Chemistry: Information Skills for Chemists, Part A Chemistry Library Orientation

BeginnersUpdated

This is the first (Part A) of a compulsory two part course which introduces new graduate students to the Department of Chemistry Library and its place within the wider Cambridge University Library system. It provides general information on what is available, where it is and how to get it. Print and electronic resources are included. It is necessary to attend both Parts A and B in order to qualify for transferable skills credit.

• 1st Year Chemistry Postgraduates
• Further details regarding Chemistry's eligibility criteria are available

• Participants must also attend Chemistry: Information Skills for Chemists, Part B Electronic Resources in Cambridge

Number of sessions: 1

Chemistry library orientation

After attending both Parts A and B participants will be able to:

• Develop appropriate search strategies for subscribed bibliographical databases e.g. Web of Science, Scopus
• Access full-text online journals, e-books and electronic databases
• Search for books and journals using the online library catalogue, LibrarySearch and LibrarySearch+
• Interpret results
• Use catalogue renewal and account functions
• Set up a borrowing account and use the self-issue system to borrow and return books
• Locate print resources in the Chemistry Library and other libraries within the Cambridge Library system
• Print, photocopy and scan items using the library’s multifunctional device
• Make requests for resources not available in Cambridge
• Keep up to date with the latest research in your field, and subscribe to journal contents alert services e.g. Zetoc
• Evaluate reference managers available and find the best one for you
• Interpret altmetrics and understand their role in monitoring the impact of your research
• Understand why to use unique author identifiers and how to obtain them

Comply with mandates for open access and open data and know where to go for support

Part A covers finding your way around the print collections of Chemistry and other libraries and practicalities of borrowing within and outside Cambridge, as well as accessing subscribed electronic resources, and includes:

• The structure of Cambridge Library system, Cambridge University Library as host of online resources, and links to other libraries.
• Locating Chemistry Library print resources, using IT facilities and services such as document supply for items not available in Cambridge
• Demonstration of and advice on how best to find the journal articles and books that you need, whether in print or electronic format, using the online library catalogues (LibrarySearch and Library Search+) and other search engines available.
• Request and renew functions on LibrarySearch
• Self-issue system and borrowing accounts
• Introduction to the Chemistry Library website and social media accounts.

Presentation and demonstrations

One session of thirty minutes

Yearly