InfoLinks… Library, Special Collections and Museums Blog
This page contains useful links to Library resources and services for research postgraduates (RPGs) at the University of Aberdeen.
Information Skills Training
Professional library staff deliver free courses specifically designed for research postgraduates as part of the Skills for Research Excellence Programme. Most courses include short summary presentations followed by practical workshops and generally last between 1.5 to 3 hours.
Our courses cover every stage of information retrieval including:
- designing search strategies
- selecting and searching information sources
- making the most of major electronic databases such as Scopus, Web of Knowledge, JSTOR, Medline etc.
- evaluating information
- avoiding plagiarism and observing copyright restrictions
- managing references and creating bibliographies using RefWorks reference management software
Courses can be booked online either via the course booking system or the Skills for Research Excellence programme.
Information Skills Materials
Presentations and worksheets used in our ‘Skills for Research Excellence’ workshops are available online at InfoPaths at Aberdeen. InfoPaths@Aberdeen is a toolkit of resources designed to help you overcome problems finding good quality information quickly and using the information ethically. It contains guidance notes and support materials including PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, information guides, podcasts, video-style demonstrations (VodCasts) and much more.
Virtual Library at the University of Aberdeen
The Virtual Library @ University of Aberdeen is a collection of links and instructions, guides and worksheets produced by staff in Library & Historic Collections. The virtual library is not a separate collection – it is a term used to describe all the resources in electronic format (including e-journals and e-books) supplied by the library. Most of them are fully integrated into our library systems, including the library catalogue.
Help and Advice
Information Consultants
- A team of Information Consultants based in our libraries offer support and advice on using information resources for your subject area.
- They are also on hand to assist you with any problems you might have with using databases or RefWorks reference management software.
- If you would like to speak to your Information Consultant you are advised to email or ring to set up an appointment. In certain times of the year they are frequently out and about the University taking courses and workshops.
- Look up the Information Consultant for your subject here.
Library Staff
If you would like to know more about library services and facilities why don’t you have a chat with staff in one of our libraries? You are always welcome to pop in and see us.
As a member of the University you are entitled to use all 5 libraries – University Library, Taylor Library, Medical Library, Special Collections Centre (in the University Library), Reid Library.
Information Guides
We produce a comprehensive range of guides to Library and Historic Collections services and resources. Every title is available electronically in PDF format, and printed copies of some of these publications may be obtained from Library branches. You can take a look at the titles here.
Podcasts
We call our podcasts AudioPODS – they are audio files with additional features such as photographs, floor plans and links to web pages for those of you with new generation players. Don’t worry if you have an older mp3 player – you can still listen to our AudioPODS in mp3 format! In fact our AudioPODs can also be played on computers and new generation mobile ‘phones.
Listen to what we have from here!
VodCasts
Library VodCasts are demonstrations on how to access electronic resources and find materials using library search tools such as the library catalogue and electronic databases. They are video-style recordings (screencasts), so you see a step-by-step guide on your computer monitor, accompanied by a spoken commentary. The can be played on Windows and Mac operating systems. Our VodCasts are available here.
Library on Twitter
We use Twitter to post updates (Tweets) on new services and resources, problems relating to access to our services or databases and any other important news items. Read our Tweets here!
Ask a Librarian Instant Messaging Service
Our new instant messaging (IM) service is available from a chat box located on the Library Home Page. If you have a basic question relating to library services or resources why don’t you give it a go? We will try our best to answer your query just as soon as possible. If we can’t answer your query we will give you contact details of a member of library staff who can!
The Ask A Librarian Service is available term-time only but we are always looking for ways to extend and improve our services. You have a number of alternative ways to contact us when the IM service is closed. Details are posted below the chat box.
IT Service Desk
Contact the IT Service Desk for help with problems accessing databases from off-campus or support for any other IT related problems.
- IT Service Desk contact details
- Out of Hours Helpline
- IT Service Desks in Libraries (times and locations)
- Help to set up your laptop to access library databases (please note that the Edward Wright Service Desk does not deal with wireless issues between 13:00 and 14:00pm).
Keeping informed
L&HC on Facebook
A “University of Aberdeen Library & Historic Collections Group” is now active on Facebook. You can view the wall and join the group from this link.
L&HC on Flickr
A photostream of the new library construction is available on Flickr here.
L&HC on YouTube
Short video style presentations on the new library build and collections in L&HC are now available on YouTube here.
