It’s been a busy year in the Learning Success Hub! We’ve made a lot of improvements and developments across the service in the last twelve months, so what better way to round off the year than with a recap?
An expanded collection
We’ve expanded the Library collection this year with new resources and databases to help you get the most out of your research. With thousands of new journals from Springer, Emerald, and Wiley, and comprehensive specialist databases like HeinOnline and Hosptality and Tourism Complete, you now have access to an increasing range of peer-reviewed research at your fingertips, all available through the Library Portal.
We’ve also introduced our Spotlight eBook collections, full of interesting and informative titles on the topics that matter to you. If you have suggestions for further eBooks you’d like to see in these collections, you can hit the Request it! link at the bottom of each collection page to let us know.
Speaking of Request it!, we expanded our document supply service this year to include articles and chapters as well as eBooks, giving you access to an even wider range of sources for your study and assignments.
Improvements with your study experience in mind
This year we launched reading lists on the Library Portal, bringing together the reading and study resources for your modules in one convenient place. Find them linked in your subject guide or search for your module on our All Reading Lists page.
We also created our Research Tools page, compiling a range of tools and platforms to support your research, help you easily locate and save useful resources, and manage your references.
To help you balance choosing to use AI to support your studies with maintaining your academic integrity, we developed an Artificial Intelligence page on the Learning Success Hub. It includes guidance on appropriate tools, video tutorials, handouts, FAQ answers, and a link to Arden University’s statement on the use of AI. If you’d like to know more, be sure to book a place on our Using AI for Academic Purposes workshop!
To take some of the stress out of searching, we introduced natural language search on the Library Portal. This allows you to enter queries in everyday language – much like typing a question into a search engine like Google. EBSCO’s AI then converts your query into an advanced keyword search, complete with alternative terms and Boolean operators. No need to feel intimidated by an unfamiliar research topic!
Support to boost your academic success
This year we introduced an improved booking system for one-to-one appointments and workshops, making it easier for you to get the guidance you’re looking for. And with our newly launched live chat service, we’ve added a new way for you to get in touch and receive Library, Academic Skills and Academic English support quickly.
Alongside our regular, extensive roster of workshops, we’ve offered dedicated dissertation support and academic skills drop-ins. Our Academic Writing in English course, for students with English as an additional language, has continued to be a major hit - you can sign up for the course at any time, so be sure not to miss out on the fantastic support from the English Language Hub.
Phew!!
Wherever you are in your academic journey, we hope you’ve been enjoying the benefits of the improvements we’ve made this year. We’re excited to see what the next twelve months have in store, and we’d love to know what you think. If you have any questions or feedback, you can get in touch Monday-Friday 09:00 -17:00 (UK time) on live chat or email the Learning Success Hub teams:
EnglishLanguageHub@arden.ac.uk
Wishing you a relaxing and recharging festive break, and all our very best for a successful and enjoyable 2026.