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Study skills > Module 3 > Page 6

 

Managing your learning materials

In the previous section we considered suggestions for how to take notes and ensure that they are safely preserved for frequent use. It is vital that these steps are taken as they form a solid foundation for your study and assignments.

Remember

• notes are your starting point and without them the task of independent study becomes significantly more difficult
• a set of good notes gives you the pointers to locating and using the materials stored in your library and online
• they outline the main points of any research and point you in the right direction

Your library

Most universities run regular library tours, especially at the start of each year. You can join one of these whether you are in first or final year as they are always useful. Tours usually cover:

• the process of locating material with the library catalogue
• where to find it on the shelves
• where to study
• how to photocopy relevant sections

Tours also detail the range of materials available: books, journals, audio visual equipment, archived theses and newspapers, show you where to check books in and out and, essential information, such as the opening hours. If you miss the tours, ask the library staff for help; that is why they are there!

Evaluating reading materials and online sources

More troublesome is the process of deciding whether a book or article is worth reading, but yet again there are some short cuts and tips. Most lecturers supply a reading list for their course and, although this can be daunting, they rarely require you to read everything on the list. It is up to you to decide what is relevant and what interests you.

1. photocopy your reading lists and attach them to your notes as well as keeping them elsewhere
2. you do not have to read everything on the list, only read essential items. If it is not clear what is essential and what is merely interesting, ask your tutor or lecturer. (Alternatively you can also tell which books are most popular as they are on Desk Reserve or Short Loan in the library)
3. distinguish between primary and secondary sources: Primary materials are original works. Secondary sources contain commentaries on, or analysis of primary sources. You may pass by reading only the primary sources, but reading at least one secondary source is increasingly required.
4. Write down precise library location for each item on the list by using the catalogue to find them.

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