Information Skills Training - Keele University

Essential Information Skills for Research

Semester 2 2012/13

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

We are currently running four courses:

  • Making Research Easier - NEW!
  • Effective Dissertation Research
  • Easier Reference Management Using Refworks - 2 sessions
  • Advanced RefWorks

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 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

 Making Research Easier

Tuesday 26th February 2013

10:00 – 12:00
Library Training Room

Trainer: Dr. Rachel Gick (Liaison Librarian)

The research process can be daunting. Why not attend this new and varied session, which includes tips on:

  • Key searching techniques (including scope to cover more advanced ones)
  • Finding doctoral theses
  • Keeping up-to-date with research using Google Reader
  • Using library services/resources of particular relevance to researchers 

Note: you should consider attending RefWorks training at either the Campus Library (we advise attending the 'basic' and 'advanced' sessions advertised here) or Health Library, in addition to this course.

Audience: Post-Graduate students

Maximum number of participants: 30

There will also be an optional hands-on and Q&A session after the formal training, running until 1pm.

Book now

Effective Dissertation Research

Tuesday 5th February 2013

12:00 – 14:00
Library Training Room

Trainer: Jo-Anne Watts (Liaison Librarian)

Dissertations can be daunting. So many things to find and read, so many references to organise and so little time. Where do you start?

This session will help you do just that, including:

  • Planning your research
  • Finding sources on your topic
  • Performing a 'literature search'
  • Managing your references (using RefWorks)

You'll also have the chance to ask questions about searching databases or accessing e-journals, so there's no better way to get your dissertation off to a flying start.

Audience: Open to all

Maximum number of participants: 15

 Easier Reference Management Using Refworks (2 sessions)

Wednesday 13th February 2013
Wednesday 27th February 2013

12:00 – 13:30
Library Training Room

Trainer: Scott McGowan (Liaison Librarian)

Want to save time when writing up your essay and creating bibliographies? RefWorks is our web-based reference management software. Use it to create bibliographies and manage and save references from your research, whatever form they come in, from books to websites to e-journals.

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

  • Create your own 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

Audience: Open to all

Maximum number of participants: 25

Book now

Advanced Refworks

Wednesday 6th March 2013

12:00 – 13:30
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 'keyword' 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

Audience: Open to all

Maximum number of participants: 10

Please note; this session will assume a working knowledge of RefWorks, so newcomers are advised to attend the 'basic' RefWorks session first.

Book now

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