Monday, January 30, 2012

Laptops for Loan!

This term we are running a pilot scheme offering laptops for loan in the Library.

We hope this will help ensure users can access our databases, e-journals, e-books and other web-based resources such as Refworks during your Library visit.  The laptops also have MS Office installed to enable borrowers to work on assignments or research papers.

They are available as 3-hour loans on request at our Information Desk.

Please note that their use is subject to the College's Code of Conduct for the Use of IT Resources and students will be asked to sign a terms & conditions form when borrowing.  

Monday, January 23, 2012

Oxford Handbooks Online Trial

We have trial access to Oxford Handbooks Online: Political Science until February 18.  This module of the Oxford Handbooks series comprises of 24 titles each covering a different aspect of the area.

Titles available in this module include:

  • The Welfare State
  • Local and Regional Democracy in Europe
  • Climate Change and Society
  • Public Policy
Political Science is one of four modules in the Handbooks series, the others being Business Management, Philosophy and Religion.  

If you find this resource helpful or would like a look at any of the other modules please let us know at info.library@spd.dcu.ie.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Info & Academic Skills Week

For the start of the new term the Library is running Information and Academic Skills Week (January 23-27) with events and training sessions for students.  Have a look below at what's on offer:

1) Academic Writing Skills Workshop
12 noon, Wednesday, 25th January in E201:
Writing consultant Lawrence Cleary from the Regional Writing Centre in University of Limerick will give a workshop on academic writing to all interested students. This event is presented in association with the Teaching and Learning Committee.  All are welcome so make sure not to miss it!

 2) One-to-one sessions
All week, at whatever level or area suits your needs:
  • Where to start 
    • develop a search strategy
    • find what you need in the Library
    • search the Catalogue
    • save searches 
    • locate books/journals
  •  Using the internet for academic purposes 
    • find online journals
    • search the Library’s academic databases
    • use other subject gateways and search engines
    • use Google Scholar
    • set up alerts/RSS feeds 
    • get updates on new research in your area
  • Give credit where credit is due 
    • cite sources correctly and build your reference list
    • use Turnitin to check you have referenced properly
    • basic Refworks for beginners 
    • advanced Refworks (write'n'cite for in-text citation, formatting your paper and bibliography, and using Refshare for group projects and sharing references with others). 
Just call to the Library or email us with details of what you want to cover in your session and we will set up an appointment for you with one of our SÍOL team.

3) Complete Our Survey
Finally, we'd ask you to help us improve our service by completing a quick online survey. This will help ensure that future events and training are tailored to YOUR needs!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Vacation Week

Please note the Library is open for office hours only next week (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).  We return to full term-time hours on Monday, January 23.