Author Archives: summermainstonecotton

Bodleian iSkills workshops taking place in 5th Week, Trinity Term (25th– 29nd May)

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Image shows a laptop displaying the text: BODLEIAN i.Skills. On the left of the laptop is a a pile of 4 books and above the books there is a clock.

Build your confidence with the Bodleian iSkills programme, a series of free workshops that empower students, researchers, and staff at the University of Oxford to develop essential skills in discovering, critically evaluating, managing, presenting and sharing information in an evolving digital and physical world.

Workshops taking place in 5th Week Trinity Term

Tuesday 26 May

Research metrics and citation analysis tools: Part 3 researcher metrics
🗓️ Tuesday 26 May | 🕘 11.00-12.00 |📍Radcliffe Science Library Discover how to measure and understand research impact using tools such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus.

Logistics of open scholarship
🗓️ Tuesday 26 May | 🕘 14.30-16.00 | 💻 Online This session covers researching, publishing, and finding open scholarship resources and tools at Oxford.

Wednesday 27 May

Keeping up to date with research🗓️ Wednesday 27 May | 🕘 10.30-12.00 | 💻 Online Discover how to use alerts to stay up to date with new research, with guided instruction and hands-on setup of tailored email alerts.

Thursday 28 May

RefWorks for referencing
🗓️ Thursday 28 May | 🕘 09.30-11.30 | 💻 Online Join us for this interactive session in which we introduce RefWorks, a subscription reference management tool that University of Oxford members can use for free during their time at the university and as alumni.

Newspapers and other online news sources from the 17th-21st centuries
🗓️ Thursday 28 May | 🕘 11.30-13.00 | 💻 Online Understand the value of using newspapers in your research and learn effective search techniques when consulting historical and contemporary newspapers from across the world.

Friday 29 May

EndNote for referencing🗓️ Friday 29 May | 🕘 10.00-12.00 | 💻 Online Want to effectively manage your references? Join this session to discover how EndNote can help you collect, organise, and cite your sources with ease.

To view a full list of this terms workshops go to the Bodleian iSkills website or take a look at the iSkills term card for Trinity 2026 below. All workshops must be booked in advance via the Bodleian iSkills website.

Green information booklet with the heading: iSkills Trinity term 2026. Features the Bodleian Library logo. The subheading reads: Free training for students, researchers and staff to become confident, capable and ethical users of information data.

Bodleian iSkills workshops taking place in 4th Week, Trinity Term (18th– 22nd May)

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Image shows a laptop displaying the text: BODLEIAN i.Skills. On the left of the laptop is a a pile of 4 books and above the books there is a clock.

Build your confidence with the Bodleian iSkills programme, a series of free workshops that empower students, researchers, and staff at the University of Oxford to develop essential skills in discovering, critically evaluating, managing, presenting and sharing information in an evolving digital and physical world.

Workshops taking place in 4th Week Trinity Term

Monday 18 May

Science communication: An introduction to translating your research for a non-specialist audience
🗓️ Monday 18 May | 🕘 10.00-11.00 | 💻 Online This session introduces the essentials of science communication and explores how to make your research accessible and engaging for different audiences.

Searching for patents and standards
🗓️ Monday 18 May | 🕘 13.00-14.00 | 💻 Online Find out more about what patents and standards are, why they might be useful for your research and how to find them in specific databases.

Tuesday 19 May

Data sources for research – discovery, access and use
🗓️ Tuesday 19 May | 🕘 11.00-13.00 |📍Social Science Library Explore Oxford’s data sources, from archives to business data, and learn how your work can become part of the research discourse.

Research metrics and citation analysis tools: Part 2 article metrics
🗓️ Tuesday 19 May | 🕘 11.00-12.00 |📍Radcliffe Science Library Discover how citation counting can help identify influential papers and how altmetrics provide a different perspective on research output.

Sources for modern global history
🗓️ Tuesday 19 May | 🕘 14.30-16.15 |📍Weston Library An introduction to key archival, printed and electronic resources, such as finding aids, bibliographic resources and primary sources for post-1800 global history.

Wednesday 20 May

Foundations of copyright for teaching
🗓️ Wednesday 20 May | 🕘 11.00-12.30 | 💻 Online Confused about what you can (and can’t) use in your teaching? This workshop will help you to understand different licence types and follow the CLA requirements with confidence.

Thursday 21 May

*New* Beyond back-ups: Keeping your research accessible and usable 🗓️ Thursday 21 May | 🕘 11.00-12.30 | 💻 Online Covers what digital preservation is and why it matters in a research context.

Your thesis, copyright & ORA
🗓️ Thursday 21 May | 🕘 11.00-12.00 | 💻 Online This session guides DPhil students through depositing their thesis in the Oxford University Research Archive (ORA), covering the process, key rights and permissions, and where to find support.

Using Scopus for your research
🗓️ Thursday 21 May | 🕘 13.00-14.00 | 💻 Online Unlock the full potential of your literature review with Scopus, a vital abstract and citation database for social sciences, medical sciences, and physical and life sciences.

Friday 22 May

*New* Basics of SciFinder 🗓️ Friday 22 May | 🕘 13.00-14.00 | 💻 Online Join this introductory session on the CAS SciFinder Discovery Platform to explore AI-enabled tools and the world’s largest collection of scientific information across chemistry and related sciences.

To view a full list of this terms workshops go to the Bodleian iSkills website or take a look at the iSkills term card for Trinity 2026 below. All workshops must be booked in advance via the Bodleian iSkills website.

Green information booklet with the heading: iSkills Trinity term 2026. Features the Bodleian Library logo. The subheading reads: Free training for students, researchers and staff to become confident, capable and ethical users of information data.

Exam Support Pop-Up Book Display

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With Trinity Term upon us, we thought it was a good idea to compile a display of useful books on how to study effectively and support your wellbeing. We have chosen a selection of texts to help across the different assessments you might be taking; from How to handle your exam nerves: study tips and healthy habits for confidence and success to The PhD viva : how to prepare for your oral examination.

The image shows the Exam Support Book Display case. The grey display unit holds 4 shelves of books on study skills, wellbeing, and poetry, along with a poster advertising the display.

Trinity term, with the build-up to exams and deadlines, can be a very hectic and stressful time for students and staff. It’s important to take time for your own wellbeing and to schedule in regular study breaks. To help with this, we have included a number of lighter reads, including poetry anthologies and tasty recipes to provide a welcome distraction!

The books featured in the display are on loan to us from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). They are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. Do feel free to remove them from the display to look at in the library and then return them there afterwards.

Image depicts wellbeing corner in the Social Science Library. There are 3 blue arm chairs with pink cushions with a coffee table in front of them. On the coffee table there is a jigsaw puzzle, mindful colouring books, coloured pencils, and 3 puzzle books. In the corner there is a large plant.

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

Bodleian iSkills workshops taking place in 3rd Week, Trinity Term (11th– 15th May)

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Image shows a laptop displaying the text: BODLEIAN i.Skills. On the left of the laptop is a a pile of 4 books and above the books there is a clock.

Build your confidence with the Bodleian iSkills programme, a series of free workshops that empower students, researchers, and staff at the University of Oxford to develop essential skills in discovering, critically evaluating, managing, presenting and sharing information in an evolving digital and physical world.

Workshops taking place in 3rd Week Trinity Term

Tuesday 12 May

Research metrics and citation analysis tools: Part 1 journal metrics
🗓️ Tuesday 12 May | 🕘 11.00-12.00 |📍Radcliffe Science Library Learn how to locate and interpret journal level metrics and discover the strengths, limitations, and pitfalls of these metrics so you can use them responsibly

Preparing for your literature review in the social sciences
🗓️ Tuesday 12 May | 🕘 13.30-15.15 | 💻 Online Learn how to build a successful search strategy, source highly cited papers and stay up to date with new research.

Wednesday 13 May

Foundations of copyright for researchers
🗓️ Wednesday 13 May | 🕘 11.00-12.30 | 💻 Online Understand how copyright affects your research and your rights and responsibilities in an age of open scholarship.

Thursday 14 May

Discovering archives and modern manuscripts at the Bodleian Libraries 🗓️ Thursday 14 May | 🕘 11.30-13.00 |📍Weston Library Explore key catalogues and finding aids for post-1800 archives and manuscripts at the Bodleian Libraries.

Friday 15 May

Zotero for referencing
🗓️ Friday 15 May | 🕘 09.30-12.30 |📍IT Services
This session covers the main features of Zotero and comprises a 45-minute presentation followed by practical exercises at the computers. You can leave at any point once you have tried out the software.

Undergraduate critical thinking with newspaper and social media sources
🗓️ Friday 15 May | 🕘 10.00-12.00 | 💻 Online
In a world of clickbait and algorithms, critical thinking matters more than ever. This interactive workshop will help you evaluate credibility and bias in today’s news and social media.

To view a full list of this terms workshops go to the Bodleian iSkills website or take a look at the iSkills term card for Trinity 2026 below. All workshops must be booked in advance via the Bodleian iSkills website.

Green information booklet with the heading: iSkills Trinity term 2026. Features the Bodleian Library logo. The subheading reads: Free training for students, researchers and staff to become confident, capable and ethical users of information data.

Bodleian iSkills workshops taking place in 2nd Week, Trinity Term (4th– 8th May)

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Image shows a laptop displaying the text: BODLEIAN i.Skills. On the left of the laptop is a a pile of 4 books and above the books there is a clock.

Build your confidence with the Bodleian iSkills programme, a series of free workshops that empower students, researchers, and staff at the University of Oxford to develop essential skills in discovering, critically evaluating, managing, presenting and sharing information in an evolving digital and physical world.

Workshops taking place in 2nd Week Trinity Term

Tuesday 5 May
Fundamentals of open access
🕘 10.00-11.30 | 💻 Online
Understand what open access really means – decode the jargon and explore how publishing open can benefit your research.

Scholarly literature for your research
🕘 14.00-16.00 | 💻 Online Learn how to create an effective search query and to explore a range of tools to search for scholarly materials to support your research.

Science communication: An introduction to translating your research for a non-specialist audience
🕘 14.00-15.00 | 💻 Online This session introduces the essentials of science communication and explores how to make your research accessible and engaging for different audiences

Wednesday 6 May

Undergraduate critical thinking with academic sources
🕘 13.30-15.30 | 💻 Online
Enhance your critical thinking and research skills in this practical workshop. Learn to question assumptions, analyse sources, and develop effective search strategies to excel in your studies.

Thursday 7 May

Introduction to online resources for historians: show and tell
🕘 14.00-16.00 | 💻 Online
Discover a wealth of online resources for all periods of British and Western European history.

Friday 8 May

EndNote for referencing
🕘 09.30-12.30 |📍IT Services
This session covers the main features of EndNote and comprises a presentation followed by practical exercises at the computers. You can leave at any point once you have tried out the software.

Using AI to find, analyse and share information sources
🕘 10.00-12.30 |📍IT Services
Designed for those new to AI, this practical session will allow you to independently experiment with three GenAI tools and participate in group discussions to explore their strengths and limitations.

Getting started in Oxford libraries
🕘 13.00-14.00 | 💻 Online
New to Oxford or need a refresher on using the Bodleian libraries? Join this session to learn how to access the library network and use their services and resources.

Green information booklet with the heading: iSkills Trinity term 2026. Features the Bodleian Library logo. The subheading reads: Free training for students, researchers and staff to become confident, capable and ethical users of information data.

Bodleian iSkills workshops taking place in 1st Week, Trinity Term (27th – 1st May)

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Image shows a laptop displaying the text: BODLEIAN i.Skills. On the left of the laptop is a a pile of 4 books and above the books there is a clock.

Build your confidence with the Bodleian iSkills programme, a series of free workshops that empower students, researchers, and staff at the University of Oxford to develop essential skills in discovering, critically evaluating, managing, presenting and sharing information in an evolving digital and physical world.

Workshops taking place in 1st Week Trinity Term

Friday 1 May
Choosing and using software for referencing
🕘 09:30-12:30 |📍IT Services
Following a 30-minute presentation on reference management tools, you will have the opportunity to try out EndNote, Mendeley, RefWorks and Zotero. As you explore which tool works best for you, library staff will be on hand to guide you and to answer any questions you may 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.

Green information booklet with the heading: iSkills Trinity term 2026. Features the Bodleian Library logo. The subheading reads: Free training for students, researchers and staff to become confident, capable and ethical users of information data.

Oxford Books Pop-Up Book Display

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Here at the SSL, we’ve been inspired by the Oxford Literary Festival to explore the many books based in the city or written by Oxford alumni. As we near the Easter weekend, why not pop by the SSL and browse our new pop-up book display to get inspiration for a bank holiday read?

Image shows the Oxford Books Book Display case. The grey display unit holds 4 shelves of books either based in Oxford or by authors who attended Oxford University, on top of the cabinet is a poster advertising the display.

From J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit to Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary, Oxford alumni have published a wide array of fiction. If you’d prefer to get lost in the fictional streets of Oxford, why not check out Philip Pullman’s Lyra’s Oxford or Deborah Harkness’s A Discovery of Witches.

The books featured in the display are on loan to us from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). They are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. Do feel free to remove them from the display to look at in the library and then return them there afterwards.

Bodleian iSkills workshops taking place in 10th Week, Hilary Term (23rd– 27th March)

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Image shows a laptop displaying the text: BODLEIAN i.Skills. On the left of the laptop is a a pile of 4 books and above the books there is a clock.

Build your confidence with the Bodleian iSkills programme, a series of free workshops that empower students, researchers, and staff at the University of Oxford to develop essential skills in discovering, critically evaluating, managing, presenting and sharing information in an evolving digital and physical world.

Workshops taking place in 10th Week Hilary Term

Monday 23 March
REF open access policy briefing
🕘 11:00-12:00 | 💻 Online
Make sure your research meets the new REF open access requirements. Get up to speed on what’s changed and where you can find help at Oxford.

Wednesday 25 March

Preregistration and registered reports: What, why, and how
🕘 10:30-12:00 | 💻 Online
Gain practical experience writing an effective preregistration and learn which format and platform will work best for your research.

Thursday 26 March
Logistics of open scholarship
🕘 10:00-11:30 | 💻 Online
This session covers the logistics of researching, publishing, and locating open scholarship resources and tools at Oxford.

To view a full list of this terms workshops go to the Bodleian iSkills website or take a look at the iSkills term card for Hilary 2026 below. All workshops must be booked in advance via the Bodleian iSkills website.

Pink information booklet with the heading: iSkills Hilary term 2025. Features the Bodleian Library logo. The subheading reads: Free training for students, researchers and staff to become confident, capable and ethical users of information data.

Weston Library Exhibition – ‘Pets & their People’ Book Display

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To tie in with the Weston Library exhibition titled Pets & their People (running until 27th September 2026), we have created a pop-up book display located in the Social Science Library (SSL).

Image shows the Weston Library Exhibition Display case. The grey display unit holds 4 shelves of books on animals and pets. The exhibition poster is on top of the case with the image of a cat wearing a red bonnet and the title 'Pets & their People'.

The exhibition in the Weston Library explores how the relationship between humans and their pets has evolved over 10,000 years of domestication. It asks: how has the special bond between owners and pets changed, and what does this reveal about who we are?

People & their Pets invites you to explore depictions of pets and human/animal companionship in stories, imagery, and poetry in the Bodleian’s collections. From the letters that inspired The Wind in the Willows and a rare first edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, to one of the earliest recorded depictions of an assistance dog for the blind, the Bodleian is filled with animal treasures. The book display in the SSL highlights the wide array of animal literature and non-fiction books in the Bodleian’s collections, from Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot to Helen Macdonald’s H is for Hawk.

The book display contains books from the Collections Storage Facility (CSF). The items from the CSF are for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed. You are welcome to remove books from the display to look at in the library and return them there afterwards.

You can find out more about this and upcoming exhibitions in the Weston Library on the Visit Bodleian website.

Bodleian iSkills workshops taking place in 9th Week, Hilary Term (16th – 20th March)

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Image shows a laptop displaying the text: BODLEIAN i.Skills. On the left of the laptop is a a pile of 4 books and above the books there is a clock.

Build your confidence with the Bodleian iSkills programme, a series of free workshops that empower students, researchers, and staff at the University of Oxford to develop essential skills in discovering, critically evaluating, managing, presenting and sharing information in an evolving digital and physical world.

Workshops taking place in 7th Week Hilary Term

Tuesday 17 March
Science communication: An introduction to translating your research for a non-specialist audience
🕘 11:00-12:00 | 💻 Online
This session introduces the essentials of science communication and explores how to make your research accessible and engaging for different audiences.

To view a full list of this terms workshops go to the Bodleian iSkills website or take a look at the iSkills term card for Hilary 2026 below. All workshops must be booked in advance via the Bodleian iSkills website.

Pink information booklet with the heading: iSkills Hilary term 2025. Features the Bodleian Library logo. The subheading reads: Free training for students, researchers and staff to become confident, capable and ethical users of information data.