The Open UniversitySkip to content
Information literacy toolkit Skip to content Help your students to develop essential skills in information literacy

Library basics

A rollerdex

Many of your students will not be familiar with the Open University Library website, and many may never have used an online library before. A good time to introduce students to the online library is at the start of the module. Getting to grips with the basics at the start will save them time later on in the module when they are facing TMA deadlines.

This material will help your students to:

  • get a basic understanding of the Open University Library

Activity

If you only have five minutes to spend on introducing the Library to your students, tell them the three main points:

  • The Open University Library site is for them

    • The Open University Library site provides learning resources for students during their studies. They should see the Library’s website as the equivalent of the front door of their university library.

  • Their OU passwords are also their Library passwords

    • The OU passwords which the students receive on registration are also the ones they need to access the electronic resources.

  • How to get help from the Library

    • The Library Helpdesk team provide personal help and guidance on finding information for students (and ALs).