Introduction to Library and Learning Services for FBL students: Home

This online guide has been created to introduce you to Library and Learning Services (LLS) teams and the key resources and services available.

You will find plenty of help in Library and Learning Services (LLS), including staff based in the Learning Hub to help you access book stock and use the library facilities.  There are two professional LLS teams that can help you to develop specific skills needed to improve your academic work.  These teams are:

• Academic Librarians: help with researching and referencing
• Learning Development tutors: help with a range of academic skills from Time Management to Report Writing

Watch the following short video for a quick introduction from your Academic Librarian and Learning Development tutor:

Here are our top tips for getting started:

1. Get a head start into making the most of your study time by watching the 4 step time management video, produced by students.
2. As a student you will be encouraged to question everything, and to think critically. Read this short introduction to Critical and analytical thinking skills.  Both resources mentioned on the website are available as e-books via NELSON, and our Skills Hub has a critical thinking section.
3. You will be expected to research information from a variety of sources to support your work. Don't assume that Google is the best tool, or that everything you find is of good quality. Always question what you find.
4. Familiarise yourself with NELSON as this is a good starting point for research and connects you with key resources provided by the University. Watch the Skills Hub videos for guidance on using NELSON so you know what to do when that first assignment comes in.
5. Make sure you know how to book an appointment with LLS Teams. We are available throughout your course to help you develop your search and academic skills.

• Library web pages 
• NELSON search tool
• Skills Hub
• General library enquiries: libraryhelp@northampton.ac.uk (or use LibChat when browsing the library web pages)
• Contact Academic Librarians by email: librarians@northampton.ac.uk 
• Contact Learning Development by email: learningdevelopment@northampton.ac.uk

We wish you well on your course and look forward to meeting you in your classes.