Accessibility statement

You are here

  1. Home
  2. Training and events
  3. Online training sessions

Online training sessions

We offer a programme of live online training sessions to all OU students and staff. This includes introductions to the online library, how to find information for your assignments and referencing.

The online training sessions are 30 to 60 minutes long and give you live access to a librarian. All the sessions are delivered in Adobe Connect. To find out more about Adobe Connect and to test your audio, please see the Online rooms guidance (login required).

Browse the training sessions below or use the menu on the right-hand side of the page. Click on a session title to find out how to join, download the slides and handout, and access the session recording.

A full list of recent and upcoming events is also available.

The Library Research Support Team also runs a range training sessions for postgraduate researchers throughout the year.

Online training sessions

Upcoming Training and events

Mar 10

Assessing the reliability of information for your assignment

Mon, 10/03/2025 - 12:30

Learn how to evaluate information and why it is important to look critically at online information sources.

Mar 13

Improving your experience accessing online resources

Thu, 13/03/2025 - 19:30

If you experience difficulties in reading some full text formats this session will show you how to make adjustments to improve accessibility.

Mar 17

Smarter searching with library databases

Mon, 17/03/2025 - 19:30

Learn how to access library databases, take advantage of the functionality they offer, and devise a proper search technique.

Mar 19

Relaxed: Why and How of Referencing

Wed, 19/03/2025 - 19:30

Mar 20

Diverse voices, alternative sources

Thu, 20/03/2025 - 19:30

Learn why it is important to consider diverse perspectives in your research and discover search tips and resources which will help you find them.

Mar 24

Exploring Generative AI: critical skills and ethical use

Mon, 24/03/2025 - 19:30

Develop a critical awareness of Generative AI within the context of academic study.

Apr 03

The why and how of referencing

Thu, 03/04/2025 - 19:00

Learn why referencing is important, how to construct references and where to go for help and support.

Apr 07

Smarter searching with library databases

Mon, 07/04/2025 - 19:30

Learn how to access library databases, take advantage of the functionality they offer, and devise a proper search technique.

Apr 09

Using Library Search for your assignment

Wed, 09/04/2025 - 13:00

Learn how to find specific resources and how to find information on a topic using Library Search.

Apr 16

Assessing the reliability of information for your assignment

Wed, 16/04/2025 - 19:30

Learn how to evaluate information and why it is important to look critically at online information sources.

Apr 29

Improving your experience accessing online resources

Tue, 29/04/2025 - 19:30

If you experience difficulties in reading some full text formats this session will show you how to make adjustments to improve accessibility.

May 08

Introduction to Library Services

Thu, 08/05/2025 - 19:30

Learn about the online library, how to find help and support, and how to access key services to help with your studies or work at the OU.

May 12

Using Library Search for your assignment

Mon, 12/05/2025 - 19:00

Learn how to find specific resources and how to find information on a topic using Library Search.

May 14

Smarter searching with library databases

Wed, 14/05/2025 - 19:30

Learn how to access library databases, take advantage of the functionality they offer, and devise a proper search technique.

May 19

Assessing the reliability of information for your assignment

Mon, 19/05/2025 - 12:30

Learn how to evaluate information and why it is important to look critically at online information sources.

May 20

The why and how of referencing

Tue, 20/05/2025 - 19:30

Learn why referencing is important, how to construct references and where to go for help and support.

Jun 03

Managing your digital footprint

Tue, 03/06/2025 - 19:00

Learn how your digital footprint is created and how to create a positive online identity.

Jun 05

Diverse voices, alternative sources

Thu, 05/06/2025 - 19:30

Learn why it is important to consider diverse perspectives in your research and discover search tips and resources which will help you find them.

Jun 09

Exploring Generative AI: critical skills and ethical use

Mon, 09/06/2025 - 19:30

Develop a critical awareness of Generative AI within the context of academic study.

Jun 19

Reference management tools - an introduction

Thu, 19/06/2025 - 19:00

Learn how reference management tools work and the benefit and risks of using them.

Jun 24

Improving your experience accessing online resources

Tue, 24/06/2025 - 19:30

If you experience difficulties in reading some full text formats this session will show you how to make adjustments to improve accessibility.

Jun 30

Introduction to Library Services

Mon, 30/06/2025 - 13:00

Learn about the online library, how to find help and support, and how to access key services to help with your studies or work at the OU.

Jul 02

Using Library Search for your assignment

Wed, 02/07/2025 - 19:30

Learn how to find specific resources and how to find information on a topic using Library Search.

Jul 07

Smarter searching with library databases

Mon, 07/07/2025 - 19:30

Learn how to access library databases, take advantage of the functionality they offer, and devise a proper search technique.

Jul 17

Assessing the reliability of information for your assignment

Thu, 17/07/2025 - 19:00

Learn how to evaluate information and why it is important to look critically at online information sources.

Jul 22

The why and how of referencing

Tue, 22/07/2025 - 19:30

Learn why referencing is important, how to construct references and where to go for help and support.

Jul 30

Relaxed: Introduction to Library Services

Wed, 30/07/2025 - 19:30