Learning Hub

Calling in to a study skills drop-in is the quickest and easiest way to find the answers to your questions, ask for advice or seek reassurance that you are approaching your reading and writing in the best way. We can give you advice on searching the databases, Discovery or referencing.

These informal, friendly sessions take place five times a week with three drop-ins in the Library (Middlesbrough Campus) and two sessions online via Teams. There is no need to book or let us know you are coming – just pop-in.

Please note there will be no drop-in sessions 15th-19th September. They will resume on Monday 22nd September.

Monday*, Tuesday and Thursday drop-ins: These in-person drop-ins (Library Ground Floor, Middlesbrough Campus) take place every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday between 1pm - 3pm (13:00 - 15:00).  Tip: Ask the Library staff at the Welcome desk for directions.

Wednesday and Friday* online drop-ins: These drop-ins via Teams take place on Wednesday and Friday 11am - 1pm (11:00-13:00) Click here to join

If the timing of our drop-ins does not work for you, please fill in this online form: skills support form and we will help you find the support you need.

*excluding Bank Holidays

What a drop-in can help you with

• Effectively search for academic sources using Discovery and Library databases

  • It helps to have search terms prepared, but if you're struggling, we can suggest resources to assist

• Evaluate the credibility and relevance of sources for your research

• Understand and apply the correct referencing style for your department

• Manage and organise your references using RefWorks

• Integrate and cite sources properly to avoid plagiarism and enhance academic integrity

What a drop in cannot help with

• Approve / suggest changes to a research question/topic or subject content - We won’t provide guidance on the academic content of your work.

• Tell you which specific keywords to use in a search -We can guide you on how to search effectively, but we won’t conduct the research for you.

• Read written work - We won’t proofread, edit, or review the content of your assignment.

• Provide feedback on a full reference list - We won’t check, edit, or format a whole reference list for you. 

• Maths / stats support. To request maths / stats support please email MERIT@tees.ac.uk 

• Check for plagiarism – We won’t run plagiarism checks or tell you if your referencing is "plagiarism-free."

Evaluate our drop-ins

Let us know what you think about our drop-in service by filling in the form below. All responses are anonymous.