Referencing is an essential part of academic study and helps you avoid plagiarism. While you will have referenced in your first year, you may find tutors provide more feedback on referencing in your second year.
  
Different subjects use different systems for referencing. Whichever system your subject requires, the key is to be consistent and make sure your reader can trace everything you reference. 

Cite Them Right tells you the basics of referencing, including a tutorial and a glossary. For Harvard, it also gives examples of how to reference just about any source, from books and articles to films and lecture slides.

Many referencing tools are available to help you. One of the simplest is ZoteroBib. It helps you quickly create a reference list in any citation style. Many students also use Mendeley or Zotero, tools that can help you store and manage what you read and create reference lists for your assignments as you write.

Know what you want to write but unsure how to write it? 

The Centre for Academic English and Skills and the Academic Writers in Residence can help with planning, structure, grammar and academic argument. Additionally, the University’s Study Skills portal has a fantastic page on writing your assignments which is filled with useful tips and links including a comprehensive essay writing guide including how to use feedback from previous assignments to improve your work.

A number of eBooks on how to write successful assignments at university are also available through the library.

Understanding how to find and use good quality academic sources is essential to becoming an independent learner.

Use your online module Resource Lists to find sources recommended by your lecturers. To deepen your understanding of your topic and develop an independent search strategy, explore our books, ebooks and articles on Library Search. Discover more about finding sources and evaluating sources or browse subject specific resources, including specialist databases, on our Subject Guides (video 0:32).
For help with building an advanced library search or finding specialist resources for assignments, including your independent study, book an appointment with your Academic Liaison Librarian.

As you progress through second year and beyond, you will need to evaluate arguments you read and make connections between different sources; this is called critical reading. Learn more about developing a critical reading strategy to help you engage actively and purposefully with resources.   

There are lots of ways to make reading easier. Enhance your individual reading experience using tools to help with reading or try converting your documents into different formats, such as audio or Epub using SensusAccess.

Our Subject Guides (video 0.31) offer a large range of databases and websites to help you find primary sources and research. If you need further help, sign up for our short online sessions: refresh your search skills and make sure you are getting the best information. Find out about specialist resources or get to grips with referencing.

For one-to-one advice make an appointment with one of the Liaison Librarians for your subject.

Our qualitative and quantitative research resource list will help if you need to find research or are conducting your own. 

We have study spaces and pcs for you on all levels of The Hive. We have group study spaces on level 0, and silent study on level 4.

You’ll find most of our print books on level 3 (pdf). Our self-guided tour and top tips (pdf) show you where things are and how to make the most of our resources. UW printing, copying and EduRoam wifi are available throughout the building. Visit Explore the Past Archive and Archaeology service on level 2, or use the Children’s Library and Teaching Collection on level 1.

You’ll find a variety of learning spaces across the University campuses. With group, social, silent, pc and 24-hour study zones, there’s a study space to suit every task.

It’s not all work, work, work. You can visit our newly refurbished café for drinks, snacks and all your cake needs. There are also lots of events in The Hive and online: get involved.

We can help you find the resources you need to complete your assignments successfully. 

Browse our online guides for help with finding sources, evaluating sources and referencing. Our Subject Guides (video 0:31) include a large range of databases and websites to help you with your studies. 
To find out more, book a place on one of our online Discovery Sessions.

If you have a query, contact the askalibrarian service, ask us a question using live chat or search our Frequently Asked Questions. 

Book an appointment with your Academic Liaison Librarian for specialist guidance in your subject area. Your Academic Liaison Librarians can help you identify what to read, how to reference your sources, and how to understand feedback about your use of resources.

If you need support with writing, the Language Centre and the Academic Writers in Residence can help with planning, structure, grammar and academic argument. Browse our ebook collection for more advice and guidance on how to get the best grades in your writing.