This week we’re hosting a series of free events to celebrate Open Access Week 2019, open to everyone. Here’s what’s on offer:
Join Monday’s webinar here and sign up for a place on Wednesday’s ‘Board Games and Pizza’ here.
On Tuesday morning, we have ‘Open Access and My Research’ – a research cafe delivered in the informal style of a TED Talk. Three brilliant researchers share thoughts, tips and insights around open access and what it means to their research. Come join us at 9:30am in H2, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Ormskirk campus.
Professor Helen Newall, Professor Bernie Carter and Dr Linda Kaye will be speaking at our special Research Cafe
It has been another busy start to the academic year with lots of welcome and induction activities taking place across campus. If you joined us in Catalyst 16th – 27th September you may have even taken part in one of our Student Led Catalyst Tours, delivered by our team of Student Advisors. Don’t worry if you missed a physical tour you can always watch our virtual guided tour, hosted by our (now graduated 🎓) Student Advisor Jade, online anytime.
Who are the Student Advisors?
Well, I am glad you asked! This year Library and Learning Services have employed nine Student Advisors to provide peer to peer help, support and guidance to their fellow students – that’s YOU!
The
team are all current 2nd year, 3rd year or Masters
students and between them bring a great variety of subject knowledge from their
individual disciplines together with a wealth of experience from studying at
Edge Hill, using all of this to support you on your own University journey.
What can
Student Advisors help me with?
The
Student Advisors can help you get the most out of your Library, including locating
and using physical and virtual resources for your studies. They can also help
you to develop a range of introductory academic skills and introduce
you to more specialised support where necessary.
Searching the Library Catalogue for books and eBooks
Using Discover More to find online journal articles and other
online resources
Navigating Learning Edge/Blackboard and your subject specific ‘My
Library’ Tab
Harvard referencing
Finding and accessing UniSkills academic support material
How can I
access the Student Advisors?
The
Student Advisors work term-time weekdays 11am-4pm and you can book a 15 minute appointment with them to discuss any of the
topics mentioned above.
The Student Advisors have just completed two weeks delivery of introductory UniSkills workshops (Getting Started… and Finding Your Resources 30th September – 11th October) but they will be returning throughout the year to offer more workshops on a range of topics, so be sure to keep a look out for your UniSkills timetable or online ehu.ac.uk/workshops
The Student Advisors will also be creating blogs, vlogs and social media content throughout the year on a range of academic skills topics and personal interests so be sure to keep up-to-date by following Learning Services on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and on our blog.
Meet the team…
Anna Krawiecka 3rd Year – BSc Marketing with Digital Communications Favourite place to study: Is on the first floor of Catalyst next to the spiral staircase as I enjoy looking out across campus. I prefer to study on campus as I can focus more, and I can easily access any useful resources or help if needed.
Best study tip: Create a study timetable! This allows you to clearly see the spare time you have around your academic timetable. I find this useful as I can then designate set days where I will complete work for every module. This ensures that I have enough time to work on assignments, meaning I don’t feel pressured by upcoming deadlines.
Favourite thing to do away from study: To de-stress I like to go to the gym or take part in a fitness class and my favourite way to chill out from my studies to is book a quiet weekend away somewhere!
Arifa Ugradar 3rd Year – BSc Business & Management with Marketing Favourite place to study: The Catalyst is my favourite place to study by far. It has everything I need when I am self studying, working on assignments or a group project. I like to study on the third floor in the individual pods or sometimes when I come in the evening I like to work on the ground floor where there are large tables to work on near the window.
Best study tip: As soon as I am given the assignment brief for my module, I like to begin to format the document layout with suggestive subheadings provided by the module leader (or myself after reading the brief). I then cut and paste any additional notes relevant to the assignment to help me through the work. I continue this tip as a third year student – it is really helpful and saves me from flicking through one tab to another!
Favourite thing to do away from study: I enjoy colouring to de-stress, hanging out with my best buddy and going out during the daytime.
Charlotte Crook 2nd Year – BA History with Politics Favourite place to study: has to be in the little pods on the ground floor of the Catalyst. I can’t study in silence, so I find the ground floor the best place for me. The little pods allow for a little bit more silence, and they have plug sockets for my laptop – so are a must for my longer study sessions! Also if you choose the right one you can get a really good view of the lake by Chancellors Court, which is lovely to look out to when I take my head out of a book.
Best study tip: I have always found mind maps have really helped me when it comes to studying, whether it’s for assignments or exams. They help me get all my ideas down onto paper and then link up the relating points. Also you can make them look really smart, and I love revising off notes that are really neat and comprehensive.
Favourite thing to do away from study: Whenever I am away from study I do one of two things, my favourite thing to do is to take my dog out for a walk to the field, he is still trying to get the hang of fetch – he is almost there. I find being out with other dog walkers and dogs really calming, as I have nothing else on my mind except how cute all the dogs are. The other thing I enjoy to do away from study is to binge watch a series, watching a few episodes of a new series is really a treat after a long day of studying!
Favourite thing to do away from study:
Dylan Booth Masters – MA Creative Writing Favourite place to study: My favourite place to study is the group study rooms in Catalyst. I like being secluded from outside distractions, whilst still being able to chat with my course mates.
Best study tip: Plan ahead and don’t leave things to the last minute. I’ve learned this the hard way through my undergraduate degree. I always like to make sure that I have my assignment submitted at least the day before.
Favourite thing to do away from study: I go to the cinema a lot. I enjoy seeing new films, it allows me to wind down, and it also helps with my writing for my course as well.
Ellis Brooks 3rd Year – BA Primary Mathematics Education with QTS Favourite place to study: My favourite place to study is Starbucks in Ormskirk.
Best study tip: The best study tip I was ever given, that’s always worked, is start assignments ASAP – they creep up on you!
Favourite thing to do away from study: Outside uni I like to read, draw and play pool.
Georgia Maestri-Banks 3rd Year – BA Primary English Education with QTS Favourite place to study: Off campus is my super comfy green chair in my kitchen. On Campus, I love studying in the secret pods on the ground floor of Catalyst.
Best study tip: I discovered for myself was to ensure I make a revision/assignment timetable and plan my assignments out using bright coloured highlighters.
Favourite thing to do away from study: To de-stress is playing the piano and songwriting.
Jen Murray Masters – MSc Sports, Physical Activity & Mental Health Favourite place to study: If it’s warm, my favourite place to study is anywhere outside. If it’s cold and rainy I often head to cosy coffee shops. I try to find funky, independent places that have lots of space, so I am not taking up room with my laptop.
Best study tip: Plan, organise and make use out of the support the university offers- for example, attend workshops- it really helps, you always come away with something useful!
Favourite thing to do away from study: Morning runs, yoga, wild camping, hiking with my partner- anything outside in nature helps me de-stress and unwind. I also love listening to podcasts and reading (my fav podcasts are Joe Rogan Podcast and Happy Place by the lovely Fearne Cotton.
Lauren Gallagher Masters – MA English Favourite place to study: Changes all the time depending on my mood, I’m normally most productive working from bed with music or a TV show on in the background; must be comfy. 😄
Best study tip: Make the most of audiobook free trails, find a course-relevant book, and listen to it repeatedly until you can pretty much parrot the whole thing.
Favourite thing to do away from study: I always play games to chill after studying all day, especially JRPGs (Japanese Role Playing Games) with good immersive worlds like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, love some escapism.
Maisie Masterman 3rd Year – BSc Primary English Education with QTS Favourite place to study: At uni it has to be Catalyst – anywhere by a window or if not anywhere quiet and peaceful with a nice view. A study essential has to be a cup (or mug) of tea!
Best study tip: Listen to your tutors – they are there to help and whilst you can’t ask them to write your assignments for you, they are always there to help.
Favourite thing to do away from study: I love baking and cooking especially with friends or family, keeping fit, having a boogie and relaxing with books and podcasts – How To Fail is a favourite of mine!
Our campus at Manchester St. James’ is buzzing all year
round – even more so now the new academic year has arrived.
The first few weeks of University can seem a bit
of a blur, with a lot of information to take on board. This is why UniSkills is here
all year round to offer friendly support with all aspects of your academic
skills. It doesn’t matter whether you
are a complete beginner, further on in your studies, or nearing the end of your
course.
Hit the ground running by checking out our web-pages.
These are full of useful resources, tips, online tool-kits and guides, from Harvard
Referencing to preparing
for exams (tip: you probably don’t need to think about this quite
yet!).
Manchester St. James’ students can book face-to-face appointments with an academic skills advisor on campus. Our individual UniSkills support can cover whatever you like, whether that’s referencing, searching for literature, looking at a draft, or planning your workload. It’s up to you. We are here to help you work towards achieving the best you can in your academic work, so head online to book your own 1-2-1.
You can also visit the St James’ drop-in every Wednesday 2pm-4pm
– no question is too small, and no appointment is necessary.
Friendly UniSkills workshops are also running throughout the year to help you grow your skills in academic writing, Harvard referencing, and preparing for exams. Bookings open 2 weeks before the workshop – book your place online: www.ehu.ac.uk/workshops
Best of luck to all our students and look forward to
seeing you soon!
We have a series of great events for Open Access Week this year. All are welcome!
Monday 21st October, 12-1pm Open Book Publishers webinar Learn about the work of this award-winning, non-profit, academic-led publisher that releases 20+ open access books a year and doesn’t charge its authors any fees!
Tuesday 22nd October, 9:30-10:30am | Room H2, Ormskirk campus Research Cafe: Open Access and My Research Researchers from all three faculties to share why they make their work open and what doing so means for collaborations, impact and society.
Wednesday 23rd October, 11:30am-1pm | Willow room, Catalyst Board Games & Pizza Enjoy free pizza while playing ‘The Game of Open Access’ or, if you’re really up for the challenge you could try ‘The Publishing Trap’. We’re trialling these games to start conversations and help demystify the world of open access. – Book your place here
Friday 25th October, 9:30-10:30am | Willow room, Catalyst Figshare: making research open and easy to find Learn about Figshare, a great new place to share research data, practice research, academic posters, conference presentations and more. Figshare is open, has a global reach and makes your work discoverable.
About International Open Access Week International Open Access Week is a global, community-driven week of action to open up access to research. The event is celebrated by individuals, institutions and organisations across the world, and is is led by a global advisory committee.
Learn about the work of this award-winning, non-profit, academic-led publisher that releases 20+ open access books a year and doesn’t charge its authors any fees.
A special webinar for Open Access Week 2019, hosted by Library and Learning Services and free to everyone!
Lucy Barnes, Editor at Open Book Publishers, introduces this award-winning, non-profit, academic-led open access publisher. They don’t charge author fees; they publish innovative and acclaimed titles; and their books have been accessed over 2 million times. Interested in finding out more or publishing with OBP? Join us on 21 October!
It’s International Open Access Week on the 21st -27th October.
The theme this year is “Open for Whom? Equity in Open Knowledge”. The idea behind Open Access Week is to catalyse new conversations and create connections.
Library and Learning Services are running a series of events for OA week including a special research cafe and a board games & pizza event and more.
Free pizza and drinks while you boost your open access knowledge playing some great games!
It’s International Open Access Week on the 21st -27th October.
The theme this year is “Open for Whom? Equity in Open Knowledge”. The idea behind Open Access Week is to catalyse new conversations and create connections.
If you’re a research student or researcher and want to know more, please join us in the Catalyst’s Willow Room on Wednesday 23rd October 2019 to play ‘The Game of Open Access’ or if you are really up for the challenge you could try ‘The Publishing Trap’. We’re trialling the games to start conversations and help demystify the world of open access.
International Open Access Week is a global, community-driven week of action to open up access to research. The event is celebrated by individuals, institutions and organisations across the world, and is is led by a global advisory committee.
To deliver the best possible facilities, services
and resources Learning Services seeks to understand the needs and experiences
of all our customers so that we can continue to improve. One of the ways we do
this is by listening to your feedback and over the last 12 months this has been
invaluable in helping us shape the future of Catalyst.
We’ve
already implemented lots of changes based on your ideas such as relocating
furniture, creating more group space, extended summer opening, access to the
roof terrace and much much more. Developments are continuing and you should see
further changes over the next few months so watch this space!!!
We’d
still like to hear from you and there are a number of ways that you can give us
your feedback:
Speak to staff at any University Library help desk
If you would like to find out more information about how we deal with your comments & suggestions or if you would like to see what feedback we have received so far then you can do so here
After the success of our first EVER summer UniSkills offer, we know that you’ve all been eagerly awaiting our Autumn timetable!
As always, you can expect to find a programme full to the
brim with the very best academic advice delivered by our knowledgeable team
here at Learning Services.
Our team know everything there is to know about Harvard Referencing, Academic Writing and Powerful Presentations so be sure to book yourself in to prepare for upcoming assignments.
We really do have something for everyone, no matter of your discipline or year of study! If you’re new to University level learning, or need a refresher after the summer holidays, why not try Introduction to Academic Writing. Perhaps you need help with Conducting a Literature Review, especially if it’s the first one you’ve written. If you’d like a space to practice presentations (whether it’s academic, for an interview or for a personal venture) then head along to UniSpeaks where you can try out public speaking and receive feedback from a friendly group of peers.
You may be interested in trying a brand-new workshop which focuses on Growing Your Academic Resilience, something that will be beneficial for anyone who struggles with receiving feedback on their assignments. We have Developing Academic Writing for our students who are advancing to the next level this academic year, as well as Harvard Referencing for anyone and everyone who has questions about how to reference correctly!
Whether you are writing your first essay or your fiftieth our Finding Academic Information and Reading Academic Texts workshops will help you to develop strategies to find the best resources and ensure you are an active reader. Once you have all of the information you need to write your essay, you might like to book onto our Become a Paraphrasing Pro session to help you to put everything that you have read into your own words in a concise way.
If that wasn’t enough we also have some sessions which are for students who have specific types of assignments looming this year! Firstly, we are offering Powerful Presentations to help you to get top marks and become a confident speaker. We also have Effective Exam Preparation workshops for anyone who is lucky enough(!) to have an exam whilst they are at university. If you are writing your dissertation this year we have two sessions which aim to keep you on track! Firstly we have Writing your Undergraduate Dissertation for our final year students who would like to find out more about finalising a research question and what to include in each section. Finally, we also have a Writing Your Postgraduate Dissertation for any of our Masters students who require some additional guidance.
You can check out the full line-up and book yourself on here. If you are unable to attend a session but would like some additional guidance on any of these topics then please get in touch with us or book a 1-2-1 appointment here.
Last month, we shared the news that we have decided to replace Web of Science with Scopus. This was due to a steady drop in usage for Web of Science, and the extra possibilities offered by Scopus, including a greater range of items and its ability to enhance Pure.
Our access to Web of Science ends on 30 September. If you have literature searches saved in the platform, or you wish to download information from the Journal Citations Reports service, now is the time to act. You can take a note of the saved searches and create and save these in Scopus by registering for an account.
Please contact liam.bullingham@edgehill.ac.uk if you would like any support with this.
Elesevier are delivering a special Scopus training session on Thursday 21 November, hosted by Library and Learning Services in the Catalyst.
The workshop will be delivered by Michaela Kurschildgen, Consultant and Customer Success Specialist at Elsevier and covers the following:
Part one: – hands-on training covering searching, filters, search results data visualtions, etc Part two: – research metrics and indicators
Want to join us? Date and time: 10-1230 on Thursday 21 November. We only have 10 places left. Please email liam.bullingham@edgehill.ac.uk if you would like to attend the workshop.
Why run this training? Following a successful trial over the Summer we now have Scopus, which replaces the Web of Science service. Scopus features 23,500 serial titles and 75 million items, so being able to utilise its features to search and record items is paramount for getting the most out of the database.
Is any other Scopus training available? Research students and staff can book onto our ‘Literature Search for Research’ workshop on 7 November, which is part of the Researcher Development Programme. The session focuses on searching using Scopus. Book via MyView.
