Essential Information Skills for Research

Semester 2 2011/12

Here are the details of our new series of research skills training sessions

We are currently running six courses:

  • Using Keele's ebooks
  • Introducing RefWorks ("RefWorks I") - 2 sessions
  • Advanced RefWorks ("RefWorks II")
  • Using the Library Catalogue & Database Applications on Mobile Devices (new!)
  • Searching Web of Knowledge
  • Effective search strategies

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.

All sessions will take place in the Library Training Room on the Top Floor of the library building. Click here to view the Campus Library Floor Plan. 

Please read the session summaries by clicking on the relevant tab (s), below.  If you want to attend, click on the ‘Book Now’ link, complete the online form, and press submit.

 

For details of training courses run by the Health Library please visit the Health Library Training Pages

 Using Keele’s ebooks

Thursday 23rd February 2012


12:00 – 1:30
Library Training Room

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
  • Book Now!


 

 Introducing RefWorks (2 sessions)

Wednesday 29 February & Wednesday 30 May 2012


All 12:00 – 13:15
Library Training Room

Trainer: Scott McGowan (Liaison Librarian)

RefWorks is our 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
  • Book Now!

 Library Catalogue & Database Applications on Mobile Devices

Thursday 8 March 2012


12:00 – 13:00
Library Training Room

Trainers: Michael Debenham (e-resources Manager) & Ian Haydock (Library Systems Manager)


This session will provide a demonstration of using the Library Catalogue and other useful database applications for Keele users on compatible devices. 

Book Now!

 Web of Knowledge

 Thursday 22 March 2012


12:00 – 14:00pm
Library Training Room

Trainer: Dr. Rachel Gick (Liason Librarian)


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

  • Use the different search functions, including citation searches
  • Refine, manage and analyse your results   
  • Create citation alerts
  • Save, print and e-mail your results
  • Understand the principles of Journal Citation Reports
  • Book Now!

 

Some prior experience of searching databases is recommended.

There will also be a summary of updates to the new version of Web of Knowledge for those who have attended earlier training sessions on this database.

Some prior experience of searching databases and other online sources is recommended.

Introducing RefWorks (2 sessions)

Wednesday 28 March 2012


12:00 – 13:15
Library Training Room

Trainer: Scott McGowan (Liaison 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 (e.g. 'Introducting RefWorks').


 

Effective Search Stragies

Wednesday 2 May 2012


12:00 – 14:00
Library Training Room

Trainer: Julie Beard (Liaison Librarian)

 

 

This course will help you to understand what a search strategy is, why it’s important to have one and how you can create one effectively.

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

 

  • Formulate a search strategy using appropriate keywords, search operators and other techniques (e.g. truncation, phrase searching, proximity searching)
  • Identify relevant sources of information
  • Evaluate the information you find
  • Reflect on your strategy and refine your search
  • Book Now!

 

Some prior experience of searching databases and other online sources is recommended.

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