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Library Training Sessions

Library HITS - Helpful Information for Trinity Students/Staff

If you're new to Trinity or want to brush up on existing skills, join us this year for a series of introductory sessions delivered by the Staff of the Library, and Student Learning Development (SLD).

Do you want to know more about writing and research skills to help with your projects and dissertations? There is no need to register, however as places are limited for the in-person sessions we will be operating on a first come first served basis. If you scroll down further you will find descriptions, slides and recordings of most previous sessions in the HITS programme.

We look forward to seeing you! Here's some feedback from previous HITS classes: "So helpful – exceptionally kind and supportive"; "Very relevant and easy to follow and understand"; and "Great presenter! Feel so much more ready after this session!".

HITS Module 1: 14-17 September 2026 - Getting Started with Library and Study Skills All sessions delivered in North Training Room, the Eavan Boland Library, unless indicated otherwise.
	11:00	13:00	15:00
Monday 14 September	Library Basics	Database Searching: Basics	Managing Your References: EndNote 2025
Tuesday 15 September	Plagiarism and Referencing	Essay Writing	Database Searching: Advanced
Wednesday 16 September	Top Tips for Nailing Your Literature Review	Database Searching: Basics	Effective Study for Academic Success
Thursday 17 September	Library Basics	Database Searching: Advanced	Plagiarism and Referencing

HITS Module 2: 21-24 September 2026 - Getting Started with Library and Study Skills All sessions delivered in North Training Room, the Eavan Boland Library, unless indicated otherwise.
	11:00	13:00	15:00
Monday 21 September	Library Basics	Managing Your References: EndNote 2025	Database Searching: Basics
Tuesday 22 September	Database Searching: Advanced	Plagiarism and Referencing	Top Tips for Nailing Your Literature Review
Wednesday 23 September	Managing Your References: EndNote 2025	Top Tips for Nailing Your Literature Review	Introduction to Reading, Thinking and Writing Critically
Thursday 24 September	Essay Writing	Database Searching: Advanced	Reading and Notemaking

Applying GenAI: A Conversation

This workshop will focus on Generative AI in an academic context, specifically for a Trinity student. What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats? Is it possible to use AI effectively, ethically, and critically? How do you cite it?

All SLD’s recordings

PDF - Applying GenAI: A Conversation

Database Searching: Basics

What will you know at the end of this workshop?	You will learn how to: Break down your research question Understand what databases are and how to access them Build an effective search strategy Find more help if needed
Who is this workshop for?	Best suited to students who have not yet used a database. For those just starting to look for articles or other materials for an assignment, essay or thesis.
Are there any requirements to attend?	First attend the 'Library Basics' session and/or know how to search the Library Catalogue for books and known articles on your reading list.
How long does this workshop take?	This workshop will take 40 minutes.
Will I need to participate in any elements of this workshop?	There will be opportunities for active engagement, individually or in pairs.
Is there anything I need to bring?	Laptop, pen and paper.
What is the training room like?	Temperature controlled, room to move around.
What happens if I have questions?	Ask the workshop facilitator during the workshop Watch the workshop recording Follow up with your Subject Librarian

Recording - Database Searching: Basics

PDF - Database Searching: Basics

Database Searching: Advanced

What will I know at the end of this workshop?	Dive deeper into databases; apply advanced tools and techniques for more precise searching. Students will learn how to: search using keywords and controlled vocabulary select a field to search by author, title or abstract broaden and narrow a search Save, manage and export search results.
Who is this workshop for?	For students who: have the basic theoretical and practical knowledge of database searching wish to go beyond basic searching to retrieve more on-target references and full-text articles It will be particularly suitable for students preparing a Capstone project, dissertation or thesis. Undergraduate and postgraduate students are welcome.
Are there any requirements to attend?	Best if you have already attended 'Database Searching: Basics'.
How long does this workshop take?	This workshop will take 40 minutes.
Will I need to participate in any elements of this workshop?	There will be opportunities for active engagement and hands-on searching of databases. Librarians will be there to help whenever needed.
Is there anything I need to bring?	Laptop, pen and paper.
What is the training room like?	Temperature controlled, room to move around.
What happens if I have questions?	Ask the workshop facilitator during the workshop Watch the workshop recording Follow up with your Subject Librarian

Recording - Database Searching: Advanced

PDF - Database Searching: Advanced

Essay Writing (SLD)

Essays are a common form of assessment in TCD. Come along for tips on the stages of the writing process, how to structure an essay, how to answer the question and build an argument.

All SLD’s recordings

PDF - Essay Writing (SLD)

Introduction to Reading, Thinking and Writing Critically (SLD)

The ability to think critically is an essential skill for successful learning and a key graduate attribute identified by employers. This workshop will introduce you to the concepts and practice of reading, thinking and writing critically.

All SLD’s recordings

PDF - Introduction to Reading, Thinking and Writing Critically (SLD)

Library Basics - Getting to Know the Library

What will I know at the end of this workshop?	Join us to learn where to go, what to find, and whom to ask in the Library. This session will acquaint new library users and give a refresh to seasoned patrons. We will cover locating libraries and collections, using the catalogue and accessing articles, and where to go to ask questions.
Who is this workshop for?	This is a basic introduction to the Library, so it is open to everyone.
Are there any requirements to attend?	None.
How long does this workshop take?	This workshop will take 30 minutes of your time, but with additional time for questions afterwards.
Will I need to participate in any elements of this workshop?	No, this is mostly a presentation but you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Is there anything I need to bring?	Just yourself!
What is the training room like?	Temperature-controlled, room to move around.
What happens if I have questions?	Ask the workshop facilitator during the workshop Follow up with your Subject Librarian Ask at the Duty Librarian's Desk or any Library Service Desk

Recording - Library Basics: Getting to Know the Library

PDF - Library Basics: Getting to Know the Library

Managing Your References

How do I manage references for my essay? EndNote is bibliographic management software that can save you time writing your bibliography.

Recording - Managing Your References: EndNote 2025

PDF - Managing Your References: EndNote 2025

Plagiarism and Referencing

What will I know at the end of this workshop?	You will learn: what plagiarism is how it is detected how to avoid plagiarising by citing sources the three types of referencing styles the role of reference management tools
Who is this workshop for?	It is particularly suited to new students but everyone is welcome.
Are there any requirements to attend?	None.
How long does this workshop take?	This workshop will take approx. 30 minutes.
Will I need to participate in any elements of this workshop?	No, this is mostly a presentation but you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Is there anything I need to bring?	Laptop, writing paper.
What is the training room like?	Temperature-controlled, room to move around.
What happens if I have questions?	Ask the workshop facilitator during the workshop Watch the workshop recording Follow up with your Subject Librarian

Recording - Plagiarism and Referencing

PDF - Plagiarism and Referencing

PDF - A great quick guide by Emily Myers from the University of Connecticut

Reading and Notemaking (SLD)

So much reading and so little time. Learn how to read more efficiently and effectively and make useful notes from reading material and lectures.

All SLD’s recordings

PDF - Reading and Notemaking (SLD)

Skills for Academic Success (SLD)

Work smarter not harder to get the most out of your study time in College. Learn how to prioritise tasks, manage your time and get advice on how to improve your academic performance.

All SLD’s recordings

Top Tips for Nailing Your Literature Review

What will you know at the end of this workshop?	You will learn: What is a literature review and its purpose? Who does a literature review? What are the different types of reviews? Finding Information for your literature review How to begin assessing your results
Who is this workshop for?	Best suited to students who will write a literature review or a capstone project.
Are there any requirements to attend?	First attend the 'Library Essentials' session and/or know how to search the library catalogue for books and known articles on your reading list.
How long does this workshop take?	This workshop will take 40 minutes.
Will I need to participate in any elements of this workshop?	There will be opportunities for active engagement, individually or in pairs.
Is there anything I need to bring?	Laptop, pen and paper.
What is the training room like?	Temperature-controlled, room to move around.
What happens if I have questions?	Ask the workshop facilitator during the workshop Watch the workshop recording Follow up with your Subject Librarian