Develop digital library skills with LibSmart

Build your library skills with LibSmart. The two courses, LibSmart I and LibSmart II, are in Learn's Essentials area and take you from avoiding plagiarism, using DiscoverEd effectively and managing references to literature searching and data management for your dissertation or thesis project.

What is LibSmart?

LibSmart I and II are online Learn courses, in Learn's Essentials area, developed with the aim of ensuring that every student is digitally capable in using library resources for their study and research. Open to all students, both courses can be worked through in their entirety, or one or two of the most relevant modules selected instead. The courses can be begun at any point in the academic year. 

Banner image for LibSmart programme. University crest is visible on the left. The central image is of the Main Library. To the r

LibSmart I

Designed to help you get started using library resources at the University, LibSmart I can be studied how and when it suits you. It has five modules that will take you step by step from starting to use the library to researching a topic for a report or essay. You can choose to work through every module or just those most relevant to you.

LibSmart I includes reflective activities to get you thinking about your own skills, experiences and what you hope to achieve. You can revisit the course at any point during your studies, using it as a hub of resources to support your personal and academic development. 

The content covers:

Getting started with the LibraryGet started with accessing and using online library resources for your studies
Your information landscapeExplore and use key library resources appropriate to your discipline
Finding and retrievalFind material for an essay or report on a topic
Managing informationManage the information you’ve found and avoid information overload
Referencing and avoiding plagiarismUse Library tools to develop good academic practice with citation and referencing

 

Banner image for LibSmart programme. University crest is visible on the left. The central image is of the Main Library. To the r

LibSmart II

LibSmart II in Learn Essentials, takes you further into the library landscape, aiming to help you undertake dissertation, thesis or project research.  We recommend you complete LibSmart I before moving on to LibSmart II, as you will build on the foundations developed there. However, you can always dive in to LibSmart II and refer back to LibSmart I if it begins to feel that could be useful. 

The modules in LibSmart II:

  • How to use the Library for your research project.
  • Literature searching for systematic reviews.
  • Data literacy for beginners.
  • Data Mindfulness.

 

How to find LibSmart on Learn

To locate the course in Learn:

  1. Visit www.learn.ed.ac.uk
  2. Log in using your UUN (normal university username and password)
  3. From the left hand navigation, select 'Essentials'
  4. Locate LibSmart I: Your Library Research Starts Here or LibSmart II: Advance Your Library Research from the list. 
  5. All students should see, and be able to participate in, the LibSmart courses.

Please use the IS Helpline if you:

  • Cannot see, in your Learn Essentials area, the LibSmart course you want.
  • Have problems accessing LibSmart.
  • Are a member of staff who wants to use or review content in either LibSmart course.

Contact the IS Helpline about problems accessing the LibSmart courses

 

Contact Us

To contact the Academic Support Librarian working with your subject area and talk about LibSmart, extra training or anything library-related, please use one of the pages below. Alternatively, submit a request through EdHelp.  

Academic Support Librarians 

Information Literacy training

Library guides for subject specific library resources and support

EdHelp  

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