The National and University Library of Iceland offers a range of instruction sessions and introductions. They present the Library’s collections, in print and online, and build information literacy and skills in academic work. The service is for students of the University of Iceland, but the Library also tries to meet requests from other groups for visits and introductions. Instruction and introductions for University of Iceland students are arranged at the request of degree programmes and/or individual teachers.
Types of instruction for students at the University of Iceland
- General introduction for new students (40 minutes)
The focus is on the study facilities and services available to students in Þjóðarbókhlaða, the library building at Arngrímsgata 3, and the main ways of finding information. The Library’s website landsbokasafn.is, leiðarvísar.is and lbs.leitir.is are presented. Introductions can take place in Þjóðarbókhlaða, in University of Iceland buildings or on Teams. Request instruction or an introduction.- After the introduction, students should:
- Know what study facilities and services are available to them in Þjóðarbókhlaða
- Know what services are offered on the Library’s website and on leiðarvísar.is
- Know lbs.leitir.is and be able to use it when searching for sources
- After the introduction, students should:
- Basic subject-specific introduction for first-year students (90 minutes, 2 x 40 min)
Presents the study facilities and services available to students in Þjóðarbókhlaða and the main ways of finding information. Covers search techniques, lbs.leitir.is, the Library’s website landsbokasafn.is and leiðarvísar.is. The session focuses on the students’ own subject, in consultation with the teacher. The main databases in that subject are presented and students learn to use them when searching for sources. The basics of information literacy are introduced. Introductions can take place in Þjóðarbókhlaða, in University of Iceland buildings or on Teams. Request instruction or an introduction.- After the introduction, students should:
- Know what study facilities and services are available to them in Þjóðarbókhlaða and on the Library’s website
- Know leiðarvísar.is and be able to use it in their studies
- Know the main methods of searching for different kinds of information
- After the introduction, students should:
- Instruction linked to assignments (40 minutes)
For all University of Iceland students at any time during their studies. The instruction is linked to the assignments in a particular course: students learn to search for the various kinds of sources the assignment calls for and to evaluate them. The main databases in the subject are used for the search. The instruction can take place in Þjóðarbókhlaða, in University of Iceland buildings or on Teams. Request instruction or an introduction.- After the session, students should:
- Be able to recognise different kinds of sources and evaluate their quality
- Know the online databases in their subject and how to search them
- After the session, students should:
- Practical refresher for final theses (40 minutes)
A refresher on searching for sources. Practical matters are also gone over, such as submitting to Skemman, interlibrary loans, document delivery and more. Sessions can take place in Þjóðarbókhlaða, in University of Iceland buildings or on Teams. Request instruction or an introduction.- After the session, students should:
- Know the main methods of searching for different kinds of information in their subject
- Know which of the Library’s services they can use when writing a final thesis
- Know how theses are submitted to Skemman
- After the session, students should:
- EndNote introduction (30–60 minutes)
An introduction to the reference management software EndNote. Covers the basics of recording and storing references in EndNote. Request instruction or an introduction.- After the introduction, students should:
- Be able to use EndNote to store and manage references
- Be able to make a bibliography in EndNote
- Know the main citation styles in EndNote
- After the introduction, students should:
- Help with information searching for University of Iceland students (30–45 minutes)
University of Iceland students can get personal help with searching for sources for an assignment at any time during their studies. Students are encouraged to prepare well so that the time is put to the best use. You can choose between coming to the Library and meeting on Teams. Request help with information searching.
Other introductions
- General introductions for groups
A general introduction in the Library’s lecture hall. It gives a short account of the Library’s history and role, its collections and how it is organised. If a group has particular wishes, the Library tries to tailor the introduction to them. Request a visit for a group