Here are some top-tips from 2nd year Counselling students on getting the best from the Library!
Your top tips
**Star Tip** - Make sure you spend some time in the library every day that you’re in University, It helps quite a lot.
Summary of responses
(Number indicates how many times this was mentioned)
Get to know where your books are in the Library / Get lots of books out / Don't just think all books for your module / course will be in one section, have a look around the other sections of the library- 10
Use the Catalogue to find information about the books in the Library - 9
Use the library and practice using it - 7
Get the books you need for assignments early - 7
Use the online databases to find good quality academic journal literature - 7
The Library can get busy – early mornings / evenings are quieter - 5
Use the Succeed@Tees workshops to develop your academic skills - 5
Plan, manage and organise your time effectively - 5
Don’t be afraid to ask for help - 5
Use the 3rd floor to work in silence / Silent zone is the best place to get work done - 4
Bring your books back on time or renew them to avoid fines -3
Library is a good place to work and concentrate / The Library is the best place to do work as everyone is doing work so it motivates you- 2
Use the LibGuide for your subject area- 2
Use the Discovery search engine as a starting point in your research - 2
Make the most of the resources you have access to - 3
Keep a record of the searches that you do - 2
Think about your search strategy before searching - 2
Browse the Library shelves in your area - 2
Use as many books as possible - 1
Use different types of materials (e.g. books, journal articles, databases) - 2
Use the Library’s group rooms for group presentation practice - 1
Printing out is cheaper than in other places outside the University - 1
Take a short break from time-to-time when studying - 1
Keep your TUSC card topped up with credit - 1
Reserve a book if it is out - 1
Always back up any files you are working on - 1
Don’t eat in the silent zone - 1
*STAR TIP* - Start research broadly with books then when you find a specific area you're going to focus on then use journal articles because they will be more relevant to the specific area instead of just searching for all articles on the whole topic.
There are a range of resources available, make sure you use them all
Make sure you use the Library
Try and get into the habit of using journals as soon as possible
Try and use journals
Use different search engines including LibGuides and Google Scholar
Use a variety of search terms
Use a variety of sources to gather different information on a specific topic
Try using a wider variety of resources than just books, try to use more journal articles as it will come in handy for assignments and for 2nd and 3rd years
Explore wide array of texts, especially journal articles
Take advantage of everything offered to you, there are workshops every week to help with anything you might need, e.g. critical writing
If unsure of anything ask the Library staff - they are very helpful
Take note and attend all library sessions
ASK! Anything. Library staff are very helpful
Make ful use of the Hub and services offered by the staff there
Remember all staff in the Library are there to help you
Don't be afraid to ask - no one assumes you should know everthing from day one. If you forget how to use the Catalogue, forget how to check out a book, no one will judge you for asking for help
Explore the website - thats how you learn and find out where things are
Ensure you keep a reference list of all books either used in a project or just read. It is very frustrating to later remember a study or quote but having no idea where ot came from. Without the reference it can't be used!
Not to leave finding resources to the last minute
Give enough time to find and search for journals as this takes longer than first anticipated
Go to the 3rd floor for peace & quiet while you work, free from distraction
Always make sure you renew your library books to avoid a fine
