Library and IT training

30 minutes with the Scholarly Communications Team

Each semester we run a series of short training sessions that introduce researchers to the key ideas in the topics that we support, with some talks led by experts from elsewhere in the Library and other professional services. Training includes such topics as Open Access, Publishing Journal Articles, Read & Publish agreements, Copyright in Scholarship, ORCID & other Persistent Identifiers, and Research Metrics.

To select a session please click on 'Book your place'.

Finding Information for Your Research

Date and time: Tuesday 21 November 2023, 12:00 to 13:00

Location: Online via Google Meet Conferencing.

Presenter: Helen Whittaker.

Description: An exploration of the most effective methods of searching, discovering and accessing information for your research. The session will include an overview of research tools and services available via the Library, as well as techniques for getting the best from them. Discover key resources for keeping up-to-date and refresh and enhance your search skills.

Endnote Training - Managing information overload

Date and time: Wednesday 29 November 2023, 12:00 to 13:00

Location: Online via Google Meet Conferencing.

Presenter: Helen Whittaker.

Description: Managing information overload - this session provides an introduction to EndNote, a reference management service. Find out how to collect, store and manage your references efficiently and effectively using EndNote. Discover how to use EndNote with many databases and library catalogues to transfer references into your EndNote library and create bibliographies or reference lists formatted in the style of your choice. The session will also include tips on citing your references correctly.

Keeping up to date with your research

Date and time: Tuesday 6 February 2024, 13:00 to 14:00 

Location: Live Online via Google Meet Conferencing, invitations will be sent to all those who book this session.

Presenter: Helen Whittaker, Academic Liaison Team Leader.

Description: Keeping up to date with the huge amount of information available to you can be overwhelming and challenging. This session provides tips and strategies for staying current in your area of research and managing your information. We will also look at key current awareness resources and tools.

Endnote training - Managing information overload

Date and time: Wednesday 24 April 2024, 13:00 to 14:00

Location: Online via Google Meet Conferencing.

Presenter: Helen Whittaker.

Description: Managing information overload - this session provides an introduction to EndNote, a reference management service. Find out how to collect, store and manage your references efficiently and effectively using EndNote. Discover how to use Endnote with many databases and library catalogues to transfer references into your EndNote library and create bibliographies or reference lists formatted in the style of your choice. The session will also include tips on citing your references correctly.

Library training sessions

A programme of free library training sessions for all students runs each semester, including sessions specifically for researchers. Details can be found on the Library website.

Additionally, each Academic Liaison Librarian organises training for groups and individuals in their subject areas.

Research-related software training

Alex Friend, Training and Development Specialist, has created a range of Moodle courses on industry-standard packages that are widely used across the University.

After logging in and self-enrolling onto the Moodle course(s), students can download electronic copies of the self-paced courses and find links to other resources.

Click the links below to access the relevant course:

General Information on the IT Training website:

Contact Alex Friend (asfriend@brookes.ac.uk) if you have any questions.

IT services

IT services available for research students include:

  • one-to-one support from the training team who provide project specific guidance on software packages;
  • free online training and support in software packages most often used in research projects, including ARCGIS, NVIVO, SPSS and Microsoft Office; and
  • remote support if you are unable to come onto campus via a remote connection to your computer.

Further information can be found on the IT Services website.