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Novice:  Skills that build upon the Beginner level and that demonstrate an increased confidence and understanding.

By the Novice level you should be building on and deepening the skills learnt at the Beginner level.

In particular you should know how to:

  • Use the Simple Search in Library Search using a pre-prepared search strategy.  (See Prepare for more information)
     
  • Search a selection of resources effectively to find information relevant to your topic.
     
  • Use a range of search techniques to get the most relevant results; for example, phrase searching.  
     
  • Refine search results using the filters available in Library Search and other online databases; for example by limiting the date range or the resource type.
     
  • Find and use the resources provided through your module reading lists.  These are lists of resources recommended by your module leads and will be relevant to the module and your programme of study.
     
  • Find, open and use eBooks, understanding the difference between 'download' or 'read online' options.
     
  • Search for and use resources available on Google Scholar.
     
  • Understand the benefits of using browser extensions such as Lean Library or Libkey Nomad to link your internet searching to university of Derby resources.
     
  • Search within and use materials provided in the Develop@Derby Hub to build you wider academic skills.