Using library impact data to inform student marketing campaigns

This article uses an evidenced based approach using the finding of the Library Impact Data Project to help market library resources to students at the University of Huddersfield. Initiatives discussed include the roving librarian, desk-top visits and Lemontree (library game). Reading list software is also used to drive usage and the marketing of these services is also discussed. Finally, the paper looks at the use of a marketing placement student in the library

The Game of Open Access

The "Game of Open Access" is a board game developed by staff from Computing & Library Services at the University of Huddersfield. The aim is to to engage researchers with the key concepts and tools required to meet Open Access mandates. Through the use of playful learning, it aims to develop an understanding of the role of Open Access through the initial idea for an article to its acceptance for publication. The Game of Open Access comprises three files: the Game Board, a set of Game cards, and the Rules

Student reading lists: evaluating the student experience at the University of Huddersfield

Purpose: To evaluate the bespoke Resource List Management System (MyReading) at the University of Huddersfield. Design/methodology/approach: An online survey was designed to assess student use of MyReading and their views on potential improvements. The survey used closed questions designed to obtain quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data obtained from open questions to obtain. Findings: The paper supports findings of another recent study which found that reading lists are perceived as more important by students than by lecturers. A variety of positive and negative themes emerged which pointed to this conclusion. Positive themes were: the perceived helpfulness of reading lists; students' view of MyReading as a starting point for independent further reading; ease of use of MyReading and the time saving afforded to students; the value students place on their reading lists as being "quality assured" by lecturers. Negative themes were: inconsistency in the length and structure of lists; concerns that some lists are not regularly updated; lack of awareness of functionality revealing training needs for students and lecturers; suggestions for future enhancements to MyReading. Another finding from the quantitative data is a clear link between low use of reading lists by students in certain Schools and low use of other library resources. Practical implication: The research provides guidance to universities regarding future development of Resource List Management Systems and promotional and training needs. Originality/value: The study adds rich information to the existing body of qualitative research on students' perceptions of their reading lists

Targeted Provision: supporting researchers at the University of Huddersfield

The Support for Researchers group was set up at the University of Huddersfield to consider ways in which Computing and Library Services (CLS) could better support the University’s research community. The group has overseen a number of successful initiatives including targeted training sessions, creation of the Repository, development of dedicated Support for Research web pages, participation in the University Research Festival, EndNote training and support and an improved IT infrastructure for researchers

Broaden my Bookshelf: working with the University of Huddersfield SU to tackle the attainment gap

The article describes the origins and aims of the Broaden my Bookshelf initiative at the University of Huddersfield and details some of the successes and challenges of the project

Targeted provision: support for researchers at the University of Huddersfield

Many universities have a dedicated Research Officer to organise training and support for researchers. In the absence of such a role and in view of the growing importance of research within the University, the Support for Researchers group was set up at the University of Huddersfield to consider ways in which Computing and Library Services (CLS) could better support researchers. Membership of the group is designed to take in views from across the university and therefore includes academic staff and members of the Research and Enterprise office as well as CLS staff. One of the major means of supporting researchers is targeted training in the form of a half day ‘Support for Research’ session. Sessions are always full, an indication of the demand for dedicated training for researchers. Some of the topics covered are: searching for literature online; current awareness; raising awareness of our archives and Interlibrary Loan services; and managing references using EndNote and open source reference management software such as Zotero and Mendeley. As a result of surveys conducted among our research community, it became clear that many struggled with our previous research tool. The introduction of our new revolutionary research tool, Summon, has simplified the research process and allows researchers to quickly search and access high quality content. Other innovations overseen by the group have included The Repository and a Mobile Desktop service. The Repository exists to complement the existing publishing process, enabling wide and rapid dissemination of research. Mobile Desktop enables researchers to access their university desktop from off campus, including dedicated research resources such as EndNote and SPSS . Of interest to library staff, academics and researchers this presentation will give an overview of the ways in which an academic library can play a vital role in developing and supporting our researchers

Supporting lecturers to diversify their reading lists: the Broaden my Bookshelf Reading List Toolkit

A case study which describes the origins and processes of creating the Broaden my Bookshelf Reading list toolkit. This is a new resource to enable academics to diversify or decolonise their reading lists at the University of Huddersfield

The Game of Open Access: making mandates more memorable

The "Game of Open Access" was created by library staff at the University of Huddersfield to engage researchers with the key concepts and tools required to meet Open Access mandates. Through the use of playful learning, it aims to develop an understanding of the role of Open Access through the initial idea for an article to its acceptance for publication. Developed in summer 2017, the game has been played by researchers and librarians in the context of library roadshows and in Open Access information sessions. This presentation gives a brief overview of the game itself, our learning objectives, and the modifications which resulted from evaluation by players. [Lightning talk from UKSG Forum 2017 https://www.uksg.org/event/FORUM2017