December 16, 2020, by Emma

Nine top tips for the winter break

Our nine top tips for making the most of our online library resources over the winter break and to start preparing for January.

1. Browse our online resources

Screenshot of online resouces including Kanopy, ScienceDirect and JStor.

Our collections contain thousands of online resources including ebooks, ejournals and even leisure reading titles.  

When searching on NUsearch you can filter to ‘Available online’ to narrow your search to just items that are available online.  

If you’re looking for a good read over the winter break, some titles from our leisure reading collection are available as ebooks.  

Search NUsearch

2. Download Library Access

Access to online resources has never been more important. Last year, we introduced the Library Access browser extension which provides quick and easy access to eresources off-campus. 

To try the extension, download it from your browser’s store and log in with your University of Nottingham username and password. 

Once active, you will be able to access online resources without having to visit NUsearch first.

Library Access will also notify you when we have a copy of a resource you are viewing in our collections as well as checking for open access versions 

Library Access

3. Film, TV and theatre

So, you’ve bought your copy of the Radio Times and highlighted this year’s must-watch shows but did you know you can also access thousands of tv, film, theatre and radio broadcasts through Libraries? 

Drama Online

Watch theatre productions on demand including 30 National Theatre Live productions. Some of our favourite include Frankenstein and Small Island. 

Go to Drama Online

Box Of Broadcasts (BoB)

Record recently aired programmes and search the archive of over two million access thousands of TV and radio broadcasts. You can search for playlists and even create your own.

Go to Box of Broadcasts

4. Develop your academic skills

College student in class, taking notes and using a highlighter

Do you have assessments in January or are you just keen to further develop your academic skills?

We have a wide range of resources to help you including videos and downloads. The resources cover a variety of topics – from time management and note-making to developing your critical thinking and referencing skills. 

Visit the Student Academic Skills Moodle Hub for your Faculty to find resources specific to your area of study, along with details of upcoming events.

If you need help on a specific topic you can request a session. 

5. Find your subject guide

In September we launched our brand new subject guides – an overview of the key resources for your subject. 

Take a look at the guide for your Faculty to discover how to use NUsearch to find print and online resources, including a list of the key classmarks plus an overview of the subject databases and specialist resources. 

If you need further help with finding resources, take a look at our events calendar for upcoming drop-in sessions.  

Find your subject guide

6. Add upcoming dates to your diary

Every week, Libraries run a wide range of online sessions. From study sessions and Q&As to sessions on critical thinking and introductions to NUsearchyou should find something to help you manage your studies. 

You can browse upcoming sessions on our events calendar or browse by topic. Most sessions are held on Teams and some sessions must be booked in advance, check the event page for full details. 

Events calendar

7. Book study space for January

If you’re keen to use study space in libraries as soon as we open on Monday 4 Januarybookings will go live for this date seven days in advance on Monday 28 December 

Book study space

8. Do you have books on loan?

Shelf of books

Your loans will continue to automatically renew every day unless they are requested by someone else. 

If your books are requested, you won’t need to return these until 11 January and fines will be waived until this date.

Library emails are switched off over the break but you can check if your books have been requested on NUsearch. Emails will resume again in the New Year so you will receive a reminder if your books need to be returned.

If you are returning to Nottingham after 11 January, please contact Library staff who will be able to help. 

Library loans over the break

9. Visit the Libraries website

The Libraries website includes guidance on a wide range of topics including:  

Libraries essentials – Getting started with your library

Discover our collections – NUsearch, requesting books and more 

Research support – support with all aspects of research lifecycle including data management, systematic reviews and publishing open access 

Posted in ChristmasCollectionsCustomer ServicesebooksEventsLeisure readingLibrary HacksNUsearchOnline resourcesPostgraduateResearch SupportStudent Academic SkillsTaught PostgraduatesTeaching and LearningUndergraduate