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

Intended Audience: Postgraduate students, researchers and university staff
Dates and booking – Please book one date only
Presenters:  Oliver Bridle, Pamela Stanworth, Gigi Horsfield & Angela Carritt
Format:  Practical exercises with a short presentation
What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

When: Thursday 16 February 09.15-12.15 and Friday 3 March 09.15-12.15
Where: 13 Banbury Road, Evenlode Room

Click here to book a place

Good research data management is a vital component of academic practice. Part of this is the principle that the data used to develop the arguments and outcomes of your research should, where possible, be effectively stored, preserved and usable. This session introduces the University’s research data policy and outlines the practical impact this will have on the work of researchers. Some of the tools in preparation to meet the requirements will be outlined, as well as services that are already available. This session is not only essential during your DPhil but will be invaluable if you plan to continue in research as a career.

Objectives:

• Understand common dangers and pitfalls of digital data
• Understand key principles in organising your data effectively
• Produce a data management plan
• Understand funder requirements
• Understand issues around preserving data, embargoes and access restrictions
• Access Oxford based tools for research data management

Intended Audience:  All DPhil students and research staff
Presenters:  John Southall and Cathy Scutt
Format:  Presentation with practical exercises
What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

When: Tuesday 14 February 14.00-16.00
Where: IT Services, 13 Banbury Road

click here to book a place

Zotero is a reference management tool that helps you build libraries of references and add citations and bibliographies to word processed documents using your chosen citation style. This introduction covers the main features of Zotero.

Objectives:

• Install Zotero and related plug ins on your computer
• Understand how to synchronise Zotero across several computers
• Add, edit and organise references using Zotero
• Add in text citations and /or footnotes to your papers
• Create bibliographies

Intended Audience:  Students, researchers and staff needing to manage references and create bibliographies
Presenter: Angela Carritt
Format:  Presentation with practical exercises
What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

When: Thursday 9 February 09.15-12.15
Where: IT Services, 13 Banbury Road

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An introduction to using RSS feeds and alerts to keep up to date with new research. Participants will have the opportunity to set up RSS feeds and/or email alerts to receive notifications about new journal articles and other publications, conference papers and blog posts in their field of research.

Objectives – By the end of the session you will be able to

• Use an RSS feed reader to receive notifications about new publications in your research field
• Use email alerts as an alternative to RSS feeds to receive notifications about new publications in your field
• Use JournalTOCS to receive tables of contents for new issues of your favourite journals
• Set up RSS feeds or alerts on your favourite databases for new content in your field
• Set up RSS feeds for new blog posts and web site updates
• Explore use of social media tools for keeping up to date with research

Intended Audience:  Postgraduates, researchers, academics and anyone interested in the topic
Presenters:  Helen Bond and Helen Worrell
Format:  Presentation with practical exercises
What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

When: Monday 6 February 10.00-11.30
Where: Social Science Library, Information Skills Training Room

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Reading on E-Book Readers such as Kindle or Nook and using apps for iPad and Android devices is increasingly popular but how useful are these devices for academic work? This workshop will look at a range of devices and apps on the market and will cover key features to look out for when considering purchase. The workshop will also include an opportunity to try out a range of devices including i-Pad, Amazon Kindle, Nook, Sony Touch and Smart Phones.

Intended Audience: Anyone interested in the topic

Dates and booking for iSkills: E-book readers (Please book separately for iSkills: E-books)

Presenters:  Hilla Wait and Katherine Steiner
Format:  Presentation with practical exercises
What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

When: Friday 3 February 16.00-17.00
Where: IT Services, 13 Banbury Road

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The Bodleian Libraries has over 624,000 e-books, with titles in all subject areas, but do you feel confident in finding and using them? Please note that this workshop will focus on finding and using e-versions of books. The subsequent session iSkills-E-Book Readers will look at devices and apps for reading e-books such as Kindle and Nook.

Objectives:

• Find e-books
• Use full functionality of e-books
• Borrow e-books
• Download chapters
• Use e-books on computers, tablets and other devices

Intended Audience:  Postgraduates, Researchers, Academics, Library Staff and anyone interested in the topic
Presenters:  Hilla Wait and Katherine Steiner
Format:  Presentation with practical exercises
What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

When: Friday 3 February 14.00-16.00
Where: IT Services, 13 Banbury Road

Click here to book a place

RefWorks is an online tool which allows you to manage your references, insert them into your work as in text citations or footnotes and automatically generate bibliographies. This introduction to RefWorks is open to all, but the section on importing references will focus on Science and Social Science examples.

Obectives:

• Understand the pros and cons of RefWorks
• Create a RefWorks account
• Add references to RefWorks from a range of sources
• Add in text citations and /or footnotes to your papers
• Create bibliographies
• Get help with RefWorks

Intended Audience:  Oxford Students, researchers and other staff plus Oxford alumni
Presenters: Gigi Horsfield, Nia Roberts, Angela Carritt, Rachel Scanlon
Format:  Presentation with practical exercises
What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

When: Thursday 2 February 09.15-12.15
Where: IT Services, 13 Banbury Road

Click here to book a place

Mendeley is a reference management tool that helps you build libraries of references and then add citations and bibliographies to word processed documents. This session gives an overview of Mendeley and is run in two parts. Part 1 covers the basics of using Mendeley for reference management and part 2 (starting at 11am) covers more advanced functionality. Please attend parts 1 and/or 2 as appropriate.

Objectives

• Create a Mendeley account and install Mendeley Desktop
• Add, edit and organise references using Mendeley
• Create bibliographies with Mendeley
• Manage PDF documents with Mendeley
• Use the Mendeley ‘Papers’ database
• Collaborate with colleagues and use social networking features in Mendeley

Intended Audience:  Students, researchers and university staff
Presenters:  Oliver Bridle and Andy Kernot
Format:  Presentation with practical exercises
What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

When: Wednesday 1 February 14.00-17.00
Where: 13 Banbury Road, Evenlode Room

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A briefing on open access publishing and Oxford’s position including guidance on how to comply with the Open Access requirements for the REF and mandates from key funding bodies whilst respecting your publisher’s rights and policies.

Intended Audience: Current Oxford researchers and academics, research support staff and librarians
Presenters:  Juliet Ralph and Kate Beeby
Format:  Presentation with Q&A

When: Tuesday 31 January 14.00-15.00
Where: Manor Road Building, Seminar Room E

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Get ready to undertake your literature review using your own research questions to build a successful search and apply it to a range of library resources.

Objectives – By the end of the session you will be able to:

• Build a successful strategy
• Use a range of bibliographic databases and search tools in the Social Sciences
• Work effectively with large result sets
• Source papers

Intended Audience:  All DPhil students and research staff in the Social Sciences
Presenters:  Craig Finlay and Helen Worrell
Format:  Presentation with practical exercises
What you will need? A computer will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own laptop, please read our guidance notes.

When: Monday 30 January 14.00-15.00
Where: Social Science Library, Information Skills Training Room

Click here to book a place