Researchers

Online Library resources

As an OU research student (full and part time) you have access to a world-class collection of online resources.

These high quality and trusted resources support you when researching and writing and assignments, exploring subjects or carrying out in-depth research and include resources such as:

• academic journals
• newspapers
• academic books

together with specialist resources like statistical sources, legislation, conference alerts, conference proceedings and research funding opportunities databases.

Resources beyond the OU

When we do not have something in stock you can use Document Delivery to obtain the item for you from other libraries and sources.

You can also register for and use the British Library EThOS service to obtain British doctoral theses in digital form.

The SCONUL Access scheme allows researchers to visit and borrow from other participating academic libraries in the UK.

OU research students can obtain a readers pass to visit the British Library. You can then put in an advance request for sources to be made available to you at the London Reading Rooms.

Improving your skills

Our aim is to help you successfully complete your research or studies. We provide a range of different guides and training methods to help you get the most out of our resources.

• Specialist staff deliver subject based inductions to help you get started, and provide support throughout your doctoral studies.
• Information skills for researchers provides guidance on all stages of your research, from reviewing the literature to finding funding and writing up.
• We provide a range of online training sessions. You can attend a live session or listen to a recording at a time to suit you. Topics covered include keeping up to date, and using Refworks.

Open Research Online

Open Research Online (ORO) is the OU’s open access online repository for its peer-reviewed, published research outputs. OU academic staff and researchers are encouraged to deposit their peer reviewed research publications in ORO, there are many benefits in doing so:

• Wider access to your research
• Enhanced impact of your work
• Long-term preservation of your publications
• Funding body compliance

Electronic copies of OU awarded theses can also be deposited in ORO.

Managing Information

A wide range of products, many free are now available to help researchers manage literature searching and found references. The Library supports and provides training in the use of EndNote and Refworks bibliographic software. There are also many freely available bibliographic management software tools available.

The Library provides you with advice to avoid plagiarism and acknowledge where appropriate that work you are using came from someone else.

The OU itself provides guidance and codes of conduct to adhere to whilst carrying out research.

Advice and Guidance

If you would like advice about where to find library resources or how to use them have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) which provide clear answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Library Helpdesk staff are also available seven days a week to support you and can be contacted by phone, email or webchat.

Walton Hall Library

The OU Library at Walton Hall is open Monday to Friday and contains the OU Library’s print collections. The print collections can be searched using the Library Catalogue. Other facilities that are available include, study spaces, PCs and Macs, photocopying and printing facilities. It has a dedicated Research Meeting Room and informal meeting space.

Note to take books out of the Library you will first need to register your Library card at this page