Help for Exams

Very best of luck to you if you have exams coming up soon!

To try and help just a little bit, we at Library Services have put together some downloadable resources which include recommended Revision Techniques, tried and tested Exam Strategies, and even some revision games that might help if you are working with "Study Buddies" to prepare for a particular subject.

But here are some more interesting ways of revising...:

Wi-fi Man! Free Internet in the Toon

Earlier in the year, I posted about how to access the wireless internet network at Newcastle College Main Library (and a downloadable guide is available here ).

However, you don't need to be in College to get free wi-fi access across the city, indeed across the whole country! McDonalds, Caffe Nero, Starbucks, Pret-a-Manger and Wagamama are all offering free internet access to their customers; and you can browse the net over a pint at Wetherspoons pubs (such as The Mile Castle or The Union Rooms nearby), at Odeon cinemas or even on the Stagecoach buses or Network Rail trains.

There are thousands more free wifi hotspots available for everyone through The Cloud - type in your postcode here to see the closest ones plotted on Google Maps for you, or, if you are a BT customer, click here to access even more.

Do you know of any other free wifi services? Let us know...

The Sky(Drive)'s the Limit

A few weeks back I blogged about Skydrive and how Newcastle College students (or indeed anyone) can claim 25GB's worth of free online storage. Well, if you signed up, make sure you re-visit your account soon if you want to keep all that storage space, because Microsoft are making some changes as part of a new pricing structure.

Dissertations - The Abstract

Also known as an Executive Summary, the Abstract is the first real section in your Dissertation (coming straight after the title page and before the Contents), but one of the very last parts that you should write.

World Book Night 2012

One million free copies of these brilliant works of fiction are going to be given away today, as part of a celebration of reading and books in the UK, Ireland, Germany and USA.

Newcastle City Libraries are right behind this terrific event with a full programme of events running throughout the day, plus this evening you can grab your own free copy of the books at Tyneside Cinema, Theatre Royal, Eldon Square or dozens of coffee shops and restaurants around the Toon.

And why not help influence the choice of books for next year's event, by sharing your favourite titles on the World Book Night Interactive Top 100 Books? You might get some ideas for what to read next too.

Don't forget... whatsit?

Here's an online tool that you can use to make sure you never miss a deadline, miss an appointment, or forget Mother's Day (sorry, Mum!) ever again....

Remember the Milk let's you list, date and prioritise tasks; set up alerts and reminders (by email, txt or Skype); even share alerts with other contacts (great if you are relying on someone else to get something done if you're doing groupwork and need to chivvy them along a bit!!)

This video shows you some of the basics...:

...or for more information check out this guide.

Similar services are available from Toodle-do, Wunderlist and Nirvana.

Dissertations - The Conclusion Chapter

In previous posts, I've blogged a few ideas about how to tackle Dissertations.

Now its time to think about what to put in the Conclusion...:

Bargain books for e-book readers

I posted about the free content that you can get from Amazon Kindle a few weeks ago, however there are bargains to be had if you have other branded e-book readers too...:

Easter Holidays Library Opening Hours 2012

Main Library

Monday 2nd April: 9.00am - 4.00pm

Tuesday 3rd April : 9.00am - 4.00pm

Wednesday 4th April : 9.00am - 4.00pm

Thursday 5th April: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Friday 6th April : CLOSED

Monday 9th April : CLOSED

Tuesday 10th April : 9.00am - 4.00pm
Wednesday 11th April : 9.00am - 4.00pm
Thursday 12th April : 9.00am - 4.00pm
Friday 13th April : 9.00am - 4.00pm

The Art Library and SPACE IT Centre are CLOSED throughout the Easter break. 

Normal hours resume on Monday 16th April 2012

You can return items by posting them through the Main Library Letter Box when we are closed.

Renew items online using the link at the foot of this webpage; by ringing (0191) 200 4020 and leaving a message (including your ID number) on our Answerphone; or by emailing libraries@ncl-coll.ac.uk.

Have a very Happy Easter from all at Newcastle College Library Services!

Harvard Referencing Resources

Referencing is a necessary evil in your academic work, I'm afraid.

Its a means by which you can demonstrate that you have done background research for your work, acknowledge the ideas of others, and avoid accusations of plagiarism in what you have written.

And let us not also forget that you will get extra marks for correctly using references in your work too!

In the Harvard Referencing pages of this blog, we've put together a number of resources to try and help you get to grips with the Referencing standard used at Newcastle College. These include:

• Presentations ranging from a quick overview to more insights into more advanced rules.
• Handouts, including our Referencing & Bibliographies booklet and examples of Harvard in action.
• Links to software that can construct Harvard References for you.

Click here for the full collection, and if you have any other suggestions for resources; or come across any particular problems when referencing your work, then don't hesitate to get in touch.