Thesis help for 2nd year Historians

Panicking CatIs the thought of researching and writing your Thesis over the summer giving you sleepless nights? Don’t know where to begin with defining your subject, finding your sources, or finding primary source material?

DON’T PANIC!

Don't Panic

We have History-specific events for you in Trinity Term to help you out!

Thesis Fair, 26 April, 2-4pm at Exam Schools

This highly popular event has Librarians, Academics, Information Skills advisors, Subject Specialists and lots more – covering many different subjects and aspects of your Thesis prep. Come and talk to dedicated specialists and find out what there is on offer in Oxford and further afield!
If you are in a college beginning letters B-N, please come at 2pm; all other colleges should try to come at 3mp – but if you can’t make it during your time slot, just come when you can.

Research Skills for your Thesis, 2-4pm, History Faculty Lecture Theatre, George St.
This 2-hour session is designed to equip history graduates with key information skills in order to make best use of electronic information and discovery resources. A range of databases, e-journals and web portals will be explored as well as advanced features in SOLO and tools for literature searches. Time for hands on practice will be included. 
Book now (SSO required)

There is also a full iSkills timetable running this term – details and booking links can be found on the iSkills Libguide.

Information Skills Sessions in Trinity Term

Carl Spitzweg, the BookwormOxford Libraries have an extraordinary range of resources available to help with your research – but it can feel impossible to know where to begin! To help you out, we run User Education sessions to try to give you a head start with our collections. Here are a few which might be of use to Historians:

Bodleian iSkills: Open Access Oxford – what’s happening? (Held monthly – click here for upcoming dates)

Bodleian iSkills: Your thesis, copyright and ORA (Mon 30 April 14.00-15.00)

Bodleian iSkills: Online resources for Historians (Tue 1 May 14.00-15.15)

Bodleian iSkills: Sources for US History (Tue 1 May 15.30-17.00)

Bodleian iSkills: Information sources for African Studies (Wed 2 May 10.00-11.30)

Bodleian iSkills: Archives and modern papers for Social Sciences and History (Wednesday 9 May 14.00-16.00)

Bodleian iSkills: UK parliamentary and government materials – an introduction (Wed 16 May 10.00-11.30)

Bodleian iSkills: Sources for Medievalists (Wed 6 June 09.30-11.45)

The full list of iSkills classes can be found on the iSkills LibGuide.

Bodleian iSkills logo

Graduate Research Fair 2017 Thursday 2nd November

History Research Fair for Graduates

Thurs 2 Nov. 2-4pm, North School, Examination Schools

All new graduates are strongly advised to attend; current graduates are also invited.

All periods will be represented, including the archives from the John Johnson Collection of Printed Ephemera and the Conservative Party Archive. The stalls cover British & European history, US history, Latin American history, African and Commonwealth history and East Asia, South Asia and Middle East history. The librarian from the Map Department can introduce you to the historical map collections held in the Bodleian Library but also explain how you can create your own maps. We will also have experts for Legal History, Official Papers, History of Science & Medicine as well as Visual Sources and Printed Ephemera. Talk to college librarians and archivists to discover their rich collections of rare books and archives which might be on your doorstep.

We have guest appearances from the History Research Librarian, the Information Skills Librarian, Senate House Library and the librarian from the Institute of Historical Research Library. Representatives of the Bibliography of British and Irish History and Gale Cengage will be present to give you advice about online repositories. If you are interested in Oxfordshire local history, then Oxfordshire History Centre stall will be an important stop. Brookes University Archivists will be visiting, and staff from the Dictionary of National Biography and Houses of Parliament Online. ORA (Oxford Research Archive) staff can advise you on depositing your thesis in Oxford’s online institutional repository. The Top 10 Tips stall will give you an opportunity to meet a current graduate who can share with you their advice.

A wide variety of subject areas which students can explore at their leisure throughout the afternoon!

Students at the History Research Fair

Refworks: problems with footnoting styles

Over the summer we have become aware of problems with footnoting styles – styles most commonly used in the History Faculty – in New RefWorks Write’n’Cite (Windows) and Citation Manager (Mac). Legacy RefWorks users should not be affected.

RefWorks Write N Cite plug in for all versions of Word for Windows (plus versions of Word for Mac prior to 2016)
There was a bug which caused Word to crash when you used RefWorks to insert a footnote containing a URL which has now been fixed. RefWorks users will need to download a new version of ‘Write N Cite’ to apply the fix. To do this log into RefWorks on the web and choose Tools / Cites in Word and then choose the correct plug in for Word.  You may already have been prompted to do this when you opened Word. You must update to the newest versions of Write N Cite to avoid problems.

RefWorks Citation Manager for Word for Mac 2016/2017

Those using Word for Mac 2016/17 need to use the RefWorks Citation Manager instead of RefWorks Write N Cite. Unfortunately, the Citation Manager sometimes inserts bit of code into footnote citations. This seems to affect citations such as book chapters where the footnote points to a source within another source (e.g. Jones ‘book chapter’ in Smith, Book Title….). At the point where the ‘in’ occurs the code < BR > is inserted. This makes the citation manager difficult for footnote users who are citing lots of book chapters. The problem does not affect author-date style citations. If you are encountering this problem, but want to continue to use RefWorks, when you have finished their document you should choose “remove field codes”. This permanently divorces the document from Refworks and they will then be able to manually delete the < BR > from citations. However, once you have removed field codes you will not be able to add more citations to the document or use any other Refworks functions within it. It is therefore advisable to save a new version of the document before removing field codes in case you subsequently want to add or edit citations. Removing field codes should be the last thing you do before finishing a document.

Users who have Word for Windows should use Write N Cite in preference to Citation Manager. Mac users with Word 2016 or 17 will need to use Citation Manager.

We are continuing to work with RefWorks to find solutions to these issues as a matter of priority, and hope that a solution will be available soon. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please email the Reference Management Team at reference-management@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Information on RefWorks can be found on the Reference Management LibGuide

2nd years – more training available in TT!

Working towards your 2nd year thesis? There are still a few more training sessions left in Trinity Term to prepare you for researching over the Long Vacation…

Referencing: Choosing and Using software

Wednesday 24 May 14.00-17.00

Location: 13 Banbury Road, Isis Room

Formatting your in text citations, footnotes and bibliography correctly for your thesis or publication is a chore. Reference management software makes it easier and saves you time. This introductory session gives an overview of how reference management works, explores the pros and cons of a wide range of software packages and gives you the opportunity to try out five different packages (RefWorks, EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley and Papers) so that you can work out which one is best for you.

Objectives:

  • Understand how reference management software works and what it does
    • Understand the pros and cons of a range of reference management packages
    • Add, edit and organise references using a number of different tools
    • Add citations to documents and create bibliographies using a number of different tools
    • Make an informed decision about which reference management package works best for you

>Book a place 

Sources for Medievalists
Tuesday 30 May 14.00-16.15

Location: IT Services, 13 Banbury Road, Windrush Room

Presenters: Isabel Holowaty, Hilla Wait, Eva Oledska, Charlotte Goodall, Helen Scott

A general introduction to the vast range of electronic resources which are available for all historical periods for British and W European history: bibliographical databases, biographical / reference research aids, ebooks and ejournals, web portals, and collections of online primary source materials.

Subjects to be covered include:

• Bibliographical databases
• Bibliographical / reference research aids
• E-books and e-journals
• Web portals
• Collections of online primary source materials

> Book a place

Newspapers and other online news sources from the 17th-20th centuries
Wednesday 7 June 09.30-12.30
Location: SSL, Information Skills Training Room
Presenters: Angela Carritt and Isabel Holowaty

Newspapers are a valuable resource for researching, not only news but also many other aspects of society. In this session we will introduce key historical and contemporary sources of news and how to make best use of them.

Subjects to be covered include:

  • The value of newspapers in research
  • The difficulties of using newspapers in research and effective search techniques
  • Using a range of sources for searching and reading historical newspapers
  • Using a range of sources for searching and using historical audio-visual news sources
  • Using a range of sources for searching and reading contemporary newspapers

    > Book a place

Bodleian iSkills Open Access Oxford – what’s happening? 27 July 2-3pm

Through the summer vacation Bodleian Libraries is continuing to run its monthly session on Open Access at Oxford. Please book online by following the title link.

Bodleian iSkills: Open Access Oxford – what’s happening? (Tuesday 27th July 14:00-15:00)

open accessA briefing on open access publishing and Oxford’s position including REF requirements for Open Access and ‘Act on Acceptance’; Green vs. Gold open access options; funder mandates and publisher policies; Oxford Research Archive (ORA) and Symplectic and the OA website/ helpline.

Who is this session for? Oxford University Research support staff, administrators and librarians, researchers and academics.
Presenters: Juliet Ralph and Kate Beeby
Venue: Training Room, Radcliffe Science Library

Keeping up with Bodleian Libraries training opportunities? Why not follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bodleianskills or visit the Bodleian iSkills blog at http://blogs.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/skills/.

Questions? – Please contact usered@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

InfoSkills workshops in 3rd week for 2nd year Undergraduate Historians

Bodleian iSkills logoIn Week 3 of Trinity Term, the HFL and Bodleian Libraries will be running the following sessions, many of which are relevant for 2nd year UGs working towards their thesis. Please follow links to book online:

Research Skills for your Thesis [reserved for 2nd year UGs]
This 2-hour session is designed to equip students working on their dissertation with the key information skills in order to make best use of electronic information and discovery  resources. A range of databases, e-journals and web portals will be explored as well as advanced features in SOLO and tools for literature searches. Hands-on practise time will be offered.
Week 3: Wednesday 11th May, 2-4pm
Presenters: R D’Arcy-Brown, B Jenkins

> Book a Place (SSO required) [currently fully booked, but definitely worth signing up to the waiting list.]

1-1 with History Librarian
Thurs. 12 May, 11.30-12.30pm – Sign me up
If you would like a one-to-one session to get help any aspect of library resources and tools (SOLO, databases, ejournals, etc.) and generally get advice and tips for locating sources for British and Western European history, then sign up for a 1-1 session with Isabel Holowaty.

Bodleian iSkills: Online resources for Historians (Tuesday 10th May 09:30-10:45) – Book a place
A general introduction to the vast range of electronic resources which are available for all historical periods of British and W European history: bibliographical databases, biographical / reference research aids, ebooks and ejournals, web portals, and collections of online primary source materials.
Who is this session for? Students, researchers and anyone interested in this topic.
Presenter: Isabel Holowaty
Venue: Radcliffe Science Library, Parks Road

Bodleian iSkills: Sources for US History (Tuesday 10th May 11:00-12:30) – Book a place
Introduction to key information sources for the study of colonial America and US history. The session will provide an overview of the primary sources available in Oxford and online (such as early printed books, US newspapers and US government papers), as well as guidance on locating material for your research.
Who is this session for? Students, researchers and anyone interested in this topic.
Presenter: Jane Rawson
Venue: Radcliffe Science Library, Parks Road

Bodleian iSkills: Newspapers and other online news sources from the 17th to 21st century (Wednesday 11th May 10:30-12:00) – Book a place
Newspapers are a valuable resource for researching not only news, but also many other aspects of society. In this session we will introduce key historical and contemporary sources of news and how to make best use of them.
Who is the session for? Students, researchers and anyone else who is interested.
Presenters: Isabel Holowaty, Angela Carritt
Venue: Radcliffe Science Library, Parks Road

Bodleian iSkills: Getting started in Oxford Libraries (Thursday 12th May 09:30-12:30; repeated 2nd June) (also repeated Week 6) – Book a place
An introduction to Oxford Libraries including guidance on which libraries to use; accessing e-journals and other online resources; SOLO and other finding aids and making the most of Library services.
Who is this session for? Anyone who would like an introduction to Oxford Libraries.
Presenters: Angela Carritt & Cathy Scutt.
Venue: Social Science Library, IT Room Ground Floor

Referencing: Zotero (Friday 13th May 9:15-12:15) – Book a place
Zotero is a reference management package that enables you to build libraries of references and add citations and bibliographies to word processed documents. This introduction covers the main features of Zotero.
Presenter: Erika Delbecque
Venue: IT Services, 13 Banbury Road

Keep up with Bodleian Libraries training opportunities: Why not follow them on Twitter or visit the Bodleian iSkills blog

Places still available for 2nd year Historians’ Research Skills Course

Places are still available for 2nd year Historians on the Research Skills for your Thesis course!

Are you preparing for researching your thesis over the summer months? Get a head start on the skills you need to make the best use of your time!

This 2-hour session is designed to equip students working on their dissertation with the key information skills in order to make best use of electronic information and discovery resources. A range of databases, e-journals and web portals will be explored as well as advanced features in SOLO and tools for literature searches. Hands-on practise time will be offered.
Week 1: Wednesday 27th April, 2-4pm
Week 3: Wednesday 11th May, 2-4pm [REPEAT]
Venue: RSL Training Room
Presenters: R D’Arcy-Brown, B Jenkins
> Book a Place (SSO required)

Primary Sources Online with Adam Matthew Digital – Monday 7th March

Eighteenth-Century Journals OnlineJoin us on Monday 7th March (8th week) at the Colin Matthews Room of the History Faculty on George Street for two sessions from Tom Derrick of primary source publisher Adam Matthew Digital exploring the wide range of resources available to Oxford University staff and students.

The first session (11.30-12.30) will look at resources relating to Early Modern studies, focusing particularly on three key collections: Empire Online, Eighteenth Century Journals, London Low Lifeand Defining Gender.

The afternoon session (13.20-14.20) will be on resources for Modern studies, particularly Mass Observation Online, First World War, and London Low Life.

Live demonstrations in both sessions will provide an overview of the content, key features and functionality, and show ways in which they can be integrated within instructional programs and research.

A buffet lunch will be provided; no booking is necessary though please contact isabel.holowaty@bodleian.ox.ac.uk if you intend to also join for lunch.

Please bring your laptop for hands-on time.

Refworks for Historians course Monday 2nd week

Refworks headerNext week sees the return of one of our most popular courses! Refworks for Historians is a two-hour course held at the History Faculty, George St., from 2pm on Monday of 2nd week (26 Jan).  This course will introduce you to one of the most popular reference management software packages, which can help you turn a notepad full of scribbled references into neat footnotes and bibliographies, formatted into numerous styles at the click of a mouse. There will be a particular focus on using Refworks in conjunction with the History Faculty style guide.

This will be a useful course for anyone from 2nd year undergraduates beginning to think about their Theses, to DPhil and Masters’ students trying to get a handle on an ever-growing number of footnotes. Places are limited, but there are still spaces available via the History Faculty Library Weblearn site (SSO required).