Getting Started

Top tips for getting started

• Top Tip 1

  Watch our Introduction to the Library Portal video to find out about Arden University’s digital Library. With free 24/7 online access, to thousands of eBooks, journals and databases, you can make the most of the Library resources at any time that suits you.

• Top Tip 2

  Try searching the Library Catalogue to find and access the extensive collection of eBooks, academic journals and industry databases available to you. Don’t forget to log in with your Arden University credentials to gain full text access. Need some help with searching? Take a look at our Searching the Library Portal video. 

• Top Tip 3

  Visit the subject guide for your area of study to find useful resources recommended by your academic team. Here you can find a tailored selection of relevant databases, key texts for your modules, and much more.

• Top Tip 4

  Familiarise yourself with the correct referencing style for your area of study. If you’re not sure which referencing style that is, take a look at your subject guide.

• Top Tip 5

  Create Projects folders ready for your upcoming assignments. Saving resources you find when searching on the Library Catalogue into Projects folders can be a great way to organise your reading! Watch our Setting up a Projects folder in the Library Catalogue video

• Top Tip 6

  Want to improve your digital skills? Take a look at the Jisc Digital Capabilities Discovery Tool to assess and improve your digital skills and better your chance of succeeding at university! For guidance on how to use this tool, consult our Digital Capabilities webpage. 

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  Top Tip 7

  When searching for resources online, try installing the Libkey Nomad browser extension to help you locate free, fully accessible copies. You can even link Google Scholar to Arden University Library to improve your search results and connect with Library resources outside of the Library.

• Top Tip 8

  Get to know your Library Team and book onto a workshop or one-to-one appointment for tailored guidance on accessing and using your Library resources.

• Top Tip 9

  Boost your study confidence by engaging with the Academic Skills Team. Watch this short video to find out more about the huge range of teaching sessions, workshops and one-to-one appointments on offer.

• Top Tip 10

  Studying with English as an additional language? Improve your academic English skills by checking out the support on offer from the English Language Hub; watch this short welcome video to learn more!