Information skills are essential during your studies as well as in professional life. Universities of applied sciences work with important themes, such as expertise, development, innovation and internationality. Graduates are expected to be able to understand, keep up with and critically evaluate research information.
As a student in higher education, you are responsible for your own learning and you must know how to find reliable information about the topics you study. This means that you need tools to gain, manage and use information!
The library offers a wide selection of resources that are not freely available online (including books, databases, e-journals, research articles and theses).
We also provide support in using various information resources, whether it is a case of finding a single course book or carrying out more extensive information retrieval for a thesis project.
Remember these tips when searching for information about a topic.
1. Begin with the topic
When you know your topic, you can come up with perspectives and approaches to information retrieval. This makes it easier to choose search terms.
2. Get to work
Start your search in a simple way. Write just one word in the search box. Then, narrow down the search result. Choose more specific search terms. This applies especially when searching for articles in international databases.
3. Accept frustration
When you get stuck, try to relax. Feelings of frustration are normal and part of the process. Think of what you could do differently. Could you try a different perspective? Search in another database? Perhaps the online service of another library can help you.
4. Get to the heart of the data
Did you find an excellent source? Check whether the authors have published something else. Remember to also check the bibliography. There may be sources there that can suit your topic. The same applies for theses.
5. Keep records
Last but not least. Record the information of books and articles that you find interesting. This will help you draw up your list of references.
Subject guides help you discover information resources in your field of study.
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