Category Archives: Research & Learning Services

Hands-on sessions and your feedback

Univeristy of Ediburgh LogoIn June we ran two hands-on sessions introducing Resource Lists @ Edinburgh using Talis Aspire. After each session we asked for feedback, and you gave it!

 

Handwriting: "I very much wish I'd had this when I was a student!! As it is I can see a number of ways it would be useful to have as a librarian. Excellent session in all respects, I thoroughly enjoyed it! :) "

“I very much wish I’d had this when I was a student!! As it is I can see a number of ways it would be useful to have as a librarian. Excellent session in all respects, I thoroughly enjoyed it! 🙂 ”

Handwriting: "I would have preferred to work through the tasks on my own - the system is very easy (and the handout was very clear!) - and then come in for more of an advanced trouble shooting Q&A style event."

“I would have preferred to work through the tasks on my own – the system is very easy (and the handout was very clear!) – and then come in for more of an advanced trouble shooting Q&A style event.”

Handwriting: "Really enjoyed the session. Very informative."

“Really enjoyed the session. Very informative.”

It is very important to us as we develop Resource Lists as a tool to hear back from you, so we really do appreciate all of your feedback. We have also taken the suggestion of a more advanced troubleshooting session under consideration, this would indeed be good to do once we have more people using the service.

In the meantime we are also happy to arrange alternative training sessions for individuals or small groups.

Missed out on the June sessions? That’s okay we’re running two more in July!

The sessions focus on introducing Resource Lists @ Edinburgh using Talis Aspire, and all sessions are bookable via MyEd.

Sessions begin with an Introduction to the Resource List system followed by a hands-on workshop where attendees are able to try out the system and start creating their own Resource Lists with the support and guidance of Library Staff.

The sessions are open to all Course Organisers, Programme Directors, College/School IT staff or Admin staff and Library staff who may create lists on behalf of others.

Dates/Times/Venue

Tue 22nd July 2014: 10am-12noon, Main Library, George Square, Training Rm 1.12

Wed 30th July 2014: 2-4pm, Main Library, George Square, Training Rm 1.08

Before you attend

When you register for the session, you will be sent an email inviting you to register to use Talis Aspire. Please follow the link in the email to accept the invitation. This will give you access to the Resource List system.

If you can’t make these dates

If you are interested in Resource Lists @ Edinburgh but can’t attend on these dates, please get in touch. We are happy to arrange alternative training sessions for individuals or small groups.

More information is available on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.


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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant

Promoting great lists – EDCMOOC

Univeristy of Ediburgh LogoEDCMOOC
Created by Jeremy Knox
Moray House School of Education

 

Jeremy created this resource list to complement the University of Edinburgh MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), E-Learning and Digital Cultures.  To our knowledge this list was one of the first, if not the first use of Talis Aspire for a MOOC.

We love the way that Jeremy has combined the use of Pages to include extended explanations and discussions around the resources! He has also made great use of Talis Aspire’s ability to embed YouTube clips.  The list is clearly structured by the four weeks of the MOOC, each week containing a Page with four embedded YouTube clips including information and discussion prompts for each of the clips.

My favourite of the included YouTube clips is Film 1:  Bendito Machine III on the Popular Cultures Page for Week 1: Looking to the past.

In addition to this, Jeremy has used Student Notes to provide substantial commentary on each of his resources. The notes make very clear what is the purpose of each resource and are written in a lively conversational tone. He has also used this space to pose questions and promote thought and discussion among participants of his MOOC.

Although we don’t have access to the exact student numbers for this MOOC, according to the Dashboard this list was successfully viewed 1266 times with 161 total clicks. A very successful list!

If you are interested in creating your own Resource List more information is available on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.

We are also running ‘Hands-on’ introductory sessions to Resource Lists @ Edinburgh this June & July. Sessions are bookable via MyEd.


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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant

Bookmarking E-Reserve Articles/Chapters

Univeristy of Ediburgh LogoThe process of linking E-reserve articles hosted on a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) such as Learn or Moodle on your resource list  is fairly simple. Remember, if at any stage you feel you require assistance by all means get in touch with us at Library.learning@ed.ac.uk

When creating a bookmark link to an E-reserve article within any VLE, it’s important to provide that clear guidance is provided to students. In order to read an article provided in any of the University’s virtual learning environments, a student needs to be:

a) enrolled into that specific class and
b) logged into the environment.

Below is an example of the information that needs to be provided for student’s accessing an article in LEARN, we recommend adding this text somewhere towards the top of your resource list. :

Learn Chapters/Articles
– Please note that some articles/chapters are provided for you on LEARN. Ensure that  you are logged into LEARN before attempting to read the article. If you are not enrolled for this course on LEARN you will not be able to access the article.
– Click on the blue ‘Online Resource’ button to go directly to the article.
– If the book is available in the Library you can find more information by clicking on the
title of the book in red text.

We also recommend adding the below text in the Student Note for any bookmarked resource that will be provided as an E-reserve item via a VLE.

Please note this article/chapter has been provided for you on LEARN.

When creating a bookmark for an E-reserve article or book chapter please select the item type as ‘document’. This will ensure that Library Learning Staff can quickly and easily identify E-reserve items and also allows students to filter by item type if they want to focus on E-reserve articles.

Creating a bookmark for an E-Reserve item

1. Bookmark from the Library catalogue the book your E-reserve article/chapter will be taken
from and add this to your list.

2. In the ‘Note for student’ section include the page/chapter details of the E-reserve item and
the following text, “Please note this article/chapter has been provided for you on LEARN.” (swap out LEARN for whichever platform being used by your School).

3. In the ‘Note for library’ section include the following text, “E-Reserve – When URL is available please edit the metadata and add ‘Web Address’ ‘ and enter the E-reserve URL for the chapter/article. Ensure that the ‘Online Resource’ button is ticked.”

LEARN

 4. Once E-reserve provide you with the URL for your article/chapter, go back in and edit the metadata of your bookmark.

5. Click on the drop down box ‘Add field’, select ‘Web address’ and ‘Add’.

6. Cut and paste the E-reserve URL into the web address, then save (remembering to tick the ‘online resource’ box).

documents2

The ‘Note for Student’ will be visible on the saved draft of your list and to students once the list has been published. However, the ‘Note for library’ will only be visible in ‘Edit’ mode and to the Library Learning Services team.

LEARN2

Additional guides and information can be found on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.

We are also running four ‘Hands-on’ introductory sessions to Resource Lists @ Edinburgh this June & July. Sessions are bookable via MyEd.


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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant

Promoting great lists

Univeristy of Ediburgh LogoThe sources of knowledge: Understanding and analysing research literature [SV1-FLEX] 
Created by Dr Peter Allison FRGS
Senior Lecturer Values and Experiential Learning / Depute Director of Postgraduate Studies

What initially caught our attention about Peter’s list was his note at the top encouraging students to contact the course organiser with any materials that may be particularly useful for inclusion with the list, in particular web pages or YouTube clips. These have been collected towards the bottom of the list in the section ‘Useful Websites’ and, by the number of resources in this section, it looks to have been quite successful in promoting self-study and engagement with students.

Another way Peter’s list has encouraged skills learning is his use of resources. In the section ‘Session One’ instead of simply linking directly to a journal article, Peter has instead opted to provide a resource link to the University Library Catalogue and then in the Student Note has directed students to search for the article themselves. Peter has also used the Student Note to provide information on where to find help on how to search if they have difficulty with this task.

The list has a very focused purpose, each section has a study note explaining what it contains and who it may be relevant to, and many of the resources have student notes describing the resource and including instructions on how the student is to use it, e.g. “Please read Chapters Six and Seven of this book and bring notes to the workshop this week”.

Peter has also made use of Talis Aspire’s ability to link and embed YouTube clips, adding a number of these to the list, including upbeat and engaging clips such as ‘Conspiracies, Mind Control and Falsifiability‘.

Many of the resources themselves are quite interesting and eye-catching:
– Statistics without tears: a primer for non-mathematicians – Rowntree, Derek 2000
– How to read journal articles in the social sciences: a very practical guide for students – Shon, Phillip C. 2012 Book Essential Read and take notes on: Chapter 1: Serial Killers and Book Reports

Peter’s list was created as part of the research courses for all postgraduate students at the School of Education, covering approximately 650 students. According to the Dashboard this list was successfully viewed 1937 times with 1810 total clicks and 28 notations.

If you are interested in creating your own Resource List more information is available on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.

We are also running four ‘Hands-on’ introductory sessions to Resource Lists @ Edinburgh this June & July. Sessions are bookable via MyEd.


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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant

Zombie Apocalypse Guide – How to access resources during a zombie outbreak or other event

Univeristy of Ediburgh LogoWhile we don’t take ourselves too seriously, we at Library Learning Services are quite serious about providing the best information and access to Library resources.

 

To this end we have created a new resource list:

Do Not Feed the Zombie

Zombie Apocalypse Guide – How to access resources during a zombie outbreak or other event

The guide provides valuable information on how to access Edinburgh University Library resources electronically and off-campus during a zombie outbreak (or other event preventing students from accessing materials on-campus).

Note: if you are not already, you will be prompted to log in to EASE to access subscription content.

Other resource list guides created by the Library Learning Services team include Remembering H.R. Giger – the artist behind Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’ and a selection of example lists providing guidance on the variety of resources and formats available to use with Resource Lists @ Edinburgh.

View the full list of guides created on Resource Lists @ Edinburgh: Library Guides

If you are interested in creating your own Resource List more information is available on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.

We are also running four ‘Hands-on’ introductory sessions to Resource Lists @ Edinburgh this June & July. Sessions are bookable via MyEd.


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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant

Hands-on sessions in June & July bookable via MyEd

Univeristy of Ediburgh LogoWe’ve had such a fantastic response to the two hands-on sessions organised in June that we’ve created two more sessions for July!

The sessions focus on introducing Resource Lists @ Edinburgh using Talis Aspire, and all sessions are bookable via MyEd.

The sessions will begin with an Introduction to the Resource List system followed by a hands-on workshop where attendees will be able to try out the system and start creating their own Resource Lists with the support and guidance of Library Staff.

The sessions are open to all Course Organisers, Programme Directors, College/School IT staff or Admin staff and Library staff who may create lists on behalf of others.

Dates/Times/Venue

Wed 18th June 2014: 2-4pm, Main Library, George Square, Training Rm 1.12

Wed 25th June 2014: 2-4pm, Main Library, George Square, Training Rm 1.08

Tue 22nd July 2014: 10am-12noon, Main Library, George Square, Training Rm 1.12

Wed 30th July 2014: 2-4pm, Main Library, George Square, Training Rm 1.08

Before you attend

When you register for the session, you will be sent an email inviting you to register to use Talis Aspire. Please follow the link in the email to accept the invitation. This will give you access to the Resource List system.

If you can’t make these dates

If you are interested in Resource Lists @ Edinburgh but can’t attend on these dates, please get in touch. We are happy to arrange alternative training sessions for individuals or small groups.

More information is available on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.


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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant

Dashing Skeletons and a Zebrule

Univeristy of Ediburgh LogoWhat do a dashing skeleton, some beautiful feathers, Shakespeare, and a Zebrule named Romulus all have in common? These are the images selected from the University’s Images Online collection for our new Resource Lists @ Edinburgh postcards!

 

WP_001497

The images have all come from the University’s Images Online collection (images.is.ed.ac.uk)  which displays and highlights images of resources held by the University of Edinburgh Library. The images that have been created by the University’s Digital Imaging Unit are freely accessible to all and well worth a look.

Proving particularly popular is the design featuring an image of Romulus the Zebrule. Romulus was bred by Scottish zoologist, James Cossar Ewart at Penicuick  in the 1890s. If you are as curious about Romulus as we were further information can be found over on the Towards Dolly blog post – Zebra Crossing – James Cossar Ewart, Romulus and the Penicuik Experiments.

Another excellent image of Romulus as a foal can be viewed in high quality over on the Images Online collection: Romulus at 7 days old

We are currently gathering feedback on our postcard designs so if there is a particular image in this selection that you enjoy please let us know. We will be handing out the postcards during our workshops and demonstrations over the summer:

Wed 18th June 2014: 2-4pm, Main Library, George Square, Training Rm 1.12

Wed 25th June 2014: 2-4pm, Main Library, George Square, Training Rm 1.08

The above workshops are bookable via MyEd. If you are interested in Resource Lists @ Edinburgh but can’t attend on these dates, please get in touch. We are happy to arrange alternative training sessions for individuals or small groups.

More information is available on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.


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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant

An introduction to Talis Aspire Campus Edition

Univeristy of Ediburgh LogoAn introduction to Talis Aspire Campus Edition, used by Resource Lists @ Edinburgh to provide dynamic reading and resource lists for staff and students.

 

More information is available on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.


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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant

Turning your Reading List into a Resource List – we can do it for you

Univeristy of Ediburgh Logo

 

Did you know that Library Learning Services are able to take your existing Reading List and turn it into a Resource List for you?

As this semester winds down we all start looking towards the new academic year. If you have an existing reading list that you would like to see transformed into an interactive online reading list we can do this for you!

Simply send us your list, and the earlier the better.

Part of this service also includes providing a summary of the items on your list, books, journals and articles, with information on how many are held and at what locations within the University of Edinburgh Libraries. This means you can see in advance where additional materials might need to be ordered or moved into reserved/short loan sections of the library.

The earlier a request is placed for additional library materials the greater the likelihood they will be on the shelves ready for students in the new academic year.

Send us your reading list  and we will transfer it into a resource list on resourcelists.ed.ac.uk for you, then place it back in your hands for any alterations and to publish at a time of your own choosing.

We will provide information on how to edit and maintain your Resource List once it has been handed over to you, and we are available to answer questions and provide Resource List guidance during every step of the academic year.

Additional training and assistance in the maintenance of the Resource Lists can be arranged by contacting Library.Learning@ed.ac.uk.

If you would like to send us your reading list there are a few important pieces of information that will help us provide you with the best possible service:

Required information for Resource List creation (PDF)

More information is available on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.


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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant

Remembering H.R. Giger

Univeristy of Ediburgh LogoIt was announced yesterday that the renowned surrealist artist H.R. Giger, best known for his creation of the alien monster for the movie of the same name has died at the age of 74.

In addition to the unsettling and terrifying sets he created for Ridley Scott’s films, in the art world Giger is appreciated for his wide body of work in the fantastic realism and surrealistic genres. He was named to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 2013.

H. R. Gigers Birth Machine sculpture in Gruyères, Switzerland

H. R. Gigers Birth Machine sculpture in Gruyères, Switzerland

Library Learning Services have created a Resource List in remembrance of H.R. Giger for anyone interested in learning more about this fantastic artist and his works.

To view the list follow the link below to Resource Lists @ Edinburgh: Resource Lists @ Edinburgh – Remembering H.R. Giger

Resource lists are flexible and can be easily updated at any time. If you would like to suggest a resource to add to the list by all means drop us an email at Library.Learning@ed.ac.uk or send us a tweet @ResourceListsEd

We would love to hear from you.

More information on how to make the most of Resource Lists can be found on the Resource Lists using Talis Aspire webpage and the ResourceLists@Edinburgh Blog.

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Stephanie Farley

Library Learning Services Assistant