We use cookies on this website to improve the experience we provide. By continuing to use our site you agree to this, or visit our cookie policy to manage your settings.

Information skills for year two

Welcome back to Birmingham City University Library.

This page contains resources that will help you build the information skills required to meet the information literacy learning outcomes for year 2 or level 5.

We strongly encourage returning students to review the starter guide and library news as the services and support offered by BCU Library can change year-over-year. 

During their second year, students are expected to be able to develop and implement a range of search strategies and to critically evaluate different sources within the framework of the discipline.

Click on the headings below to reveal related resources.

Discover Library services and support.

Starter guide

Welcome! The Library and Learning Resource team gathered what you need to know to take advantage of the services offered by the library all in one place.

Start here

Induction

A short session where we welcome you to the University and introduce library services and staff who can help you along your academic journey.

Check your timetable

Interactive induction video

If you cannot attend the live induction session, watch the video and practice new skills with guided online activities.

Play video

Discover your digital skills

To be digitally literate is hugely important in the modern world. BCU encourages all students to continually improve their Digital Literacy. In order to help each individual assess and improve their skills we have joined with JISC to provide the JISC Discovery Tool. Learn about yourself and get useful recommendations in 10 minutes.

JISC Discovery Tool

Develop and implement a range of search strategies.

Library Search help

BCU Library gives you access to millions of physical and online resources. Discover how the powerful features of the BCU Library Search can help you navigate this world of knowledge.

Library Search help

Developing your search skills

At level 5 you need to start expanding your research to include more current and academic resources. This session serves as an introduction to subject-specific databases and reliable websites. From this session you will start to understand the value of using academic sources of information to help you to achieve a better marks in your assignments.

Note: this session is optional. Reach out to your tutor or course lead for more information.

Check your timetable

Effective search techniques workshop

The workshop will demonstrate effective search techniques, the use of the personalize function, how to discover related resources and how to export and save your records. By the end of the workshop you will feel more confident about using the library search function to its best advantage for your work.

Check events calendar

Critically evaluate different sources within the framework of the discipline.

Critical evaluation guide

This guide equips you with effective techniques you can apply when evaluating information and make you aware of the biases you may introduce in the process.

Go to guide

Get personalised support

Tutorials

With access to millions of resources, sometimes the library can seem like an intimidating place. Our specialist Librarians are here to help you make sense of it all by providing in-depth guidance and support in your chosen subject area. Tutorials are currently available online. They will take place via MS Teams, Skype, or our online chat service. There may be some limited appointments available on campus.

Book a tutorial