Induction: introduction to library services

In this section we are going to discover what other learning resources are available to you across UHI. There are also short sections on the importance of reading around your subject area and evaluating sources.

In addition to Library Search and Talis Resource Lists which were introduced in the previous sections, you can also access a huge range of resources and subject information.

• You can find a list of all collections at A-Z Online Collections. Although Library Search contains most of the content in the A-Z, subject specific databases often have features that assist with more in-depth research. There is also additional content, including images, maps and British Standards, that cannot be access via Library Search.
• Lean Library browser plugin provides seamless access to UHI resources and support when you are conducting your research via google or google scholar. It is particularly useful when studying off campus and can save you money by highlighting eBooks and articles that are available in UHI subscriptions.
• The Libguides homepage lists our full range of support guides and links to key services and support.
• Use your Subject Guide to find key resources for your discipline.
• We also have a selection of guides aimed at academic staff.

In many courses the learning materials you find in your week by week module content (usually in the VLE) form the milestones on the ‘road map’ to learning. However, it is up to you to follow the planned route to ensure you learn the subject by completing the suggested tasks and recommended reading. The higher the level you are studying at the more ‘reading round’ a subject you will need to do.

At Level 7 (HNC or first year degree) your tutor will often provide you with most of the titles and websites you need to look at but will sometimes ask you to research specific topics or areas. At Level 9 (third year degree) you will also be given a reading list, but you will be expected to ‘read around’ your subject much more; i.e. find other sources, research your own and other people’s ideas in depth. At higher levels it is necessary for a successful student to engage with the course content, undertake additional reading and engage critically with the subject.

Your lecturers/tutors will provide you with information and they will encourage you to examine that information critically but much of your ability to do this will depend on how much you have read about different perspectives on the subject – and you have access to a considerable range of reading through UHI.

Whatever resources you are using you should be a critical reader; this involves questioning what you read rather than taking it at face value. With each resource you look at you need to ask yourself:

• When was it written? If it is old then any factual information it contains could be out of date.
• Who was it written by? Is it written by an impartial observer, or someone who may have a biased viewpoint?
• Why was it written? Is it written as a factual account (are all the facts correct? What evidence is presented for these?), a comment piece (so may express the author’s individual point of view), a press release or advertising campaign (so may be trying to sell the reader something).
• What evidence is given for the facts or views presented? Does the writer back up any claims they make with evidence; such as by referring to research or news articles about the topic?