What our teaching can include
An overview of what the University Library's teaching can include. Several topics can be combined in a single lecture or course.
Searching for academic literature
This is aimed at students or staff who need to search for academic literature related to a topic or research question. It is described here as a basic and an advanced level, but the content is generally adapted to the level of the written work and to the discipline. The teaching is given by University Library staff with knowledge of the literature and search tools in the field.
Level 1: Introduction to academic searching
Introduces students to academic search sources. We go through the most basic search methods needed to find relevant literature, and how to develop a simple search strategy. Students are introduced to at least one literature database relevant to their discipline.
Learning outcomes:
- know where to find relevant databases for their field
- know what the databases contain, and understand how the content is structured
- know basic search techniques
- be able to build a simple search strategy and implement it in a search tool
- be able to narrow down the results, filter and save references, and find access to full text
Level 2: Systematic searching
Aimed at students or staff who need to carry out systematic searches for academic literature for a student assignment, doctoral thesis or research project.
We go through the databases relevant to the discipline, what they contain and how they are structured. We also cover how to develop search strategies, different types of search operators, searching with controlled vocabulary and appropriate use of search filters. We recommend including a practical part where participants work on their own research questions.
Learning outcomes:
- know the important databases within the relevant discipline
- have knowledge of systematic searching as a method for data collection
- be able to develop advanced search strategies for systematic searches for different research questions and implement them in the relevant databases
- be able to save and edit searches, and export result lists
- detailed knowledge
Using and evaluating sources, and referencing
Using and evaluating sources
We go through different types of sources and familiarize students with the most common publication formats in their field. The aim is to give students the knowledge and skills to evaluate sources critically, so that they can choose relevant sources of high academic quality. The course also raises awareness of academic publications as fundamental building blocks in their own academic work.
Learning outcomes:
- know the different types of sources in their own discipline
- understand the purpose of using sources in academic texts
- be able to apply criteria to assess whether sources are reliable and relevant
- know what distinguishes academic publications from other types of sources, and know what peer review involves
- be able to see the connection between good use of sources and the quality of their own written work
understand how the use of sources and the practice of academic integrity are connected
The course Digital Source Criticism (DIGI101) is part of UiB's course package in digital skills. All new students are recommended to take the course. Registration is done in Studentweb.
Referencing
We go through how different sources should be documented through citations and reference lists in accordance with the standard for their discipline.
Learning outcomes:
- understand why you should reference sources
- know the difference and the connection between citation and references
- know what a reference style is, and which one is common for their discipline
- know how a reference is structured, and how to cite the most common types of sources
- be able to insert citations in the text and set up a reference list
- know the recommended support resources for the relevant reference style
Sharing and reusing research data
Research data is a central part of value creation in research. These courses are aimed at students or staff who either generate or reuse research data in their work. We therefore offer different courses based on these needs.
Finding and using research data
This is aimed at students and PhD candidates who will reuse other people's research data.
Learning outcomes
- know what defines research data
- know where to search for relevant research data within the relevant field
- know the rules for reusing other people's data
Data management in research projects
This is aimed at students and PhD candidates who want to learn about relevant resources and establish good data management routines at the start of a new master's or PhD project.
Learning outcomes
- know what constitutes research data in their own field
- know the rules for proper data storage and backup
- be able to apply basic principles for organizing and documenting data
Managing and sharing research data
This is aimed at students and PhD candidates who generate research data and will make it available.
Learning outcomes
- know what defines research data
- know the FAIR principles and be able to apply them to look after their own data and prepare it for possible sharing
- know the different archives for research data
Data management plans
This is aimed at students and PhD candidates who will write a data management plan.
Learning outcomes
- know what a data management plan is and what it should contain
- know the different data management tools
- be able to develop their own data management plan
The University Library's special collections in education and research
Our special collections contain material that is different from what you find on the University Library's open shelves. Here you will find historical photographs, antiquarian documents, archives on the history of academic disciplines and research, queer histories, a Nynorsk word bank and much more. The collections are a treasure trove for research, dissemination and assignment writing.
Learning outcomes:
- familiarity with a selection of UiB's primary sources
- familiarity with one or more of the fields of queer history, the history of photography, language work, book history and manuscript studies
- insight into methods related to different forms of archival work
- insight into the materiality of different primary sources
Introduction to the University Library's services
We give an introduction to our services and show how to find relevant literature in the collections through the search portal Oria. If needed, we also present other search tools that are particularly relevant to the field.
Learning outcomes:
- know and use the library's search system
- be able to navigate and use the library's collections
- know the different formats of academic literature
- know how to access literature resources that are behind a paywall
Reference management tools: EndNote, Zotero and BibTeX
We offer open courses and teaching on different reference management tools (EndNote, Zotero and BibTeX). See the University Library's calendar for an overview of upcoming courses. Which software is useful for different students depends somewhat on the types of assignment they write and the software they use for writing.
Learning outcomes:
- know the interface of the software in question
- be able to create collections of references
- be able to import references from different sources
- be able to edit references using the software
- be able to choose the correct reference style using the software
be able to use the collected references when writing