Instruction and support
The library offers search support, lectures and workshops on information literacy and reference management.
Library instruction
We design library instruction together with teachers to help students achieve the learning outcomes related to information retrieval.
Contents
Teaching is often carried out several times in the same programme. In these cases, there should be a progression of content. Teaching librarians actively work for integration and progression.
It is important that the teaching is linked to course assignments where information skills are needed, such as writing an essay.
Examples of content:
- search strategy
- relevant sources of information
- critical evaluation of sources
- critical evaluation of search results
- interpretation and management of references.
Contact
Teachers are welcome to contact us to book a library class for their particular course and program. Use our booking form on Insidan. The request must be made at least 4 weeks before the desired class.
Photo by NEC Corporation of America with Creative Commons license.
Literature searching support for students
Need help finding information or have other questions related to information retrieval?
Search support
Contact the helpdesk in the library with your questions about information retrieval.
Digital information desk and drop in via Zoom (during term)
Monday-Friday 12 pm to 2 pm during semester we are available in our drop in room to answer searching and reference questions.
Wednesdays 12 pm to 2 pm the IT-department is also available for technical support.
Book an appointment
If you need further help you can in some cases make an appointment for a one-on-one consultation (up to 45 minutes). This service is a follow-up/complement to the library's teaching and does not replace this.
To make an appointment you have to be a student at Halmstad University and in the process of writing your thesis.
If you want to schedule an appointment please send an email to the library with the following information
- your name and student email address
- course/programme
- the subject of your thesis.
Drop in and booking is only offered during term.
Distance students
If you are a distance student at Halmstad University you can get support via telephone or Zoom.
Student at another university
If you are a student at another university, contact the library there for individual support.
Mediated literature searching service
If you are a researcher at Halmstad University, you can receive help with
- advanced information search (selecting keywords, searching relevant databases, using different search strategies)
- conducting a systematic overview (as above, and in addition methodological support based on evidence-based practice).
The library performs more comprehensive literature searches, such as systematic searches, subject to time availability. The searches are performed in collaboration between librarians and researchers and require a continuous dialogue. Please contact us and we will discuss the possibilities for further cooperation.
An example of what the search process might look like:
- First meeting: The researcher brings along research questions, any PICO or equivalent model, one or more relevant articles, and a preliminary timetable. Together we discuss inclusion and exclusion criteria, appropriate databases, and search terms.
- After the first meeting: The librarian designs a preliminary search strategy and performs a test search. The researcher reviews the search results and assesses the relevance.
- We meet again to optimize the search strategy.
- Once we have developed a good search strategy, the librarian, or researcher, conducts searches in relevant databases.
- If the librarian performs the final search, the search results are added to a reference management program and are delivered along with documentation.
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