Libraries offer free seminars in research skills, citation tools, data management

The University Libraries have scheduled a wide range of free seminars this semester to help students, faculty and staff with their research needs. Classes are available in basic library research skills and the following citation management tools: Zotero, Endnote and Mendeley. Additional introductory level and advanced level classes will be offered in LionSearch, Penn State’s powerful library search engine. In addition, two workshops will be held on data management. The full line up of classes is listed below. More details and registration information are also available from the Libraries’ website: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/lls/classes/research_basics_seminar.html

Library Research Basics
In this class you will learn how to find books, articles, and other materials in your research area or major through online library databases, and find out about library services that will help streamline your research process. Research basics classes are open to the public—individuals not affiliated with Penn State can register by calling 814-865-9257.
Wednesday, January 15, 10–11 a.m., 302 Paterno Library
Thursday, January 30, 11–noon, 302 Paterno Library: Online Library Research Basics Class (on Adobe Connect)

Introduction to LionSearch
LionSearch is a search engine that provides fast, simple access to relevant, high-quality materials from the University Libraries. LionSearch provides an integrated search of the CAT (online catalog), our databases and e-journals, our e-books and our local collections. This session will cover the LionSearch interface, and how to search, refine and secure quality resources for your research projects. Learn how to save, email and print results as well as export citations, all from within LionSearch.
Tuesday, January 14, 10–11 a.m., 315 Pattee Library, west

Advanced LionSearch
This advanced seminar on LionSearch will cover the LionSearch interface, and how to search, refine and secure quality resources for your research projects. It will also explore Google Scholar and discuss when to use Google Scholar versus LionSearch for specific research needs.
Tuesday, February 18, 2–3 p.m., 315 Pattee Library, west

Introduction to Mendeley
Mendeley is a free reference manager and academic social network that can help you organize your research library, collaborate with others online, and discover other relevant papers based on what you are reading.
Thursday, January 23, 10–11:30 a.m., 302 Paterno Library
Tuesday, February 11, 1–2:30 p.m., 211 Davey Lab
Wednesday, March 12, 2–3:30 p.m., 302 Paterno Library
Monday, April 7, 10:30 a.m.–noon, 211 Davey Lab

Introduction to EndNote
EndNote can be used to search online bibliographic databases; organize references, images and PDFs in any language and create bibliographies and figure lists instantly. Attend one of these seminars to learn how to get the most out of EndNote.
Wednesday, February 5, 2–3:30 p.m., 202 Chambers Building
Tuesday, March 11, 10–11:30 a.m., 23 Pattee Library, west
Thursday, April 10, 1–2:30 p.m., 202 Chambers Building

Introduction to Zotero
Zotero is a free, easy-to-use Firefox extension that helps you collect, manage, cite and share your research sources. It lives right where you do your work—in the web browser itself.

All classes will be held in 315 Pattee Library, west.
Tuesday, January 21, 1:30–3 p.m.
Thursday, February 28, 10–11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 2, 2:30–4 p.m.

Data Management Workshop
This class will focus on data management plans, best practices for data management and online tools for storing and sharing your files. You will also learn about ScholarSphere, Penn State’s secure repository service.
Tuesday, February 4, noon–1 p.m., Davey Lab