{"id":176,"date":"2021-09-21T08:00:57","date_gmt":"2021-09-21T08:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/?p=176"},"modified":"2021-11-30T09:37:45","modified_gmt":"2021-11-30T09:37:45","slug":"things-i-wish-id-known-graduate-reflections-on-using-the-library","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/2021\/09\/21\/things-i-wish-id-known-graduate-reflections-on-using-the-library\/","title":{"rendered":"Things I Wish I’d Known: Graduate Reflections on using the Library"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo: Paul Dodds<\/p><\/div>\n

As a recent graduate from Edinburgh, you can imagine I\u2019ve spent the summer reminiscing and reflecting on my time at university. Over my four years studying Geography I spent a lot of time in the Main Library, whiled away hours on DiscoverEd, and thought I had the whole library thing down. Reader, I barely scratched the surface. <\/span><\/p>\n

For the past few months I\u2019ve been lucky enough to intern with the Academic Support Librarian team at the university. I have found myself learning things about the Library I wish I\u2019d known sooner \u2013 and remembering things that I discovered during my studies that made it all a bit easier. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This blog will cover some ideas for how to get the best out of the Library, where you can go to broaden your reading and research, and things that will make studying easier (*cough* reference manager *cough*).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, to save you some time, here are six things I wish I\u2019d known sooner about the Library…<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Find your <\/strong>Subject G<\/strong>uide ASAP<\/strong><\/h1>\n

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Subject guides<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are you<\/span>r <\/span>one-stop shop for finding resources relevant to your subject. You\u2019ll likely find a ton of ideas for places to look for reading material, as well as study advice and exam prep resources. You’ll also find your subject\u2019s Academic Support Librarian (ASL) there, who you can contact if you have any queries about finding resources. Can confirm, they are the coolest.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. There are <\/strong>a<\/strong>mazi<\/strong>ng things in the Main Library you might not know are there…\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I was pretty chuffed to discover the boiling water tap on the fourth floor (bring your own tea bags!), so imagine my thrill when I found out there\u2019s a place in the Main Library where you can learn to use amazing tech, make (almost) anything, and borrow equipment \u2013 for free! If you haven\u2019t already heard about the <\/span>uCreate<\/span><\/a>\u00a0studio,\u00a0follow the link\u00a0and sign up for an induction immediately. You don\u2019t need to be doing any kind of STEM\u00a0studies\u00a0or be a computer\u00a0whiz, anyone\u00a0can go and learn\u00a0from the amazing team.\u00a0Why are you still here \u2013\u00a0<\/span>go sign up<\/span><\/a>!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Wolfson Reading Room, CRc. Photo: Paul Dodds<\/p><\/div>\n

On the subject of amazing things in the Library, the <\/span>Centre for Research Collections<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(CRC)\u00a0must be mentioned.\u00a0Hidden away on the sixth floor, the CRC\u00a0is the main space for anyone using the university\u2019s cultural and heritage collections. You can view\u00a0some of the collections online\u00a0(find\u00a0<\/span>art<\/span><\/a>,\u00a0<\/span>archives<\/span><\/a>, and\u00a0<\/span>musical\u00a0instruments<\/span><\/a>!), and you can book to use the space for viewing collection items for research. You might even be lucky enough to have a class in the Digital Scholarship Centre. They often host amazing exhibitions so keep an eye out for those too – for some, you don\u2019t even need to leave the house, <\/span>head online<\/span><\/a>!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Enrol on LibSmart\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Do you struggle with finding resources? Does referencing send you into a spin? Do you find yourself drowning in research material but unable to write an essay?\u00a0Then\u00a0<\/span>LibSmart<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is the hero you\u2019ve been holding out for.\u00a0LibSmart\u00a0is\u00a0a self-<\/span>enrol<\/span> course you can take on Learn that will teach you how to get the best out of the Library. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

LibSmart I is a basic overview of using the Library, whereas LibSmart II is great for Honours students and those doing dissertations. There\u2019s something for everyone, wherever you are in your studies. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can take\u00a0the courses\u00a0at your own pace, so you can fit it around all your other activities.\u00a0I have the excuse that this wasn\u2019t around when I started\u00a0my course, you do not \u2013\u00a0<\/span>go sign up<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and be better than me.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information, check out this introduction to LibSmart: https:\/\/media.ed.ac.uk\/media\/1_42gqg6y0<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Use Resource Lists \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Photo: Paul Dodds<\/p><\/div>\n

Resource Lists<\/span><\/a> is an amazing site where you can access tons of reading lists from courses across the university. Just sign in with your University Login and start browsing. The lists link to DiscoverEd so you can easily access the things you find. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the best things about\u00a0university\u00a0is challenging yourself and going beyond your academic comfort zone. When you find yourself wanting to research a topic you\u00a0are unfamiliar with,\u00a0or you are starting\u00a0your\u00a0dissertation\u00a0research,\u00a0Resource Lists can be a good\u00a0place to start. You can find courses relevant to\u00a0your\u00a0topic\u00a0of interest,\u00a0and access\u00a0reading lists\u00a0created\u00a0by an academic in that field.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They\u2019re also great if you\u2019re just\u00a0nosy.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Request a Book\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s something you desperately need for your studies, and the Library doesn\u2019t already have it, it is possible to request resources. Of course, not every request will be possible, but the librarians do their very best and often requests come through. So don\u2019t be shy \u2013 if you need it, <\/span>request it<\/span><\/a>!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Reference Managers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Something I really wish I\u2019d\u00a0figured out\u00a0sooner is reference managers.\u00a0Reference managers\u00a0like\u00a0<\/span>Mendeley<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are\u00a0free and\u00a0easy to use. There\u2019s also\u00a0<\/span>EndNote<\/span><\/a>, which you can\u00a0get\u00a0free\u00a0support\u00a0and\u00a0access\u00a0to\u00a0through the university. Using a reference manager\u00a0will save you a lot of time and energy. Suffice to say I was late to the reference management party and, believe me, I felt like a fool (a fool!) when I\u00a0<\/span>realised<\/span>\u00a0how much they ease your workload.\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0get off\u00a0my soapbox now.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank you for reading. If you are new to the university, I hope some of this advice helps. The main thing to take away from this is that the Library is more than a building – it’s a huge collection of resources that you’re lucky enough to have access to, in-person and online, so make the most of it!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Good luck and have a wonderful time!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maddie Cayley<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As a recent graduate from Edinburgh, you can imagine I\u2019ve spent the summer reminiscing and reflecting on my time at university. Over my four years studying Geography I spent a lot of time in the Main Library, whiled away hours … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":192,"featured_media":180,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[49],"tags":[17,12,25,9],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/files\/2021\/09\/SCENES-3-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pcUES5-2Q","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":193,"url":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/2021\/09\/28\/things-i-wish-id-known-work-rest-play\/","url_meta":{"origin":176,"position":0},"title":"Things I wish I\u2019d Known: Work, Rest, Play","date":"September 28, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"In my last post I shared six things I wish I\u2019d known sooner about the Library. But there\u2019s more to university life than studying! Even though in the depths of essay season you might feel like you should be paying rent to the Library staff rather than your landlord, when\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Student stories"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/files\/2021\/09\/IMG_6827.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":820,"url":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/2024\/06\/13\/5-things-using-the-library-over-the-summer\/","url_meta":{"origin":176,"position":1},"title":"5 things: using the Library over the summer","date":"June 13, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"It's officially the summer vacation period at the University and our libraries remain open for business. So whether you are planning on using Library resources, facilities or services during this time or if you will be away from Edinburgh for the summer and want to forget about University as much\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "5 things"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/files\/2024\/06\/DSF3130-300x200.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":519,"url":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/2023\/06\/02\/5-things-to-remember-if-using-the-library-this-summer\/","url_meta":{"origin":176,"position":2},"title":"5 things to remember if using the Library this summer","date":"June 2, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"The summer vacation period officially started this week! And while many of you are probably thinking the last thing you want to do is use the Library over the summer break, there will be a large number of students who will need to (or just want to) use the Library\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Online Library"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/files\/2023\/06\/IMG_20221027_154906_411-300x300.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":870,"url":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/2024\/09\/16\/5-things-getting-the-best-out-of-your-library\/","url_meta":{"origin":176,"position":3},"title":"5 things: getting the best out of your library","date":"September 16, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Welcome, and welcome back, to all students starting the new academic year this week! Whether you are one of the many descending on campus or one of our online or distance learners logging in from across the globe, we hope you make full use of our library resources, services and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "5 things"","img":{"alt_text":"Photograph of the front of the Main Library building showing the Library sign and students outside.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/files\/2024\/09\/20240913_112015-1024x768.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":393,"url":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/2022\/06\/17\/ten-ways-students-can-save-money-and-time-by-using-the-library\/","url_meta":{"origin":176,"position":4},"title":"Ten ways students can save money and time by using the library","date":"June 17, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Everyone's noticing the cost of living at the moment. And when you're a student juggling your studies with a job, time is money. Here's ten tips to help save money and time by using the library. It sounds obvious, but borrowing books from the Library means you don\u2019t have to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "FAQs"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/files\/2021\/09\/SCENES-3-1024x683.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1006,"url":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/2025\/03\/17\/what-to-do-when-the-library-doesnt-have-what-you-need\/","url_meta":{"origin":176,"position":5},"title":"What to do when the Library doesn’t have what you need?","date":"March 17, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"At the University Library you have access to a huge range of material for your research and learning including over 2 million books, archives, instruments and artworks, over 2 million e-books and 330,000 e-journals, as well as 1000s of streaming videos, digital scans, databases, and more. But when you are\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "How To Library"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/files\/2025\/03\/Student_laptop_books_RaB-300x271.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/192"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=176"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":309,"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/176\/revisions\/309"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/180"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=176"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=176"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/libraryblogs.is.ed.ac.uk\/asl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=176"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}