New e-resource – Stream films with Kanopy

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Two film reels side by side.We now have access to Kanopy!

Kanopy is an online streaming platform, providing access to thousands of films from over 800 film makers. Whether you’re a Film student or an Historian, you will find a range of films related to the arts & humanities – including documentaries, Hollywood cinema, early film, a range of genres, and The Criterion Collection.

Access is provided by the Library, so it is free for you to access, and you can stream films on-campus and off-campus. Use the Browse feature to search by subject or genre, or the search bar at the top of the page to look for a film by title.

Sophie Dorman, E-resources Team

LGBT History Month – Discover and diversify our Library collections

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New Library research guide

LGBT+ is an area of research which can cover a wide range of academic disciplines. In celebration of February’s LGBT History Month, the Library has introduced a new online guide to support research into LGBT+-related topics. The guide takes the same format as our subject guides but focuses on the range of materials available from the Library and Special Collections relating to LGBT+ topics.

It has been created, in consultation with staff and student representatives, to help you find some of the key resources the Library can provide in this area, as well as point you towards other useful online resources, libraries and archives.

We’d love to hear your feedback on our new guide, so let us know what you think!

Suggest resources to help diversify our collections

You can also help us to diversify the Library’s collections by putting forward your suggestions for Library materials to help support a more diverse curriculum.

If you would like to suggest other items for the Library, please complete our regular book suggestion form.

Examples of material recently purchased from this fund include:

You can see all the Diversity fund titles purchased in current and previous academic years on our dedicated Library Diversity fund reading lists

Kerry Webb, Associate Director (Academic Liaison and Support)

Stay search-savvy: evaluating online information – info tip

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Lots of question marks - two are brightly-colouredWhen you’re searching online for information for your assignments, you’ll find a wealth of information – but how do you know what you can trust? What’s reliable enough to be included in your academic work?

Top 5 tips for evaluating online information

1. Ask questions

Before quoting information that you find, ask yourself the following questions:

Authority: is the author of the page/site a subject expert, or a trustworthy organisation?

Accuracy and reliability: is the information fact or opinion? Is it influenced by an agenda, or providing only one point of view? Is the spelling and grammar correct?

Currency: is the page and its information up to date, and updated regularly?

Audience: who is the information aimed at? Schoolchildren, university students, medical professionals – and is this the right level for the work that you are doing?

Feel: does the site look well-maintained and well-structured?

 

2. Think about trying a different source

A general Google search returns all sorts of information, some of it personal to you, and for your academic work you’ll want to use more scholarly, academic research rather than personalised searching. Google Scholar can be used to narrow your general search to more academic sources. To make the most of Google Scholar you can adjust the settings to show links to items available through the Library. For instructions and further information, have a look at our guide to accessing Google Scholar, or Google’s own search tips.

 

3. Make the most of the Library resources

Be aware that Google Scholar has limited reach online, and might have patchy coverage of the articles or topics you’re interested in! You don’t want to miss information, so use the Library’s Summon discovery service and subject databases – your subject guide includes a list of selected reliable, authoritative databases and website for your subject.

 

4. Evaluate everything!

You should always be evaluating your sources – use the criteria above to consider how appropriate the information you find is to your assignment. Apply the criteria above to general online searching, and on academic databases as well.

 

5. Still not sure? Ask for help

You can ask your subject liaison librarian for guidance on finding good quality resources for your study and research.

Watch the Study Advice tutorial on evaluating your sources – this is great if you’re new to academic study and aren’t sure which sources of information are best placed to include in your academic work.

One thing to take away from this post: you’ll find all of this guidance on the Library’s online guide to evaluating websites, bookmark this page and read it again!

This is one of a series of tips designed to help you save time and effort finding or using information.

This tip was written by Kim Coles, Liaison Team Manager.

 

Overwhelmed by reading? – info tip

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Two students reading and studyingIf your resolution this term is to be more efficient when studying, a good area to focus on is your reading and note-making. Independent reading and taking notes are likely to make up a large part of your study time at university, so a few small adaptations to your reading strategies could potentially save you a lot of time over the term.

Reading with a purpose

The Study Advice team has a guide on managing academic reading which includes ideas on how to select material, deciding how much to read, and reading techniques. We also have a brief video tutorial on reading academic texts that introduces the kind of reading needed for academic work and appropriate strategies.

To get started, try this simple three-step plan to make your reading more active and targeted:

 1. Understand the purpose for your reading:

2. Think about what you need to find out:

Ask yourself what you already know about the topic, from previous lectures, seminars or wider knowledge. Use this to identify your gaps and what you need to find out – it can be useful to phrase this as a series of questions so you can then search for answers to those questions.

3. Identify where you can find this information:

Your reading list is often a helpful place to start – the Library has a guide to understanding your reading list. But to get the best marks you will most likely need to go beyond your reading list – see the Library guide on doing your literature search for information on where to look, effective search tips, finding the items you need. For targeted resources and more advice on finding information in your subject, take a look at your subject resources pages or contact your subject liaison librarian.

An open notebook and pensNote this!

Efficient reading goes hand-in-hand with good note-making, so if you feel you are being slowed down by taking too many, or too few notes, have a look at our guide to effective note-taking and our video tutorial on critical note-taking.

The secret is not trying to capture everything you’ve read (or you’ll just end up with more notes than there are pages in the book itself!) but to keep good records so you know where to find the information again when you need it. Watch this short video tutorial on finding bibliographical details you need for note-making and referencing. If you find it hard to keep track of your references, consider using reference management software, such as EndNote.

Spending too long reading?

Reading is a potentially open-ended task – there is always one more book or journal article in the Library that you could read. If you feel your reading is taking too long, have a look at the Study Advice guides on managing your time and our video tutorial on how to make more hours in the day. 

If you find it difficult to focus on your reading, list the things that distract you and take steps to deal with these distractions. For example, disable pop-up notifications on your phone if you know social media can easily draw your attention away from your reading. Another helpful strategy is to think about the time of day when you are most focused and productive, and use your best thinking time to tackle the most difficult texts.

Putting limits around your reading time and stopping it from becoming an endless task can also improve your efficiency and your motivation! Make an estimate of how much time you need to do your reading, break your reading down into manageable chunks, and schedule it into a weekly study timetable. For more advice on how to make one, watch our video tutorial on making a study timetable.

Need more help?

If you need more advice on how to manage your reading and improve your note-taking techniques, contact the Study Advice team to book an appointment.

This is one of a series of tips to help you save time and effort finding or using information.

This tip was written by Dr Michelle Reid, Study Adviser.

Welcome Back Week in the Library

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Welcome Back Week starts on Monday 21 January and we’re getting involved at the Library!

University Services Fair

The Library team will have a stand at the University Services Fair in RUSU Upper 3Sixty on Monday and Tuesday next week. Come and chat with our friendly staff if you have an questions about the Library.

You can also have a go at our Summon Speed Search! It only takes a couple of minutes and you’ll be in with the chance of winning a prize. Can you make it to the top of our leaderboard? Visit our stand to see if you can win.

Library tours

If you’ve not yet had a chance to look around the Library, come along to one of our tours which are running every day next week. Tours start at 13:10 and will last 20-30 minutes. No need to book – just turn up at the Library and meet by our display in the foyer. We’ll guide you round the building and tell you everything you need to know about using the Library. If you’re a Postgraduate student, come along to our Wednesday tour!

More information

We’ll be posting about what we’re up to throughout the week so check Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for further updates.

As always, you can also ask for help at an Information Desk. Go to the URS Ground Floor Information Desk for general enquiries. Go to the Library Building, 2nd or 3rd Floor Desks for help finding books.

Katie Winter, Trainee Liaison Librarian

Resolved – problems with e-resources

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Open laptopThe intermittent problem with access to many of our e-resource platforms has now been resolved, and you should be able to access all e-resources as normal.

If you are still having any problems with access, please contact us at eresourceshelp@reading.ac.uk or submit an e-resources problem report form.

Thank you for your patience during this time.

Sophie Dorman – E-resources Team

Request items we don’t stock with Inter-Library Loans!

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Do we not stock that one book you really want for your dissertation? Then why not see if you can borrow it from another Library through our Inter-Library Loans service!

What are Inter-Library Loans?

The Inter-Library Loans service delivers material you need which is not held in our Library. We can obtain a wide range of academic books, journals, and conference proceedings from other libraries.

All members of the University can request inter-library loans – Staff, Students, and Associates. Please note that the Inter-Library loan service is not available to External borrowers.

Do I have to pay to make a request?

We do not charge for the majority of requests, however we do charge for certain items and repeated renewals.

We would also charge users for any overdue or lost requested items.

Please see our webpage for more information. 

How can I request a loan?

You will need to fill in a request form via Unicorn with a much detail as possible about the item you want to request.

The length of time it will take for your item to be processed varies so as a guide please allow a minimum of two weeks for your request to be ready.

Although in some cases items will be ready for collection within a couple of days of the request!

More information

Please see our Inter-Library Loans webpage for further information.

 

Matthew Pearson, Library User Services

 

2nd Floor books moving to the 4th Floor

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What’s changing?

With the Library refurbishment drawing towards its later stages, the 4th Floor is nearly ready to be reopened. The next phase involves moving stock from the 2nd Floor to the 4th Floor, in preparation for the 2nd Floor closing for refurbishment.

When will it start?

The anticipated start date for this is Monday 21 January, with a timeframe of 5-6 weeks. This is subject to approval from Building Maintenance. We’ll keep you updated on this blog and on Twitter (@UniRdg_Library) and Facebook (@universityofreadinglibrary).

Can I still access my books?

Yes! In keeping with our strategy to maximise access to stock throughout the Refurbishment Project, all books will remain accessible as far as possible throughout the move. Each shelf will be unavailable for around thirty minutes whilst the stock is being moved. The Library catalogue will also be updated to reflect the new locations, usually within a day.

Where will I find my books after the move?

The stock will be split by Call Number as follows:

3rd Floor

100s – philosophy, psychology

200s – religion

400s – languages, linguistics

500s – science

600s – technology, business, typography

700s – arts

EDC

Teaching Practice

4th Floor

000s – computer science

300s – social sciences, law

800s – literature

900s – history, geography, archaeology

Journals

Where can I get help?

Library staff will still be available at the Information Desks and Ground Floor Help Point – please contact them if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

More information

Books with Call Numbers in the 800s and 900s will be moving to their final locations and will not be moved again, while books in the 000s and 300s will move back to the 2nd Floor once it has been refurbished.

Keep up to date with the latest study space and Library refurbishment news on our Library refurbishment webpage.

Katie Winter, Trainee Liaison Librarian

Get set for referencing success using Mendeley or EndNote

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Have you been marked down for inconsistencies in referencing? Are you fed up with writing all of your references for your dissertation by hand? There are programs that store your references and help you create bibliographies in Microsoft Word. We’re running sessions throughout the Spring Term covering the variety of options available – whether you’re working on your dissertation or starting your PhD, come along and find out how much time you can save! You can book onto any of these beginner sessions on RISIS under the Actions tab.

New for 2019: Mendeley

Mendeley is designed to make storing references as simple as possible. We mainly recommend it for undergraduate and masters students. Its main feature is ‘watched folders’ – any time you add a PDF to a selected folder, Mendeley will automatically retrieve the details. You can also drag and drop PDFs directly into your library or use its Web Importer for details of websites and other sources. If you work a lot with PDFs, Mendeley is a good option for you. It has both online and desktop versions – both are free to use, but only the desktop version works with Microsoft Word. Workshops are taking place at the following times:

  • Wed 23 January, 14:00-15:00
  • Wed 20 February, 14:00-15:00
  • Wed 20 March, 14:00-15:00

EndNote Online

EndNote Online is similar to Mendeley, but instead of using PDFs you collect reference details from databases such as Summon. It works particularly well with Web of Science as both products are owned by the same company. EndNote Online also has the specially-created ‘Harvard for Reading’ style, which will ensure that your references are formatted exactly to your department’s specifications. It’s free to use on any PC, including your home PC. We recommend it for undergraduate and masters students. Come along to a workshop at the following times:

  • Wed 6 February, 14:00-15:30
  • Wed 27 February, 14:00-15:30
  • Wed 13 March, 14:00-14:30

Desktop EndNote

Desktop EndNote has many more features than Mendeley or EndNote Online and is designed for postgraduate researchers and staff. You can store a huge number of references and PDFs. In addition, you can select from thousands of referencing styles or create your own – great if you’re writing for publication. It’s free on all campus PCs through Apps Anywhere, but is costs around £96 to install on your own PC. We’re running workshops at the following times:

  • Wed 13 February, 14:00-16:00
  • Wed 6 March, 14:00-16:00

Book your place

Sign up to any of our sessions through the Actions tab on RISIS. If you can’t make any of the specified sessions but would like to know more, take a look at our reference management guide or contact your Liaison Librarian.

Caitlin McCulloch, Trainee Liaison Librarian

Keep your valuables safe

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Open laptop with notepadGot a new laptop for Christmas? Using your tablet in the Library buildings? Left your phone on your desk?

Watch out for your own property and for suspicious activity in the Library buildings. It only takes a few seconds for a passing thief to steal your possessions, so keep them safe.

What you can do

  • Keep your property with you or leave it with someone you know you can trust, even if you’re only stepping out for a minute.
  • Save these numbers and report suspicious activity:
    • to Library staff or University Security on 0118 378 6300;
    • 999, the Police emergency number, if you see a crime in progress.

If you find you have been the victim of crime, go to a Library Information Desk where we will help you report the incident to Security Services.

What we do

  • Library staff encourage you to take care of valuables during regular patrols enforcing good conduct, but we cannot look after your valuables for you. We might leave you an ‘almost stolen’ card on unattended property – but remember a thief would steal it.
  • University Security patrol the Library and Library@URS. They may conduct spot checks on Library users. Have your Campus or Library card to hand or sign a visitor’s form on entry

Katie Winter, Trainee Liaison Librarian

Personalised Library support for your subject – info tip

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If you’ve ever felt a little overwhelmed by the range of resources that the Library has on offer then you might want to get help from your very own subject Liaison Librarian or explore one of our dedicated subject guides.

Subject Liaison Librarians

Every subject offered at Reading has a Liaison Librarian – they are your main point of contact with the Library. They can help you make effective use of the huge range of resources the Library has to offer in support of your studies by:

  • showing you how to use information resources effectively – your librarian can offer training sessions for your School/Department on finding and using relevant resources
  • creating and updating Library guides for your subject – providing an overview of the range of subject specific print and e-resources available to you
  • helping you save time by making the most of all our Library services
  • giving you individual help with research – your librarian can offer in depth help in finding information, including identifying the most relevant print and online resources for you to use

Look at our list of liaison librarians to find out who you should contact for more help with finding resources for your subject.

As well as providing one-to-one advice and offering group training sessions and workshops, every Liaison Librarian has created a guide for each subject, with lots of helpful information and advice on finding resources for your studies.

What is a subject guide and how do I find mine?

Our online subject guides include information about relevant books, reference materials, journal articles, electronic resources (including e-journals, databases and multimedia resources) and other useful websites relating to your area of study. There’s also advice on citing references in your work. They have been created by our team of subject Liaison Librarians, and are regularly reviewed by them to ensure they remain relevant and up to date.

The key link 'explore key resources in your subject' - this will take you to your subject guides.To access the guide for your subject just click on the “Explore key resources in your subject” in the ‘Help for your subject’ section of the Library website homepage, or go directly to our list of subject guides.

 

How do I find the information I need?

The subject guides are divided into several sections, each with its own tab at the top of the page:

  • Reading Lists – how to get started with your online reading list (if your course/module has one) and how to effectively manage your academic reading.
  • Dictionaries & encyclopedias – online dictionaries and encyclopedias as well as highlighting key print titles in the Library. It also links to e-resources such as Credo Reference, Oxford Reference and specific dictionaries for your subject. It is far more reliable to use these than to use Wikipedia for your work.
  • Books – tips on finding books using Enterprise and lists of Call Numbers for particular topics within your subject area. This section also showcases new books that have been purchased for your subject.
  • Journal articles – tips on finding journal articles on Summon and links to the key databases databases for finding journal articles in your subject area.
  • E-resources – lists key databases for your subject, as well as other useful resources such as multimedia resources, company financial databases, and online tutorials and guides to e-resources related to your subject.
  • Websites – a list of relevant websites that could be useful for your work. There are also hints on how to evaluate a website, so if you conduct an internet search you can be more confident you are using reliable information.
  • Citing references – points you in the right direction for getting help with referencing and avoiding plagiarism. You’ll also find information on reference management software which can save you time collecting references and writing your bibliography.
  • Further sources – information on Special Collections which may be relevant to your subject, and obtaining other materials such as conference papers, theses, maps and newspapers.

Need more help?
We want to help you find the information you need. Please contact your subject liaison librarian if you would like more help. You can also check out the Help tab in your subject guide for more advice.

This is one of a series of tips to help you save time and effort finding or using information.

This tip was written by Kerry Webb, Associate Director (Academic Liaison & Support).

Library refurbishment: lift stairs demolition update

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Our Library building refurbishment has now progressed, with demolition of the stairs behind the existing lifts beginning this month. You may experience construction noise, despite the acoustic partitions that have been put in place to help reduce the volume. Here is our advice on how you can still get to upper Library floors and find alternative, quieter study space.

How do I get to upper floors?

Say goodbye to the staircase behind existing lifts!

Although we will no longer be able to use the stairs behind our existing lifts, access will be maintained to two lifts until our new lifts are ready. The big central staircase leading up from the main hall remains our main stairs, with other stairs around the edges of the building available for emergency evacuation.

Where can I find quieter study space?

This phase of construction will sometimes involve noisy or disruptive works. Please make use of the quiet and silent study space in the Library@URS building next door, as well as the variety of alternative study space options across campus. For more see ‘The latest on student study space’ (Student Services news, 31 October 2018) or Transform 2026: Study space update (UoR staff portal news, 31 October 2018).

More on Library refurb

Demolishing this staircase will create space for print hubs on every floor and a silent study PC area on the 5th Floor. Find out more about the project on our Library refurbishment webpage.

Katie Winter, Marketing Assistant
and University Communications