Bodleian iSkills Workshops in Week 2

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Bodleian iSkills workshops aim to develop your skills in information discovery and scholarly communications, covering a variety of resources across a wide range of disciplines. They are primarily aimed at University of Oxford students and staff. Some workshops take place face-to-face, whilst others are run online.

The workshops are FREE but online booking is essential. A list of the sessions taking place this term can be found on the iSkills Workshops webpage.

Bodleian iSkills image on a laptop surrounded by a notebook, phone and cup with saucer and spoon.

Monday 27th January 2025 15:00-16:00

iSkills: Getting Started in Oxford Libraries

If you are new to the University of Oxford and want to find out more about the University’s network of libraries or have been at the University a while and would like a refresher, join us for this online introduction to understanding and accessing the libraries, their services and resources. By the end of the session, you will:

  • Be familiar with the network of Oxford libraries
  • Know the logins needed to access Bodleian Libraries services
  • Be able to conduct a search in SOLO (the University’s resource discovery tool), filter results and access online and print resources
  • Know how to manage your library account including loans and requests

Format: Live online session with a mixture of PowerPoint presentation, live demonstration and practical exercises.

Location: Microsoft Teams

Tuesday 28th January 2025 09:30-11:00

iSkills for Medicine: Introduction to Zotero

In this online workshop you will be shown the functionality of Zotero, which is a free-to-use software programme used to manage references and create bibliographies. Zotero will be demonstrated on a Windows PC but users of MacOS or Linux computers will be able to follow the demonstration. The workshop will cover:

  • Understanding the main features and benefits of Zotero
  • Setting up a Zotero account
  • Importing references from different sources into Zotero
  • Organising your references in Zotero
  • Inserting citations into documents
  • Creating a bibliography/reference list

Format: Online demonstration with time for questions.

Location: Microsoft Teams

Tuesday 28th January 2025 10:00-11:00

iSkills for Medicine: An introduction to designing a conference poster

Are you planning to present a poster at an upcoming conference, meeting or symposium? This introductory session will provide you with some top tips on how to create a poster presentation which will help you to communicate your research project and data effectively. There will be guidance on formatting, layout, content, use of text, references and images, as well as advice on printing and presenting your poster. This session will also provide help with locating resources such as templates, free-to-use images and poster guidelines. By the end of this classroom-based session you will be able to:

  • evaluate the effectiveness of templates, formatting, text and images;
  • plan, prepare and present your poster.

Format: Teacher-led presentation with opportunities for questions.

Location: Knowledge Centre Group Study Room, Ground Floor, Old Road Campus Research Building, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxon, OX3 7DQ

Wednesday 29th January 2025 13:00-14:00

iSkills: Face your FEaR: Finding, Evaluating and Referencing scientific research

All university students need to become skilled in identifying, evaluating and referencing academic sources. These are often essential steps in completing course and tutorial assignments successfully. Unfamiliar sources like peer-reviewed scientific journals and understanding how and why to reference correctly can challenge new undergraduates. In this session we explore the different types of academic sources you may encounter, tools to evaluate a source for academic quality and how to demystify referencing. By the end of the session you will be able to:

  • Distinguish the different benefits of sources such as textbooks, peer-reviewed journals and websites in academic research
  • Know which library services to use to find different types of academic sources
  • Apply critical evaluation of sources using the CRAAP test
  • Understand how to reference sources correctly, particularly in the context of avoiding plagiarism and maintaining the academic integrity of your work

Format: Online presentation with time for questions

Location: Microsoft Teams

Wednesday 29th January 2025 15:30-17:00

iSkills for Medicine: Searching systematically

This 90-minute session will cover some more advanced techniques for finding medical literature to answer a research question. We will recap some basics, then demonstrate searching in several medical databases, including using subject headings (MeSH) and the differences between different platforms. By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Explain what subject headings are, and how to use them
  • Search for words that appear near to other words
  • Take a search from one database into another
  • Save a search and document it

Format: Online teacher-led presentation with opportunities for questions.

Location: Microsoft Teams

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, 24-26 January

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The SSL supports the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch which will be taking place from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 January 2025.

Take a break and join the world’s largest garden wildlife survey to help build a picture of how UK garden birds are faring.

To take part, follow the simple steps below:

Three images with text. The first one shows a calendar and stopwatch and says 'Choose an hour between 24 and 26 January'. The second image is of birds on the ground and on bird feeders and says 'Only record the birds that land in your patch'. The third image is of four blackbirds on one side then a clock saying 30 minutes later and two blackbirds on the other side with text saying 'Record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time'.

To find out more go to the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch homepage.

To brush up your bird identification skills and find ways to attract birds to your garden, take a look at our book display just around the corner from the Issue Desk.

Feel free to take a book from the display to read in the library but please return it to the display after use.

Vacation Loans are due back today (Tuesday 21 January)

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A person stood amongst the SSL book shelves holding a pile of books in front of them. The pile is so high it obscures their face.

Our vacation borrowing period comes to an end today (Tuesday 21 January), and loan periods will operate on term-time rules.

Please bring back to the library any items you originally borrowed on or before 1 October 2024 for return or to re-borrow, as these items have now reached their maximum renewal period of 112 days (16 weeks)

To see how long you can borrow books for, refer to the Bodleian Libraries ‘Borrow and Reserve Items’ webpage

Log into your account on SOLO to view items you have borrowed and see when they are due back.

The borrowing period for individual items will also be displayed when you are signed in to SOLO.

Example:

An example of what a loanable item that is on place in the shelves looks like on SOLO (the Oxford University Libraries catalogue)

Take control of your references: find out more about reference management

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Infographic of a person reading a book, with question marks next to them. Above are the words 'Want to find out more about Reference Management.'

Formatting your text citations, footnotes and bibliography correctly for your essay or thesis can be a chore. Using reference management software makes it easier and saves you time.

There are a number of options to choose from:

  • EndNote
  • Mendeley
  • RefWorks
  • Zotero

To find out more about the different software available, how they work, and which will best suit your needs:

A infographic of a person holding a question mark. Next to them, in a circle, are the words 'RefWorks', 'Mendeley', 'Zotero' and 'Endnote.' Above are the words 'Consult our Reference Management Subject Guide.'

The Bodleian Libraries Reference Management Subject Guide, includes comprehensive information on different reference management software, including the pros and cons of using each one.

An infographic of a person stook next to a large screen. On the screen are the words 'Bodleian iSkills - Attend a free Reference Management Training Session.'

Attend one of the upcoming Bodleian iSkills Reference Management training sessions. Find out more and book your place via the links below.

Referencing: Choosing and using software for referencing

(In Person Course)

Wednesday 22 January, 1.30pm – 4.30pm

Referencing: EndNote

(In Person Course)

Monday 3 February, 9.30am – 12.30pm

Referencing: EndNote

(Online Course)

Wed 20 February, 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Referencing: RefWorks

(Online)

Tuesday 11 February, 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Referencing: Zotero

(In Person Course)

Wednesday 19 February, 1.30am – 4.30pm

Referencing: Zotero

(Online)

Thursday 6 March, 2.30pm – 4pm

Open laptop on a desk with the words 'Cite Them Right' on the screen. Next to it is a pen, pad and a cup of coffee.

Explore Cite Them Right, an online platform designed to advise students on how to reference correctly across eight referencing styles. Based on a best-selling book in its 12th edition, by Richard Pears and Graham Shields, this programme is trusted by institutions globally, and accessed by thousands of students daily.

Cite Them Right gives examples and generates citations from a choice of 7 referencing systems for print and electronic formats. The citations can be copied into your work or emailed. The referencing systems are Harvard (author-date), APA, MLA, MHRA, OSCOLA, Vancouver and Chicago. Citations can be created for a very diverse range of sources, including books, journals, digital resources and websites, audio-visual material, unpublished material (theses, manuscripts, etc.), financial & scientific reports, genealogical sources (wills, censuses, etc.), legal material, government and other official publications, and other forms of communication sources (email, social media, graffiti, etc.).

Where can you access the resource?

Cite Them Right can be accessed via SOLO.

An infographic of two people at a desk, one with a laptop and one taking notes. A calendar is next to them. Above are the words 'Book an appointment with your Subject Consultant.'

You can also get advice on reference management from your Subject Consultant. Find out their contact information here.

Bodleian iSkills Workshops in 1st Week

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Bodleian iSkills workshops aim to develop your skills in information discovery and scholarly communications, covering a variety of resources across a wide range of disciplines. They are primarily aimed at University of Oxford students and staff. Some workshops take place face-to-face, whilst others are run online.

The workshops are FREE but online booking is essential. A list of the sessions taking place this term can be found on the iSkills Workshops webpage.

Tuesday 21 January

10:00-11:00 iSkills for Medicine: An introduction to science communication: Translating your research for a non-specialist audience

Are you looking to learn about the ways in which to transmit scientific ideas and make your research accessible to a non-specialist audience through a variety of mediums? This session will serve as an introduction to science communication and how it can be successfully incorporated into our roles. By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Define science communication and provide a list of examples
  • Explain why science communication is important for both our CPD and the public
  • List ways in which we can all get involved in science communication.

Who is this session for? Students, staff and researchers from MSD and OUH.

Format: Online using Microsoft Teams.

Wednesday 22 January

13:30-16:30 Referencing: Choosing and using software for referencing

Formatting your in-text citations, footnotes and bibliography correctly for your thesis or publication is crucial. Reference management tools make this easier and save you time. This classroom-based session comprises a 30-minute presentation, which gives an overview of reference management tools. The rest of the session is dedicated to practical exercises, giving you the opportunity to try out three tools (RefWorks, EndNote and Zotero), so that you can work out which one is best for you. Library staff will be there to help and guide you, and answer any questions you might have. You can leave at any point once you have tried out the tools you want, and do not have to stay until the end. At the end of the session you will be able to:

  • Understand how reference management works
  • Understand the advantages and disadvantages of a range of reference management tools
  • Add, edit and organise references using a number of different tools
  • Add references to documents and create bibliographies using a number of different tools
  • Make an informed decision about which reference management tool works best for you

Format: Classroom-based (Thames Suite, IT Services).

14:00-16:00 Introduction to online resources for historians: show and tell

A general online introduction to the vast range of electronic resources which are available for all historical periods of British and Western European history. Learning outcomes are to:

  • gain an overview of some of the key online resources for Medieval, Early Modern and Modern British and Western European History
  • know how to access subscription resources
  • gain awareness of key examples of useful resources such as bibliographic databases, reference sources, primary sources, maps, audio-visual resources, and data sources.

Format: Online using Microsoft Teams.

15:00-16:30 iSkills for Medicine: Introduction to EndNote

EndNote is a desktop-based reference management tool for Windows and Mac users, which helps you build libraries of references and insert them into your Word document as in-text citations or footnotes and automatically generate bibliographies. The workshop will cover:

  • what EndNote can do for you
  • adding references to EndNote from a range of sources
  • managing your references in an EndNote library
  • adding in-text citations and/or footnotes to your essays and papers
  • creating bibliographies.

Who is this session for? Students, staff and researchers from MSD and OUH.

Format: Online using Microsoft Teams.

Thursday 23 January

14:30-16:00 Open Scholarship: Logistics of Open Scholarship

The second in a duo of courses (attendees should attend the Fundamentals course or complete the eLearning module Digital Induction to Open Access prior to Logistics) that will cover the logistics of researching, publishing, and locating open scholarship resources and tools at the University of Oxford. Subjects include:

  • what is the Oxford University Research Archive
  • depositing work into ORA via Symplectic Elements
  • depositing data into ORA-data; applying for one of Oxford’s APC block grants
  • registering or connecting your ORCID
  • how to be included in the rights retention pilot
  • locating and checking funder policies

Format: Online using Microsoft Teams.

Friday 24 January

09:00-10:00 iSkills for Medicine: Literature Searching – Getting Started

Puzzled by PICO? Daunted by databases? Baffled by Boolean? This one-hour introductory class will offer top tips and advice on how to find literature to answer a research question. No prior experience necessary! Together, we will break down a question into the PICO format, put together a structured search, and try it out in PubMed.

Who is this session for? Students, staff and researchers from MSD and OUH.

Format: Classroom-based (Cairns Library).

10:00-11:00 iSkills for Medicine: Systematic reviews, scoping reviews and other evidence reviews: getting started

In this 60-minute online workshop you will be introduced to the methodologies and principles underpinning the conduct of literature searches for systematic reviews, scoping reviews and other evidence reviews. The session will cover

  • formulating a focused research question
  • preparing a protocol; developing a search strategy to address that research question
  • choosing appropriate databases and search engines
  • searching for grey literature and ongoing studies
  • storing and managing references
  • documenting and reporting your search

Who is this session for? Students, staff and researchers from MSD and OUH.

Format: Online using Microsoft Teams.

Bodleian iSkills Workshops in Week 0

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Bodleian iSkills workshops aim to develop your skills in information discovery and scholarly communications, covering a variety of resources across a wide range of disciplines. They are primarily aimed at University of Oxford students and staff. Some workshops take place face-to-face, whilst others are run online.

The workshops are FREE but online booking is essential. A list of the sessions taking place this term can be found on the iSkills Workshops webpage.

Bodleian iSkills logo on a laptop. Surrounded by a cup and saucer, phone and notepad

Bodleian Libraries Induction

Wednesday 15th January 2025 3:00-3:30pm

Thursday 16th January 2025 10:30-11:00am

Friday 17th January 2025 1:30-2:00pm

Are you an existing student at the University of Oxford and unsure of how the Bodleian Libraries can help you? Did you miss your Freshers’ week induction, or would you like a refresher? Are you a new visiting student? If so, join this 30-minute webinar to learn how we can help you with your studies and research. By the end of the webinar, you will understand:

  • the network of Bodleian Libraries
  • how to find items on your reading list including how to use SOLO
  • how to use the Bodleian Libraries Wi-Fi, PCs and printing
  • where to get further help

Format: Online presenter-led instruction with the opportunity for questions

Location: Microsoft Teams

Wednesday 15 January

15:30-17:00 iSkills for Medicine: Introduction to Zotero

An introduction to the functionality of Zotero, a software programme used to manage references and create bibliographies. The workshop will cover:

  • Understanding the main features and benefits of Zotero
  • Setting up a Zotero account
  • Importing references from different sources into Zotero
  • Organising your references in Zotero
  • Inserting citations into documents
  • Creating a bibliography/reference list.

Who is this session for? Students, staff and researchers from MSD and OUH.

Format: Online using Microsoft Teams.

Thursday 16 January

*New* 12:00-13:00 Open Scholarship: Navigating open access monographs: OAPEN and the OA books toolkit for researchers

Open access publication of monographs is an emerging movement, but also a new and potentially confusing one. This workshop (presented by speakers from the OAPEN Foundation), will help Oxford researchers get to grips with publishing long-form works open access, by detailing the resources available to them through OAPEN, the online library of open access books. Particular focus will be given to the OAPEN OA Open Books Toolkit, which provides resources to help authors better understand open access book publishing and to increase trust in open access books.

Who is this session for? Oxford academics, researchers (including postgraduates) who are looking to publish long-form research.

Format: Online using Microsoft Teams.

16:00-17:00 iSkills for Medicine: Literature searching – getting started

Puzzled by PICO? Daunted by databases? Baffled by Boolean? This one-hour introductory class will offer top tips and advice on how to find literature to answer a research question. No prior experience necessary! Together, we will break down a question into the PICO format, put together a structured search, and try it out in PubMed. By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Explain what structured searching is, and when to use it
  • Break your research question down into searchable concepts
  • Make use of Boolean operators (ANDs/ORs) in your structured searches.

Who is this session for? Students, staff and researchers from MSD and OUH.

Format: Online using Microsoft Teams.

Social Science Library Drop-in Tours and Bodleian Libraries Welcome/Refresher Webinars (Hilary Term 0th Week)

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Group of students walking through the SSL bookshelves on a tour of the library.

Drop-in tours

This week there will be two 30-minute tours of the Social Science Library for new visiting students, and any students who would like a “refresher” tour of the library:

  • Thursday 16th January, 3pm
  • Friday 17th January, 3pm

Drop in, no need to book.

A side ways views of a laptop, with a close up of hands typing on the keyboard. To the right is a plant in a pot.

Bodleian Libraries Welcome/Refresher Webinar

Welcome/Refresher webinars will also be taking place this week (0th week of Hilary term).

They will be hosted via Microsoft teams and are 30 minutes long. The content will be the same as that delivered to new undergraduate and visiting students in 0th week of Michaelmas term and is aimed at new incoming visiting students and existing undergraduate and taught-postgraduate students who would like a refresher.

The dates and times are:

  • Wednesday 15th January, 3pm – 3.30pm
  • Thursday 16th January, 10.30am – 11.00am
  • Friday 17th January, 1.30pm – 2pm

Registration is required via the booking links on the iSkills webpage. Students will require their Single Sign On credentials to book but, if this is still to be arranged, for visiting students for example, you can email the Information Skills Office and they will book a place for you.

New Years Resolutions Book Display 2025

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Happy New Year from all of us here at the Social Science Library. With the new year and an approaching new academic term, we have created a pop-up book display to help you discover some new hobbies that you may like to try.

Books on a variety of hobbies

These books are on loan to us from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). They are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. We have put together a selection of books on a wide variety of subjects such as yoga, running, knitting, crochet and learning a new language. This book display can be found around the corner from the issue desk in the Social Science Library.

The wellbeing corner in the Social Science Library

Balance between work and hobbies is important. Did you know that we have a Wellbeing Corner in the SSL? Located behind the reader PC area is a space where readers can take some time to relax while visiting the library. In our Wellbeing Corner you will find:

  • Mindful colouring books and colouring pencils
  • Puzzle books
  • Origami material and instructions guides and books
  • Jigsaw puzzle

Our Resource of the Month for January: Cite Them Right

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Each month, one of our Subject Librarians chooses an electronic resource which they feel will be of interest to you.

Sarah Rhodes (Subject Consultant for International Development and Forced Migration) sat at a computer in the Social Science Library. Book shelves are in the background.

January’s Resource of the Month has been selected by Sarah Rhodes, Subject Consultant for International Development and Forced Migration.

An open laptop on a table with the words 'Cite Them Right' on the screen. Next to it is a cup of coffee and a pad and pen.

Sarah’s choice is Cite Them Right. It was chosen as a comprehensive yet easy to use tool which provides online support for students requiring assistance in referencing essay and dissertation sources correctly.

Overview

The Cite Them Right platform contains articles, tutorials and videos to guide students into common queries around referencing. Support includes choosing referencing styles; learning how to reference different formats including books, articles, digital, governmental and legal materials; and understanding why referencing is important. Students will also find sections on avoiding plagiarism; finding, evaluating and using source material; and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on academia.

Where can you access the resource

This resource is available to access via SOLO.

A Single-Sign-On (SSO) is required this database remotely, as it is restricted to Oxford University students and staff members.