Essential Information Skills for Research

Campus Library Training Sessions

Semester 2 2009/10

Here are the details of our new series of research skills training sessions
They are primarily aimed at postgraduate and research students but staff and undergraduate students are very welcome to attend.We will provide copies of presentations and handouts as appropriate.

Please read the session summaries and if you want to attend, click on the ‘Book Now’ link, complete the online form, and press submit.

Using Keele’s ebooks
Wednesday 3rd February
12:00 – 1:30
IT Lab 2

Trainer: Dr. Rachel Gick (Liaison Librarian)

By the end of this course you will be able to

• Access and find ebooks
• Browse, read and search ebooks
• Print and copy text without breaking Copyright
• Use advanced features such as adding notes
• Download pdf of the session workbook

Introducing Refworks

Wednesday 17th February
1:00 – 2:15
Library Training Room

Trainer: Scott McGowan (Liaison Librarian)

RefWorks is our new web-based reference management software. Use it to import, manage and save references from your research, whether they are from books, library databases, journals, web pages or other sources.

By the end of the course you will know how to:

• Create a personal RefWorks database
• Import references from various bibliographic databases
• Create references
• Sort, search and manage your personal database
• Produce bibliographies in different styles
• Share your references with other people

Getting Beyond Google

Wednesday 24th February
12 – 2pm
IT Lab 2

Trainer: Jo-Anne Watts (Liaison Librarian)

Google is often an excellent way to search for information but even it has its limitations. This course will introduce you to some other search engines that you may not know so much about, as well as explaining some tips and techniques that can be applied whenever you search for information. It will also introduce the idea of the ‘invisible web’ and suggest ways for searching for ‘grey’ literature.

By the end of the course you will know how to:

• Use the ‘Advanced Search’ options within Google
• Use other search engines to look for information, especially metasearch engines
• Begin a search for ‘grey’ literature
• Use directories and subject gateways
• Evaluate search results

Copyright & Avoiding Plagiarism

Wednesday 3rd March
12:00 – 1:15pm
Library Training Room

Trainer: Scott McGowan (Liaison Librarian)

Copyright and plagiarism can be confusing. Using copyright material requires proper citation practice. This workshop aims to provide advice on making sure you safely avoid plagiarism and advice on using copyright materials in print and electronic form.

By the end of the course you will know:

• More about copyright law in the UK and in education
• Tips on avoiding plagiarism
• More about fair use of print and electronic copyright material
• How to appropriately cite copyright material
• Book Now!

Advanced RefWorks

Wednesday 31st March
12:00 – 1:15pm
Library Training Room

Trainer: Scott McGowan (Liason Librarian)

Already using Refworks to help manage your research?
Our advanced Refworks session will delve into some of the finer points of the Refworks software. Some of the topics covered will include many of the "customising" options available including;

• how to globally edit references
• add your own "keywords" terms to references
• set up RSS feeds through Refworks
• create your own bibliography output styles
• tips for good practice in using Refworks and managing your reference database
• Book Now!

Please note this session will assume a working knowledge of Refworks, so newcomers are advised to attend a "Basic" Refworks Session first.

For further enquiries on any of these courses please contact your School/Faculty Liaison Librarian directly: click here to view their contact details