The Library has just launched a new interactive, self-paced online tutorial on how to find and present information effectively.  InfoTrail@Lboro is designed to help students gain vital information and study skills which they will need for their course of study and beyond.  InfoTrail includes modules on:

• Using the Library  – including the Library catalogue and reading list system
• Understanding information - including types of sources, publications formats and choosing information sources
• Your information strategy – including time management, developing a search strategy for an assignment and taking notes
• Electronic information – including advice on effective searching using MetaLib, electronic resources and the internet.
• Evaluating your information  – guidance on criteria to use as part of the evaluation process
• Presenting your information – including writing skills, plagiarism, correct referencing and presentation skills

So why not have a look and then recommend it to your students? There are lots of activities to try out and the option to “Self-test” at the start and end of a module to see how much your knowledge has improved.  The Library is hoping to develop tailored subject specific versions of InfoTrail in the future so let us know if you think your students would benefit from this.  Feedback is welcomed so why not get in touch with Steph or Lizzie or leave a comment on the blog.

For a couple of years the Library has offered a range of study skills support for students. These include a programme of workshops on:-

• time management
• reading and note-taking
• essay writing
• report writing
• oral presentation skills
• working in groups
• revision and exam skills.

Participants can book a place on the courses up to a month in advance through the Online Careers Management System (registration on this system is necessary). The full programme of workshops is listed on the Library’s study skills web pages which also contain links to recommended reading and relevant web resources.

For students who can’t attend the workshops, a range of supporting advice sheets and planning sheets are available both online and in print from the Open 3 area of the Library. Material to support the workshops is also available from the Learn server.

If you feel that there may be demand for a tailored version of one of these courses to be delivered to students in your department please get in touch with either Steph, Lizzie, Tracy or Becky to discuss what the Library could offer.