Information Skills & Research Support
Library support for every stage of your research
This page outlines the services the library offers in terms of a library training programme or tutorials for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
First Year Library Training in Information Literacy
First years are introduced to the Library with an induction at the start of the year, which covers:
- Borrowing rights
- Opening times
- Library regulations
- Different collections and how to find them
- Catalogue and other electronic resources available
- Inter-Library Loans
- Information skills training
Class Training in Information Literacy
The class sessions are booked with the library by a lecturer. Training sessions usually take about 45 minutes and can include:
- How to search the Catalogue
- Sources available in the subject area in both hard copy and electronic format
- How to build a search strategy and conduct the search
- How to access the information on the databases. Print/email
- Inter-Library Loans
Introduction to Citations and Referencing
Introduction to Citations and Referencing class sessions are booked with the library by a lecturer. Classes usually take about 45 minutes.
Tutorials
Library staff also conduct one-to-one and small group inductions that can be booked by students.
For more information, please contact the library at ext. 91700 or kerrylibrary@mtu.ie or call to the library.
Click on the tabs below to see the level at which students would normally cover various topics in library classes or tutorials.
An introductory training programme for first year students offering a basic foundation in using the library’s print and online resources.
Topics covered include:
- A general overview of library facilities and services.
- Details of borrowing rights, renewals, fines.
- How to search for print books on the catalogue.
- Searching and accessing e-books via the catalogue.
- How to search the library’s online databases through Multisearch (Basic Search Skills).
- Finding past exam papers online.Introduction to Citations and Referencing.
Suitable for:
First year students or students new to MTU Kerry
When should you attend:
Semester 1 – 2.
Support Materials:
Various print guides; online LibGuides
An intermediate training programme for second and third year students building on Research Skill I with more in-depth research skills and more developed search strategies.
Topics covered include:
- Sources available in the subject area in both hard copy and electronic format.
- Searching / accessing e-books via the catalogue.
- Creating an ebrary account and using the Bookshelf feature
- Search the library’s online databases through Multisearch (Advanced Search Skills).
- Finding online journal articles and materials for assignments.
- How to access the information on the databases. Print/email/export.
- How to build a search strategy and conduct the search.
- Searching specific databases in the subject area.
- Saving searches, RSS feeds and alerts.
- Citations and Referencing.
Suitable for:
Second or third year students beginning a research assignment.
When should you attend:
Semester 3 – 6.
Support Materials:
Various print guides; online LibGuides
An advanced training programme for fourth year and postgraduate students building on Research Skills II with a detailed literature review, advanced research skills, with more systematic and comprehensive search strategies and referencing.
Topics covered include:
- Creating a search strategy for your research topic.
- Boolean logic.
- Literature review.
- Finding online journal articles.
- Using relevant subject databases.
- Evaluating information sources.
- Saving searches, RSS feeds and alerts.
- Other sources: Advanced Google, Google Scholar.
- Avoiding plagiarism.
- Citations and Referencing.
- Harvard Referencing.
- Exporting bibliographic references from databases.
- Inter Library Loans.
Suitable for:
Fourth year students or postgraduate students beginning a major research project or thesis.
When should you attend:
Semester 5 – 8.
Support Materials:
Various print guides, online LibGuides.
Library staff offer one-to-one and small group tutorials that can be booked by students at any level and can be tailored according to the specific research area. Small group or one to one sessions arranged in consultation with the relevant School Librarian.
This training could include:
- Defining the subject area for research.
- Developing a comprehensive search strategy.
- Searching library resources.
- Systematic Searching for a Literature Review