Physics and Astronomy

Information for everyone

Introduction to Library Resources and Services [powerpoint presentation without narration, 30thAug24]

Presentation content & links to further information:

Information for PhD students

Extra information for services useful to PhD students [powerpoint presentation without narration, 30thAug24]

Presentation content & links to further information:

Research Data Services

MANTRA: a free online course for those who manage digital data as part of their research project

LibSmart on Learn is designed to help you get started using library resources at the University. It has five modules that will take you step by step from starting to use the library to researching a topic for a report or essay. You can choose to work through every module or just the one or two most relevant to you.

You can revisit the course at any point during your studies, and use it as a hub of resources to support your personal and academic development. The content covers:

1. Get started with accessing and using online library resources for your studies.
2. Explore and use key library resources appropriate to your discipline.
3. Find material for an essay or report on a topic.
4. Manage the information you’ve found and avoid information overload.
5. Use Library tools to develop good academic practice with citation and referencing.

LibSmart includes reflective activities to get you thinking about your own skills, experiences and what you hope to achieve.

 

How to enrol on LibSmart

Most students new to the University will already be enrolled on LibSmart. To locate the course in Learn Ultra:

1. Visit www.learn.ed.ac.uk
2. Log in using your UUN (normal university username and password)
3. On the left hand navigation, select 'Essentials'
4. Locate LibSmart I: Your Library Research Starts Here (2023/24) from the list. 

Those not automatically enrolled on LibSmart may need to search Learn's courses catalogue.

Guest and Self-Enrol [Learn] Course Access

If you have any issues regarding access to LibSmart, please contact IS Helpline:

IS Helpline

This video introduces new students to the main IT (information technology) and learning technology services at the university. Find out how to:

• Activate your email account and register for wireless
• Use the MyEd portal to access web-based university systems and services
• Access the Learn virtual learning environment
• Access Office 365 for mobile email, document creation and cloud storage
• Save files to the university network and the cloud
• Use printing and copying facilities
• Access Library resources
• Improve your digital skills
• Get further information and help

The Making the Most of IT webpage provides more information and links to webpages of the services highlighted in the presentation. The powerpoint slides are also made available from this page:

Making the most of IT webpage

The Library section is on the above webpage but also below.

The "New Students" webpages include a suite of recordings from professional and support services staff from across the University giving practical information and sharing top tips on ‘how-to-do’ something:

Get prepared for University with our 'How to' sessions.

Library related recordings include...

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How to access online library resources

Feel confident accessing online library resources via MyEd, Resource lists, the library website & DiscoverEd, The Library’s online discovery tool. You will also be able to troubleshoot some common access issues.

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How To Find Academic Literature

Introducing good practice when looking for relevant material on a topic:

How to get access to resources you need that the library does not hold

The services available for getting reading and other materials The Library does not hold.

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