Library & Cultural Services: Skills at Library: Intro to the Library

Welcome to the Library at Essex! If you are new to using academic libraries, or simply new to Essex, take a few minutes to explore what we offer and learn how you can get the most out of the Library.

This intro to the Library covers:

What to expect when you visit in person
Where to find course-specific resources like your reading lists and Subject Guide
An overview of the information skills needed for academic success
The types of sources you can access in the Library

Click to expand presentation: Welcome to the University of Essex Library!

Already an experienced Library user? Start the next section on 'Managing Information' or return to the Skills at Library homepage to select another lesson.

Here's some quick links to help you get started:

Learn how to use the Library by exploring our Getting Started Guide.
Take a look at your reading lists so you know how to find and access course readings.
Try finding items using the Library Search. Set filters to limit your search results to content you are most interested in.
Check out your Subject Guide: a subject-specific bank of resources and guidance.

Using the Library requires basic information literacy skills. Continue learning with Skills at Library to develop advanced skills.

Want to learn more?

If you're based at Colchester or Southend, you can complete a self-guided tour to help you navigate around our physical spaces. We also have a self-guided tour of our online resources.
Keep a look out for our 'Intro to the Library' workshop. This session is offered regularly online and in person as part of the Skills at Library open workshop programme.
Complete our Academic Skills Audit to assess your current information and academic skills and discover resources to support your development.
Register for our 'Information Skills' course on Moodle to access additional learning exercises and discussions.
Click the 'Next' button below to continue learning about using reading lists and developing the information skills needed to get the most out of the Library.

Except where otherwise noted, this work by University of Essex Library and Cultural Services is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.