ routine.
A good daily routine can be as simple as getting up at a set time, changing out of your sleepwear and eating breakfast before starting your day ahead…and don’t forget to include an end routine to bring your study to a close. Take a look at our UniSkills Getting Organised webpages for lots of useful guides and toolkits to help you effectively prioritise your time.
Tip 2: Study Happy 😊
It is equally important to factor in some downtime alongside your studies to ensure you maintain a good study-life balance. By creating your own physical ‘study’ space (which could be as lavish as a home office, or as simple as a comfy spot on your bedroom floor) it will establish one of those all-important boundaries and help put you in the right mindset to work when you are there…and it will also enable you to ‘leave’ and get some headspace away from your studies. Why not revisit Student Advisor Maisie’s Study Happy Student Tips blog or remind yourself of all our Student Advisors’ top study happy tips in the UniSkills: Be Study Happy! video:
Although it can be tempting to sit in front of a screen all day (computer/smartphone/TV) it isn’t healthy nor productive. Make the most of your daily exercise and get outside! Be that on a walk/run/bike ride, sitting in your garden reading or digging up some weeds, it is all extremely beneficial for your mental wellbeing! And if you don’t have access to a garden, why not create your own eco-friendly planters out of old newspapers or empty toilet rolls and grow some seeds on your windowsills!
Tip 3: Engage with your learning communities
Don’t forget that as an Edge Hill University student you are part of a wider learning community, so make sure you are engaging with your peers and wider support networks. Your tutors will be keeping in touch with you through online teaching and making sure you have the necessary information about your research, coursework and assessments, but they are also there for you if you have any subject specific queries or just feel a little bit overwhelmed by it all – and they can direct you to other support services, if needed. You could also set up/join an online study group with your course mates to discuss research and keep each other motivated!
UniSkills also offers a learning community where you can take part in online webinars alongside students from a variety of courses and years – a really great way to share knowledge and experience with peers from across the University! There are a wide range of academic skills webinars available for you to join including academic writing, referencing and being critical – check out the latest schedule and book your place online today.
Tip 4: Make the most of your eResources
A physical trip to the bookshelves might not be an option right now but with access to over 248,900 online resources, via the Library Catalogue, Discover More and online specialist subject databases, and many publishers around the world making additional content temporarily available, there’ll be no stopping you! And if you need any help finding and/or navigating your online resources you can book a UniSkills virtual 1-2-1 Information Skills appointment. Read more about studying online, and the support available from Library and Learning Services, in our Studying Online: Your Digital Library blog.
Tip 5: You are not alone!
Although it may feel like you are fully self-isolated right now it is important to remember you are not alone and there is lots of help and support available…
As we find ourselves transitioning to a digital study environment Library and Learning Services are here to help you know what online resources are available for you, how to access them and how to get the most out of them.
Library and Learning Services are no strangers to offering a digital library service and have been supporting students studying online and at distance for many years, so don’t worry if this is a totally new experience for you because we are here to help.
A great place to start your digital learning journey is our Digital Library Induction and UniSkills Finding Academic Information webpages. On here we have created a package of online tutorials to guide you through how to access, and make the most of, your key learning resources.
You have access to over 248,900 online resources via the Library Catalogue, Discover More and online specialist subject databases. If you need any help navigating and finding your online resources help is available from the UniSkills team – you can even book a virtual 1-2-1 appointment for support with Information Skills (Search Skills and Finding Resources).
Most of the eBooks we currently have are now unlimited access (meaning no limits to numbers accessing at any one time), we are prioritising eBook purchases, looking at further electronic provision moving forward and even have a handy eBooks Guide to help you read online and download at your leisure. Many publishers around the world are also making additional content temporarily available to support teaching and learning where access to physical books and resources may be limited. Details of all these extra resources and how to access them can be found on the additional access to eResources webpage.
If you are struggling to get hold of any resources, please use our You Want It, We Get It service and select the electronic option and we will do our best to help.
So, remember even though you cannot see us right now we are still here to support you. If you need any further help or support you can keep up to date on our COVID-19 Keeping You Updated webpages or get in touch with us via email or live chat.
It’s true, the biggest of all book-related days is on the horizon and there’s no better way to join in with the festivities than by discovering something new to read (or add to an ever-expanding list of ‘to-be-read’s if you’re anything like me!).
The theme for this year is ‘Reading is Power,’ which encourages everyone to celebrate the ways in which books promote growth, choice, power and knowledge. With that said, here’s an eclectic list of favourites put together by some of the Student Advisor team to give you some ideas of what to read next!
Student Advisor Lauren has chosen…
The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde
A brief description: A man named Dorian Gray prays on a portrait to stay young and beautiful forever. It works, but whilst he stays pretty the portrait gradually becomes grotesque because of the increasingly immoral things Dorian does.
Why is it your favourite?: The concept is really cool; the way the portrait measures out Dorian’s moral decline is interesting. Oscar Wilde’s writing always mixes pretty and witty tones, and that style works amazingly here. The characters are awesome; especially Dorian’s friend, Basil. This is the only book that I find myself flipping through to re-read specific passages or end up mentally reciting bits of.
Who would you recommend it to?: Anyone who likes morally ambiguous characters and pretty prose.
Book cover image source.
Student Advisor Arifa has chosen…
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World, Malala Yousafzai
A brief description: A courageous memoir on a girl who survived a bullet shot by the Taliban (an extremist group) in the city of Mingora. A young education activist, her refusal of silence lead to World Leaders being inspired by her ambitions to fight for the rights of education for girls. The Taliban took control of the area and dictated how women should live their lives. Despite the struggle of commuting to school with her books hidden under her shawl, she strived to study and excel.
Why is it your favourite?: It was a fantastic read and so well illustrated. I enjoyed the book as it was a chronicle on purity and honesty based on the situation in her village in Pakistan.
Who would you recommend it to?: To anyone that is need of motivation and inspiration!
Book cover image source
Student Advisor Dylan has chosen…
Deaf Republic, Ilya Kaminsky
A brief description: In the fictional town of Vasenka, a protest starts after the tragic murder of a deaf child. The town protest in silence and create their own sign language
Why is it your favourite?: The narrative is told through a series of poems, and through several different characters. I find myself checking, and checking again, that Vasenka is fictional; its nature and issues ring too true with the real world. Kaminsky writes like no other poet I’ve read before.
Who would you recommend it to?: I’d recommend it to people who love poetry, people who love fiction, people who love film and those that love everything in between.
Book cover image source.
Student Advisor Anna has chosen…
Good Vibes, Good Life, Vex King
A brief description: This book is all about transforming negative emotions into positive ones to reach a high level of happiness. The book incorporates Vex’s own personal life experiences and explains how he has overcome the more challenging stages in his life. He discusses ways to practise self-care, positive lifestyle habits, taking opportunities, reaching life goals, overcoming possible fears and finding what you feel is your purpose in life.
Why is it your favourite?: I liked this book as it teaches you how to be a positive person and creates a feeling of happiness. His real-life experiences give context to advice that he is saying. I found this book a really good read whilst at university as life can become stressful at times, especially when I had quite a few deadlines to meet. It also gave me a good mindset when reading feedback on my work or talking to my tutors as I took the advice as constructive criticism rather than letting it dishearten me.
Who would you recommend it to?: Everyone! I feel as though it is a good book that can be useful to everyone, it helps you remain positive throughout life. This means it could be beneficial in your personal life, work life or throughout your studies.
Book cover image source.
Student Advisor Maisie has chosen…
To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee
A brief description: A first person narrative from perspective of Jean-Louise Finch that follows Jean-Louise, or Scout as she is more affectionately known, and her brother get to learn some crucial lessons about judging others, tolerance and justice throughout the story which is set in Depression era Alabama.
Why is it your favourite?: An oldie but goldie- don’t let the fact it was published in 1960 put you off this is a timeless classic. The simple and child-like narrative helps to convey Scout’s raw emotions throughout the novel which helps readers realise the injustice of the actions that occur. Every time I (re)read it, I am always reminded not to judge a book by its cover and although this book may make you cry it will also fill you with joy!
Who would you recommend it to?: As it is quite an easy read I’d say anyone. Don’t let the memories of it being a school read put you off either.
Book cover image source.
Student Advisor Jen has chosen…
Tall Tales and Wee Stories: The Best of Billy Connolly
A brief description: A collection of funny / interesting wee stories about life in Scotland, Billy’s childhood, life in Glasgow and his adventures travelling around the world.
Why is it your favourite?: I think my favourite book changes all the time. I finished this book a few days ago. It gave me comfort and reminded me of home at a time where I was feeling quite home sick. His happy wee stories about life in Scotland made me laugh out loud, which is rare when I read books.
Who would you recommend it to?: Everyone and anyone. I think the way he tells stories can bring us all joy and happiness. You can dip in and out of the chapters, you don’t have to read them in order or fully. Making it perfect to fit into our busy lives.
Book cover image source.
Whether you spend all your free-time reading or you haven’t picked up a book since high school, World Book Day is all about creating life-long readers! The charity does great work by providing children across the country with access to books, and we can all join in by sharing the stories we love! To find out how to get involved with the charity directly, click here!
There are as many reasons to love books as there are books themselves, so why not get involved in the World Book Day fun and try something new or re-discover an old favourite? Head over to the library catalogue to see what stories are waiting for you in the Catalyst!
Happy reading everyone!
Lauren Gallagher – Student Advisor
MA English
The early bird may catch the worm, but it’s the Cat(alyst) that’s got the cream!
If you’ve been on campus lately you will have spotted, and hopefully visited, Catalyst…but are you making the most of this fantastic facility and its equally fabulous learning and support services that roost inside?
Club Catalyst – you’re already a member!
Catalyst is your central point of access to Library & Learning Services, Student Services and Careers so there is an abundance of help and support available (take a look below if you don’t believe us) and the building itself has lots to offer!
The Catalyst Helpdesk is your one stop access point for all services and support in the building and you can contact the team weekdays 8am-8pm and weekends 10am-6pm in a number of ways:
😊 Visit the Catalyst Helpdesk
☎️ Telephone (01695 650800)
📱 Text (+4401613751608)
💬 Online Chat
📧 Email
And don’t forget our online knowledge base AskUs is available 24/7!
[To the tune of Club Tropicana…]
Club Catalyst the books are free,
Fun and learning, there’s enough for everyone!
All that’s missing is study,
But don’t worry, you can bring that!
You will find your print resources (books and a selection of journals) on the first and second floors and self-issue machines here too…as well as two on the ground floor. You can check PC availability or book a study room before you arrive, and discover your perfect study space across the four main floors:
It is important to make sure you are also taking effective study breaks – we highly recommend the roof garden (open daily 11am-3pm, weather permitting) for beautiful panoramic views across campus and some mind calming fresh air!
Catalyst itself is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during term time so if you’re an early bird or a night owl there is something for everyone! If you are visiting after hours just remember to bring your UniCard along to swipe access into the building. View current opening hours here…
Making the most of Catalyst support if you’re an Early Bird 🐓
If you’re planning to arrive early on campus, don’t sit in your car until class begins – be green, turn off your engine and come inside cosy Catalyst.
Most important meal: 53.3 Degrees, Catalyst’s fab coffee shop, is open from 7am every weekday so why not take advantage of a hot (or cold) breakfast. Throughout the day you can also grab a range of hot and cold drinks and food, including those all essential study snacks! Tip: their vegan sausage rolls give Greggs a run for their money!
Get a head start: Log in and catch up with your emails, check for any module / tutor updates and prep for your day ahead. You will often be set pre-lesson reading and it is important to complete this to get the most out of your lectures and seminars. Use your mornings to familiarise yourself with topics or even do some wider reading, so you can contribute effectively in your classroom discussions.
Academic Skills Support: If there’s a particular piece of work you’d like some help with, or you need some guidance navigating your reading and research, you can book a UniSkills 1-2-1 appointment weekdays 8am-6pm. Our friendly Academic Skills Advisors are on hand to offer their knowledgeable advice and support on a wide range of academic skills.
Breakfast Club: During key times of the year, you can drop in Tuesday and Thursday mornings 8:15am-8:45am for advice and guidance on all things Careers. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, interested in volunteering, want to know more about the Student Opportunity Fund, or are unsure where to start with graduate job applications – come along for a chat and a free bite to eat!
Find your calm: The Faith and Reflection Room provides a quiet space for reflection, contemplation and prayer for the exclusive use of staff and students at Edge Hill. Open to people of all faiths and none, it offers the opportunity to explore matters of faith and spirituality, or just simply to find your calm before a busy day. You will find the Faith and Reflection Room in the Magnolia Building, next to the Forest Court Halls of Residence.
Making the most of Catalyst support if you’re a Night Owl 🦉
If you’re more productive as the sun goes down 🧛 then here’s some great tips, activities and support available after hours:
Research, Read and Write: If you find you’re buzzing with ideas after the days classes then why not make a start on your research, reading and assignments. There is lots of academic skills support available 24/7 at ehu.ac.uk/uniskills
You could start by revisiting your lecture / seminar notes to summarise your key themes, recommended reading or highlight any gaps in your knowledge you’d like to research further. Quieter evenings lend themselves to reading and research (especially on the quiet (2nd) and silent (3rd) floors).
Access the Library Catalogue, Discover More and your specialist subject databases. Your online Reading List is also a must for essential and recommending reading, especially if you are looking for a good place to start!
Make an assignment plan, create your search strategy or simply stop procrastinating and get writing! If you’re nearing submission then complete your final edits, print it out and proofread before you upload to TurnitIn.
If you’re not quite ready to knuckle down with your study, or just need a well-earned break (these are important too!) then there are plenty of great activities hosted by Catalyst support teams:
Chillout Tuesdays: meet your Campus Connectors, every other Tuesday evening 5pm-7pm, in the Catalyst foyer (by the comfy seats!) for chilled-out games, crafts and a chat!
That Thursday Thing: is the informal weekly meet-up of people who want to meet up with other people. Join in, every Thursday 5pm-7pm, to relax, chat, watch films, play games, listen to music or whatever you fancy doing!
Try Something New: If you fancy trying your hand at 3D printing, or would like to give a new sport a go, look out for TechSkills and Pop-in and Play sessions. Visit the Campus Life Facebook events page for latest updates!
Crack that CV: If you’re unable to attend one of the Careers CV workshops during the day you can book a place on a CV Webinar! Delivered by our exceptional Careers Advisers, the Webinars are a great way to receive information and advice, as well as ask questions, without having to be present.
Other support available in Catalyst…
Of course, there is tonnes of other support available throughout the day in Catalyst too, including…
So, regardless of when you visit don’t be owl by yourself, let us take you under our wing, and help you make the most of Catalyst! In fact, you’d be stork raving mad not to pay us a visit!
As a student in Edge Hill back in 2014, I saw a news article on the Edge Hill website about an amazingly ghostly photograph taken with a pinhole camera, over the course of 312 days, documenting the construction of Creative Edge. The simple camera made from a box with a tiny hole in lieu of a lens, loaded with photographic paper, was left in place on a fence post; enduring all weathers and the construction going on around it to capture the image.
Shortly after the Catalyst Roof garden was opened on the new Library and Learning Services, Student Services and Careers building, giving stunning views across campus and across into Snowdonia, I thought it might be a good idea to try and repeat the process with a pinhole camera on the Catalyst roof.
I contacted Neill Cockwill, Media and Performing Arts Technology Development Manager, who had made the original image to see if it would be possible. Neill was really enthusiastic and supportive of the project and he gave me a crash course on pinhole photography!
The camera could be made from almost any kind of sealed container, so for convenience I recycled three coffee cans and drilled a tiny hole, calculated to allow a clear image to be captured on photographic paper inside the can. These were then situated on the rails on the roof garden, to gather images of the garden over a period of several months, from the start of semester in September 2019 to its end in 2020.
After four months, as the Christmas holidays approached, I decided to take one of the cameras down, to see how successful the project had been so far. On Wednesday 18th December 2019, I carefully removed one of the cans from the rail and dashed over to Neill’s office in Creative Edge. On opening the can we found that water had leaked in, carrying a little rust onto the paper. But to my surprise and delight, the photographic paper had recorded an image of the view from the roof across to Scarth Hill. Neill quickly dried the paper and popped it onto the scanner and reversed and adjusted the image to a positive.
Although the water had damaged the image slightly, the ethereal image of the lake and the corner of Creative Edge appeared, but most importantly, the solography effect caught the passage of the sun across the sky, in beautiful streaks and even caught its reflection in the lake below!
The two other cameras, capturing views across the roof garden itself will remain in place until the end of the academic year in May 2020. We look forward to sharing more images with you in the new year!
Written by Bill Bulloch
Catalyst Helpdesk Advisor
