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Library News

Issues accessing referencing guidance on Cite Them Right 23 March 2023

Thursday, 23 March, 2023 - 09:09

We are aware that there is currently an issue with the Cite Them Right database.

A dark blue background featuring the OU logo underneath the text, 'New Library Resource. Emerging Markets Case Studies collection'.

NEW Library Resource: Emerging Markets Case Studies collection

Friday, 10 March, 2023 - 08:49

We now have perpetual access to the Emerging Markets Case Studies collection.

Black and white photograph of the OUSA National Conference 1982

NEW OU Digital Archive Exhibition: 50 Years of the OU Students Association

Wednesday, 1 March, 2023 - 13:18

Announcing the launch of a new digital exhibition showcasing the last 50 years of OUSA’s history.

The Open University logo underneath the text, 'New Library Resource - IGI ebook collection'

NEW Library Resource: IGI ebook collection

Friday, 10 February, 2023 - 14:55

We now have unlimited access and full text searching capabilities to the IGI ebook collection

A group of students are sitting round a table looking at an open laptop and laughing. There is a shelf of books behind them

Library use and student success data made publicly available

Friday, 3 February, 2023 - 09:55

Data showcasing the impact of Library resources on student attainment is now publicly available.

People seated at a table having a discussion and taking notes

Celebrating ten years of the Library Student Panel

Friday, 27 January, 2023 - 10:40

In 2022 we celebrated ten years of the Library Student Panel which is the longest running at the OU. We surveyed our members to learn more about what they get out of being on the panel. Their responses show that being part of the Library Student Panel is one that benefits them and contributes to a positive student experience.

Student working at home with books and a laptop

New features in Library Search records - now live!

Monday, 23 January, 2023 - 15:50

We have launched a system that adds extra information to resource descriptions in Library Search.

A smartly-dressed businessman is looking down at his phone

New and improved Library Search – one year on

Monday, 23 January, 2023 - 13:54

It has now been almost a year of the most up-to-date search engine we’ve ever had.

Two students are sitting next to each other looking at separate computer screens. One is wearing a set of headphones.

New 'Diverse voices, alternative sources' training session

Friday, 13 January, 2023 - 10:17

A new training session called 'Diverse voices, alternative voices' is available to students and staff.

A group of young students are sitting outside underneath a tree, talking to each other whilst holding study books

Race and ethnicity resource list

Friday, 6 January, 2023 - 09:39

We have worked with our BME Staff Network to compile a selection of resources that relate to various aspects of race and ethnicity.

A mature student is looking at the screen of a tablet computer which is sitting on a kitchen counter. He is surrounded by family members.

Help with online Library resources

Friday, 23 December, 2022 - 08:43

We've created new troubleshooting pages providing help with online resources.

A woman studying at a laptop in her home

Coming soon - new features in Library Search records

Wednesday, 21 December, 2022 - 11:36

We’re adding extra details to over 390,000 resources in Library Search to help you make more informed decisions during your research.

A dark blue background featuring the OU and OU Students Association logos. The text reads, 'The floor is yours. Student Voice Week 7 - 13 November'.

Student Voice Week: ‘Building library skills’ workshop a success

Tuesday, 13 December, 2022 - 16:15

Our team facilitated a workshop during Student Voice Week 2022 entitled ‘Collaborating for confidence: building library skills for success’. 

Highlighting diverse voices

Friday, 9 December, 2022 - 13:25

Broaden your research by exploring resources from typically under-represented groups. 

Student sitting at desk looking at an open laptop whilst writing in a notepad.

New Library Research Support Training Sessions

Friday, 9 December, 2022 - 10:56

Some brand-new sessions have been added to the Research Support training programme.

A librarian is holding a pile of books whilst smiling at the camera. A series of bookshelves can be seen behind them.

Release of new OpenLearn course for school librarians

Tuesday, 6 December, 2022 - 11:31

OpenLearn has launched a new online course, An Introduction to School Librarianship.

Mr Malcolm Sweeting and Dr Jane Secker are both wearing graduation robes, standing next to each other and smiling at the camera.

Open University awards Dr Jane Secker Honorary Doctorate

Friday, 18 November, 2022 - 13:52

Our Associate Director, Selena Killick, presented Dr Jane Secker with an Honorary Doctorate at the Brighton graduation ceremony.

Credits at the end of the documentary, with The Open University Archive highlighted in yellow

OU Archive featured in James Bond documentary

Thursday, 17 November, 2022 - 08:41

A newly-released James Bond documentary features a clip taken from the OU Digital Archive.

Single Mums Business Network logo

Librarian wins Business Network award

Monday, 7 November, 2022 - 15:28

Our Learning & Teaching Librarian Aruna won an award at this year’s Single Mums Business Network Awards.

A group of people can be seen standing on the ground floor of the library building, in front on tables displaying baked goods.

Macmillan Coffee Morning 2022 fundraising success

Monday, 31 October, 2022 - 15:58

We held our first in-person fundraiser since before the pandemic, hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning.

Scottish Universities Press logo

OU Library and Scottish Universities Press

Wednesday, 19 October, 2022 - 10:47

The OU Library joined with 17 other Scottish University libraries to create a new open access publishing press.

A group of young students standing outside looking together at a mobile phone.

NEW Diverse Voices library resource list

Wednesday, 5 October, 2022 - 10:04

Introducing Diverse Voices - a collection of library resources featuring writers from diverse, typically under-represented groups.

Image of "hello" in different languages

Hola! Bonjour! Hullo! Language resources for your studies

Monday, 26 September, 2022 - 16:35

Interested in learning languages? We have resources for you! 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, smiling

Library building closed on Monday 19 September

Thursday, 15 September, 2022 - 10:32

The Betty Boothroyd Library building at the Open University campus will be closed on Monday 19 September.

The Business Librarians Association logo

E-Content Adviser re-elected as Chair for Business Librarians Association

Friday, 15 July, 2022 - 09:26

E-Content Adviser Sjoukje Schots has been re-elected as Chair of the Business Librarians Association for another two years.

Open University Library building

NEW Library building reopened

Wednesday, 29 June, 2022 - 11:26

The Library building is open again!

Student sitting at desk looking at an open laptop whilst writing in a notepad.

Continued digitisation of legacy print theses

Thursday, 23 June, 2022 - 09:26

We're continuing to move our legacy print theses collection off the library shelves to the online world.

This image shows the volumes open to display letters from Charles Dickens and Florence Nightingale.

NEW OU Digital Archive Exhibition: The Sampson Low Collection

Thursday, 9 June, 2022 - 16:06

The OU Digital Archive has digitised the 200 letters from The Sampson Low Collection and put them online.