Information skills training

Library induction for new staff

Ask us to walk you round the library and help you with the basics of library use.

E-learning modules available:

Library skills e-learning module
Available through Training Tracker, this 10-minute module describes our services and introduces some of our most important resources.

Click to access Training Tracker (you will need your Training Tracker username and password to log in).

Personal training sessions for small groups or one-to-one:

What can I access?  Guide to e-resources
A tour of the electronic resources available for Oliveira users. 30 minutes to 1 hour, suitable for 1:1 or group training.

Introduction to databases: 
Explains the role and content of databases, and basic principles of searching. About 30 minutes, suitable for 1:1 or group training.

Finding the Evidence: Database searching
In-depth session focused on trainee's own question, using HDAS (Healthcare Databases Advanced Search). Takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the search topic. Suitable for 1:1 or 1:2 training.

Introduction to critical appraisal
Short workshop looking at the principles of critical appraisal, useful tools and resources, and including shared appraisal of a research article. About 90 minutes to 2 hours, suitable for 1:1 or small group.

Study skills
Overview of information seeking and evaluation, planning and writing assignments and assessing your own work.  Refresher for staff returning to formal higher-level study. Whole day session, small groups, usually delivered once per term, but contact the library to check dates or request a session at another time. 

For links to websites and a book list of materials for study skills, see our Study skills resources list

Personal current awareness

Library staff can help you set up alerts or a news aggregator page to include only the journals and web pages you want to monitor regularly. Contact the Library for further information.

EndNote Web

A short workshop or 1:1 session looking at this free web-based resource   Self help information sheet