InfoLinks… Library, Special Collections and Museums Blog
This page contains useful links to Library resources and services for undergraduates (UGs) at the University of Aberdeen.
Where to Go for Help and Advice
Information Skills Workshops
Professional library staff deliver free courses specifically designed for UGs. Courses are held over lunch times throughout the academic year and last no longer than 1 hour. Our courses make it easier for you to find information for your assignments and dissertation, saving you time and frustration. They include:
- designing searches
- how to use Primo
- selecting and searching useful information sources
- making the most of major electronic databases such as Scopus, Web of Knowledge, ebrary e-books etc.
- how to Google better
- why you should evaluate information found on the Web
- avoiding plagiarism
- managing references and creating bibliographies using RefWorks reference management software
Book a free library workshop here!
Library Induction Tours
If you are new to the University (or you may want to refresh your memory on where to find stuff) why don’t you go on a library tour? We hold tours at the beginning of the academic session – look out for flyers or check out our Tweets (posts) on Twitter to find out when they take place.
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.
Ourstudents so you can use all 4 libraries – University Library (including the Special Collections Centre), Taylor Library, Medical Library and Reid Library. You don’t have to travel miles to a different library location to collect a book you need – ask to transfer a book from one library to another located on a different campus by using the library catalogue. Find out how to do this here!
Information Guides
We produce loads of guides to help you use Library services and resources more effectively. They could save you heaps of time when it comes to writing assignments. Every guide is available electronically in PDF format, and you can find printed copies of the popular publications in Library branches. Take a look at the titles here.
Podcasts
We may not have the same appeal as Chris Moyles but we’ve been podcasting for years! Listen to our library podcasts for Open Days and Applicant Days, and recordings included in our ezine HeadLines.
We call our podcasts AudioPODS – choose from ordinary audio files – or extraordinary audio files with added extras such as chapter headings, photographs, floor plans and links to web pages. Our AudioPODs can be played on computers, tablets, mp3 players, iPods, iTouch and smart phones.
VodCasts
Library VodCasts are demonstrations on how to access electronic resources and find materials for your assignments using search tools such as Primo and electronic databases such as Scopus and ebrary e-books. They are video-style recordings (screencasts), so you see a step-by-step guide on your computer monitor, accompanied by a spoken or textual commentary. They are really useful if you are working away from campus and are a bit stuck on how to use one of our important resources.
Our VodCasts can be played on Windows and Mac operating systems. Take a look 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 – we will give you contact details of a member of library staff who can!
The Ask A Librarian Service is currently available from 09.00 to 17.00 hours term-time only. You have a number of alternative ways to contact us when the IM service is closed. Email us for a quick repsonse when we are offline.
IT Service Desk
IT Service Desk helps you with problems accessing databases from off-campus and advises on 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
Library, Special Collections and Museums on Facebook
A University of Aberdeen Library, SpecialCollections and Museums Group is now active on Facebook. You can view the wall and join the group from this link.
Library, Special Collections and Museums on Flickr
A photostream of the new library construction is available on Flickr here.
Library, Special Collections and Museums on YouTube
Short video style presentations on the new library build and collections in Library, Special Collections and Museums are now available on YouTube here.
