Bodleian Libraries news for MPLS - March 2022
Open Access news
ORA survey
This is a general call for assistance in the further development of the Oxford University Research Archive via completion of a survey.
ORA (The Oxford University Research Archive) is the institutional repository for the University of Oxford. It accepts and makes available research content produced by the University of Oxford members. This includes journal articles, conference papers, research data, theses, working papers, reports and more. ORA aims, where possible, to make available full text content publicly available via the ORA website, and to collect and preserve this material for long-term curation and access.
ORA also currently provides a direct route of deposit for research data and research theses, as well as a route of compliance for funder policy requirements and research assessment exercises, such as the REF (Research Excellence Framework).
The University of Oxford continues to assess ORA and the needs of those using it to ensure that it delivers within expectations the best service possible. The ORA team would value your feedback to the questions in this short survey regarding the next stage of development of the ORA service. Your feedback will help to shape and prioritise requirements, as well as provide a valuable insight into aspects that are currently working well, and areas that require improvements.
Please note that we are also running a ‘public facing’ survey for external users via the ORA website.
Specifically, the survey encourages your feedback into:
- Versioning and deposit of ‘large sized files’ research materials (such as research data);
- Moving depositing of research data and theses from ORA to Symplectic Elements;
- Further showcasing research held within ORA in ‘collections’, such as the ORA COVID-19 portal (Covid - ORA - Oxford University Research Archive);
- Providing an ‘internal login’ to ORA content that may not be publicly available but can be shared within the University network, and;
- The onward sharing of ORA content with other databases / repositories, such as Jisc CORE or deposit to EPMC.
This survey is administered by the Open Access Collections Team who have responsibility for the day-to-day usage of the ORA website. It is aimed at anyone visiting and using the ORA website and associated services. There are a total of 5 questions and we estimate that it will take under 10 minutes to complete. The survey will be active until 25th March 2022.
Non-identifiable information may be disseminated via the ORA website. Any identifiable information collected will be used and stored in-line with the University of Oxford’s policy regarding GDPR.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact the ORA team.
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Library services
Business as usual at the VHL and RSL
The Vere Harmsworth Library, the temporary home of the Radcliffe Science Library, is now back to normal operations and normal opening hours with the full range of facilities available including the group study rooms and breakroom with drinks and snacks. The VHL is in the Rothermere American Institute in the heart of the science area opposite the Chemistry Research Laboratory. Hospital libraries still have more restrictions but are open to all MSD members based on the Headington sites (call ahead if you can, just in case of changes).
Opening hours
Vacation opening hours start at the RSL and Vere Harmsworth Library from Monday 14 March. Our hours will be:
- Monday – Friday: 9am – 7pm
- Saturday: 10am – 2pm
Vacation loans
RSL books which normally have a 1 week loan period can be borrowed for the whole vacation from 8th week of Hilary term onwards. The due date will be Tuesday 26 April 2022 (Tuesday of 1st week, Trinity term).
RSL 3D printing service now back up and running
We would like to remind readers that the RSL’s 3D printing service is available again, and is based in temporary digs in the Old Bodleian Quad. All you have to do is send us over the 3D models and we will get back to you with a printing time and cost. Staff are happy to come out and show and tell to Departments.
Bodleian Libraries service updates
Information on staying safe in Bodleian Libraries spaces, and up to date information on services, resources, and support available to help you carry on with your work can be found on the Bodleian updates page.
Building works on the RAI roof
University Estates is due to undertake major building repair works on the Rothermere American Institute premises, including replacing parts of the roof, and window sealant in various locations. The work is due to start on Monday 18 April and is expected to last 22 weeks. A temporary roof and scaffolding will be in place around the entire building. The Vere Harmsworth Library will remain open throughout the project but further updates will be provided once the project plan has been finalised.
eResources
Study Skills
The Bodleian Libraries have created a study skills reading list on ORLO.
The list contains titles suitable for undergraduates and graduates, from general to specific, and by subject. It provides a sample of available books, documents and videos on study skills that you may find helpful. Many titles are available as ebooks or can be borrowed from Oxford libraries.
You may find other relevant titles available on SOLO, and you can suggest books you would like the Bodleian Libraries to purchase.
Oxford X-Reality Hub
Oxford Photogrammetry Service Survey
The Oxford X-Reality Hub, in collaboration with IT Services and Bodleian Libraries, invite you to fill in our short survey about the use of Photogrammetry in your studies, research or work. We are currently assessing the demand of a potential Photogrammetry/3D scanning service in Oxford.
This is only for University members, and the survey can only be accessed with your University SSO.