DWLresearch

Being informed and informative are important aspects of being a researcher. In our increasingly information based society, information literacy is a vital ability that is required to be able to make effective and efficient decisions. In collaboration with the Research Information Network (RIN) and the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL), Vitae have published a new guide "The Informed Researcher" to help PGRs/ECRs develop their own information literacy skills. The new guide is available from the Graduate School website: http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/gradschool/current/rdt-guide/vitae/publications You'll also find several other Vitae guides here to help you at every stage of the doctoral process.

After a long hiatus, the thesis forum will return during the summer term. Sessions will take place on: Tuesday 15 th May Tuesday 12 th June Tuesday 10 th July All sessions will run 3.30-5pm in the Library Seminar Room on the first floor of David Wilson Library. In February I sent out a survey asking students to share their thoughts on possible topics for discussion at the thesis forum, among other things. Many thanks to those of you who responded. The results showed that you were most interested in talking about… 1. The writing process 2. Writing techniques and methods 3. Problems encountered while writing Other common topics were the work/life balance and staying motivated during the PhD. In response to the feedback future sessions of the forum will feature guest speakers who have completed a PhD, as well as those who are nearing completion. There will also be ample time for informal discussion. The forum is intended as a friendly and welcoming space for ...

Joan Bolker's Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day is the latest addition to the GSRR bookshelf. This book is designed to guide PhD students through the entire thesis-writing process, from first draft to final submission. Bolker quickly admits that the title was designed to be attention grabbing, but explains that the main point is that you do some work on your thesis every day. According to Bolker, '"Every day" is more important than how much time you spend, or how many pages you produce, or what quality of work you produce.' She introduces a number of short-term techniques and methods which can kickstart your writing and help with self-discipline. I've come across many students who are Bolker-devotees, while others find her advice doesn't work for them. As with the other thesis guides on the bookshelf (Dunleavy, Brewer) it is up to you to take a look and pick and choose from the advice on offer. Different stages of your thesis will call...