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Welcome to the Virtual Student Starter Pack for students undergoing a taught masters programme this year!

The virtual pack is designed to point you in the right direction and to help you get to know the Library, it's services, online resources & supports.

You will find a list of topics in each section with links to useful guides, web-pages and resources that will support you throughout the semester.

If you need further help, you can also contact our team with your query, or to organise a consultation at library.learning@mu.ie.

We are wishing you the very best of luck with your studies this year - The Teaching & Learning Team.

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Get started with our library guide which provides a comprehensive overview of the Library's key services, facilities, resources and supports available! https://nuim.libguides.com/library-services/usingthelibrary

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The Thesis Toolbox Series: YouTube Playlist

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The Thesis Toolbox Series: YouTube Playlist

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Check out our series of short tutorials which cover various skills and concepts that you will need for your thesis.

Our tutorials cover the literature review process, search strategies, using academic databases & using different sources of information. If you require further information or help with the topics covered, you can contact the team at library.learning@mu.ie.

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The Thesis Toolbox: The Literature Review Process

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Searching Academic Databases [LibGuide] 

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Searching Academic Databases [LibGuide] 

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Databases are a searchable electronic collection of published, high-quality, reliable resources freely available in the Library.

Databases are useful as they can hold material relevant to a specific discipline (Law, Geography, English), multi-disciplinary (social sciences, arts & humanities) or based on a specific type of material (newspapers, photographs, audio).

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LibGuides: Searching Academic Databases: Home

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LibGuides: Searching Academic Databases: Home

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Take a tour of MU's Virtual Library and find out about the different services & facilities available to students!

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Access the Library using your Student Card!

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Access the Library using your Student Card!

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You must have your Student Card to access and use the Library's services, facilities and resources.

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Find out everything you need to know about borrowing a book in the Library as well as how to return and renew https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/library/using-library/borrowing.

You will also find information on how you can access your Library account, pay fees, and request an item that you're looking for.

Remember, the library staff are always here to help you.

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Use your Student Card to borrow a laptop from our Laptop Lockers, located from the following locations:

1. Library Foyer - 44 PCs

2. Library Middle Floor Open Plan - 20 PCs

3. Library Top Floor - 22 PCs

4. Library LapSafe - 108 Laptops

Find more information on borrowing a laptop and using the PCs in the Library here.

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Take a walk around the Library and see which space suits your style of study!

Check out our list of study space here https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/library/using-library/study-spaces

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Ask our Desk Staff to provide access to the Postgraduate Room on Level 2 via your Student Card. Access is for students who are registered for a postgraduate course only.

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If you want to work on a group assignment, presentation or project, you can book one of our Group Study Rooms on Level 1 of the Library.

Book your place here https://nuim.libcal.com/spaces?lid=3102

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You can also use our Silent Study Room on level 2 if you require that extra bit of quiet time to work on an assignment or study for an exam. Fill out the following form, then bring your student card to the Library Admissions Desk to gain access: Silent Study Room | Maynooth University

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What is LibrarySearch; Finding material in the Library

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What is LibrarySearch; Finding material in the Library

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LibrarySearch is your gateway to finding a range of content & material held at Maynooth University Library including articles, books, ebooks (electronic/online books), book chapters, newspaper archives and more!

You can find both print and online material from using LibrarySearch.

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Learn how to use filters when doing keyword searches in LibrarySearch

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As a postgraduate student, you may need to access academic databases to find information on a specific topics or research area. Databases allow you to deep-dive into a specific discipline or subject area and offer lots of helpful tools to refine your results, focus your search, and save your results! Take a look at our helpful tutorial above!

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Getting the most out of Databases: Key Tips

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The Library has many learning supports, resources, and helpful guides to help you on your journey through University.
We have highlighted our key supports available to you below...

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We have a range of Academic and Research guides for students including guides on Academic Writing, Referencing & Avoiding Plagiarism, Finding Information for your Research and Successful Searching all available here https://nuim.libguides.com/.

Our guides aim to guide and support you with your studies by outlining key skills & steps around various academic & research topics.

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Find exam papers here!

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ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database

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ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database

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The ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database contains published dissertations and theses from many disciplines.

You might find it practical to use this database to give you a sense of what your dissertation or thesis may look like & how they are structured.

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ProQuest Dissertations & Theses provides researchers with unmatched search and reference link functionality that delivers results from across the globe.

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This tool is designed to guide you through your thesis/dissertation. The Planner allows you to go through each stage of the thesis structure, establish what is involved, and share guidance and advise.

Some stages might not be relevant to your specific thesis, but it's a good place to start to gain an understanding of what is required at each step.

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Skip to main content

This tool is designed to guide you through your research project. First, think about what stage you're at in your research. If you've already gotten started, click on the stage below that best describes where you are. If you're just starting out, it might be helpful to read more about why we do research before getting started.

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Skip to main content This tool is designed to guide you through your research project. First, think about what stage you're at in your research. If you've already gotten started, click on the stage below that best describes where you are.

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EndNote is a reference management tool used in Maynooth University.

The EndNote Guide explains what EndNote is, the benefits of using it, and how to download it to your PC or laptop.

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Video: Getting Started with EndNote [Desktop]

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Video: Getting Started with EndNote [Desktop]

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Research Support Librarian Ciarán Quinn provides an introduction to EndNote desktop or EndNote2025 which includes how to access it from the Maynooth University website, the basic tools you can use, how to import references as well as share, organise and edit them.

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Reference management software is used to save, organise, edit, and formulate references and bibliographies when using a lot of sources and information for your essays, assignments or your thesis.

To find out more about these tools, visit the guide or see our video Using Reference Management Tools to enhance your research output

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You will find everything you need to know about referencing in our library guide. The guide covers referencing styles, practical examples, and tips on how to reference correctly.

You will also find the tab for Reference Management Tools here.

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Skip to Main Content

Joining the Scholarly Conversation

Referencing is sometimes called Joining the Scholarly Conversation.

Just like joining a regular conversation, you need to take note of who is speaking and what is being said before you can take part.

Referencing can be challenging, but it a hugely important and valuable skill to learn. If you develop good practices, referencing will start to come easier to you.

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LibGuides: Referencing & Avoiding Plagiarism: What's Referencing?

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Find Library Chat on the Library homepage and submit your query to the team.

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Assignment Support - Arrange a consultation

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Assignment Support - Arrange a consultation

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If you require some support and help with your assignments, we have a team of Teaching & Learning Librarians to assist.

Email library.learning@mu.ie with your query and they will reply to organise an online or in-person meeting.

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Coming soon - Wellness Space currently under construction!

Step into a serene environment, complete with gentle lighting, calming sounds, and comfortable seating – a place where you can unwind and relax. Whether you need a moment of tranquillity between classes or a refuge from the pressures of university life, Cubbie is here for you.

Book a 15 minute session on Cubbie here.

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Take a break from your studies and select a poem, short story, or graphic art -- Read -- Enjoy -- Share!

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Located on the ground floor of the Library - keep your phone charged while you study in the Library!

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Coming soon - Wellness Space currently under construction!

Relax and take a break in our Energy Pods, located on Level 1 of the Library.