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Information Literacy: Support for Academics

Academic Skills Resources

There are a number of other useful resources, in addition to the Develop@Derby workshops and guides, to help students build their confidence and improve their academic skills. 

YouTube

The library's YouTube channel contains livestreams, extracts from workshops and video interviews with staff and students. Videos on the channel are organized into playlists according to the academic skill they are about; for example referencing, academic writing, Microsoft Office etc. These playlists are also linked to the relevant Develop@Derby guides.

Podcasts

The skills team have developed an extensive suite of podcasts available on all major podcasting sites; they can be found by searching for 'University of Derby skills podcast'.  One of our most comprehensive and useful podcast series is called Being Successful as a Student. The Success as a Student Podcast explores how students can develop the key skills for studying at university. The first 13 episodes feature prominent University of Derby Staff highlighting how to develop a key skill (e.g. reflection, critical thinking and perseverance). In addition, the following 10 episodes feature current students and recent graduates reflecting on how they developed their skills whilst at university.

Bloomsbury Skills for Study

Students also have full access to the online Skills for Study package from Bloomsbury.   Many of the modules on the platform are linked to from within the individual Develop@Derby guides.  It's a very useful resource covering a wide range of academic skills and applicable for students across all levels of study.  It can be accessed from the Databases button on the Library homepage; students and staff need to register the first time they use it.