The End of Another Academic Year
The libraries are finally starting to get a bit quieter again as we come to the end of the exam period and another academic year at the University of Dundee. Over the last few weeks, every space has been busy…
Posts
Exam Season Part 2 – Making the most of the Library during exams (without burning out)
In Part 1, we looked at finding a way of studying that works for you — from choosing the right space to managing expectations. This part is about what happens once you’re in the middle of it — when the days get…
Exam Season – Part 1 Finding your way through exam season (without losing your mind)
With the Main Library open 24/7 during the exam period, you’ve got the flexibility to study at whatever time suits you best. That’s a real advantage — but it can also make it harder to know when to stop. Exams are here, and for…
Dundee Month of Design – May 2026
Dundee is the UK’s first and only UNESCO City of Design. The global designation as a Creative City acknowledges Dundee’s rich design heritage, its thriving contemporary design sector and a city committed to using design to solve problems and make…
Exam Time is Here: The Main Library is open 24/7 (22 April – 19 May)
Exams are just around the corner, and we know what that means — longer days, more notes, and probably more caffeine than usual. To support you during this time, the Main Library will be open 24/7 from Wednesday, 22 April to Tuesday, 19 May 2026. Whether you…
Noisy Neighbour: If It’s Getting a Bit Much, Let Us Know
We get it — the Library isn’t always perfectly quiet. Most of the time, everyone’s doing their best. But sometimes things drift a bit… conversations get louder, groups get carried away, and suddenly it’s harder to focus than it should…
From Page to Screen: Films You Didn’t Know Were Based on Shakespeare
You might think Shakespeare is all about old language, long speeches, and something you had to study at school. His stories are everywhere — including in films you’ve probably already seen. Here are a few well-known movies that are actually…
William McGonagall: Dundee’s favourite disastrously brilliant poet
Book cover , Poetic Gems: Selected from the works of William McGonagall If you’ve spent any time in Dundee, you’ve probably heard the name William McGonagall — usually followed by a laugh, a raised eyebrow, or someone saying, “you have to read his stuff.” And honestly? They’re right. McGonagall is…
New Research Data Management web pages, have your say
We are updating the Library Services Research Data Management (RDM) web pages and we want to hear from you. What information would you like to get from the RDM support service? What do you need to know more about? We…
5 things the Library can help you with (that you might not be using… yet)
Let’s be honest — most people think of the library as somewhere to sit, get your head down, and maybe panic slightly over a deadline. But there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes that can make your life easier… if you know about it. Here…
International Women’s Week: Discover the Finlay Room in DJCAD Library
Study Room Name Series: 6. The Finlay Room International Women’s Week 2026 is a great time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across our communities. Here in the University of Dundee Library, one small way we do that is…
Kortext Advanced Reader – Service Update and Features
Author: Bridget McCall Between 6-16th March there will be a service update for the Digital Content Store affecting the library’s digitisation service for reading lists. Our Higher Education Copyright License allows the library to digitise sections from books and journals…
Exchange Street – a small nod to Dundee’s big history
Study Room Name Series: 5. Exchange Street If you’ve ever wandered through the middle floor and spotted the Exchange Street study area, you might have paused for a second and thought: where exactly is this Exchange? Fair question. To most modern Dundonians, the name is…
Supporting Success: A Year of Managed Assessments & Exams
Each year, the Assessment team, part of the Educational Development team in Library, Academic and Cultural Services, plays a crucial role in delivering a smooth and reliable online assessment experience for students and staff across the University. Working behind the scenes,…
New in the Main Library: Try Our Tablet Loan Scheme
We’re pleased to introduce a brand-new tablet loan scheme in the Main Library, designed to give staff and students quick, easy access to digital tools while you study or work in the building. Meet the Hublets We now have six tablets available to borrow using our Hublet system.…
Race Equality Week 2026: #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs
2–8 February 2026 Race Equality Week is a chance to stop, think, learn, and have conversations that really matter. This year’s theme, #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs, is a reminder that progress doesn’t happen on its own – it takes everyday actions from all of us, in…
Beefcan Close: The Story Behind a Main Library Study Room
Study Room Name Series: 5. Beefcan Close If you’ve ever booked the Beefcan Close study room in the Main Library, you may have wondered where the name comes from. Like several study spaces across the Library, this room is named after a real place in Dundee’s history —…
Dundee Day: Celebrate the City You Study In
If you’re studying at the University of Dundee, chances are the city has already become part of your everyday life — from walks along the Tay to late library sessions and coffee stops on Perth Road. Dundee Day, celebrated every…
Your University Library: Guide for 2026
Starting university can feel exciting, overwhelming, and a bit unreal all at once. New city, new people, new way of studying… and a lot of new buildings. One place you’ll get to know very quickly is the University of Dundee…
Temporary Heating Works in the Main Library – What You Need to Know
This work is being rescheduled. We will keep you updated when we have more information. We want to give you a heads-up about some essential repair work taking place in the Main Library this January. Our colleagues in Estates and…
Get Festive with the Library: Creative, Cosy & Clever Ways to Use Your Library This Holiday Season
The festive break is nearly here, and whether you’re staying in Dundee, heading home, or doing a bit of both, the Library has plenty of resources to help you make the most of it — creatively, academically and for some…
Need to Use Another University Library While You’re Away? SCONUL Access Can Help!
If you’re heading home for the holidays, travelling during the semester, or simply spending time away from UoD but still need a quiet place to study, the SCONUL Access Scheme is here to make your life a lot easier. SCONUL…
Study Your Way: The Main Library is Open 24/7 Until 16 December
With exams fast approaching, many of you are settling into revision mode. To support you during this busy period, the Library is open 24/7 until 16 December, giving you the freedom to study at whatever time suits you best. Whether…
The Story Behind DJCAD Library’s Cattrell Study Room
If you’ve ever used the small study room in the DJCAD Library called Cattrell, you might have wondered where the name came from. It looks like any other study space — six desks, a screen for presentations, and plenty of…
UKRI consultation on a new research data policy
Library Open Research and Publishing. UKRI is developing a new research data policy, which will update and streamline their expectations for sharing and managing research data and other research-relevant digital objects. Dundee survey Between April and August of 2025, UK stakeholders were invited to feedback on a draft…
Student Wellbeing Week
Inspiration for the Kirkcaldy campus wellbeing tree Student wellbeing week is being celebrated on Kirkcaldy Campus (10th– 14th November), and at the heart of those celebrations will be a tree. A wellbeing tree, inspired by a tree which grows in…
University of Dundee Ranked 1st in the UK and 3rd in the World for Open Access Research
The University of Dundee has been ranked first in the UK and third globally for the proportion of research outputs made open access, according to the 2025 CWTS Leiden Rankings (Traditional Edition). This remarkable result reflects our University’s long-standing commitment…
Green Libraries Week: How We’re Keeping Your Library Sustainable
Monday 27 October – Sunday 2 November It’s Green Libraries Week, and we’re celebrating all the ways the University of Dundee Library is doing its bit for the planet! From smart energy use to creative ways of reducing waste, sustainability…
The question this Open Access Week is: Who owns our knowledge?
It’s the Open Research and Publishing team’s favourite week of the year, International Open Access Week October 20-26, 2025! This year’s theme is: Who Owns Our Knowledge? What better time to shine a spotlight on the University of Dundee’s Rights…
Meet Your Academic Librarian Team – here to help you succeed
Starting university can feel a bit like diving into the deep end — new classes, new systems, and a lot of reading! That’s where your Academic Librarian Team comes in. We’re here to help you build confidence in your research,…
Standing Firm in Power and Pride – Celebrating Black History Month with the University Library
Here at the University of Dundee Library, we’re proud to support Black History Month and this year’s theme: “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.” It’s a chance to celebrate Black history, culture, and creativity — to learn from the past, recognise…
The Library is Here to Support You
At the University of Dundee, our libraries are more than just buildings full of books – they’re here to support you throughout your studies. Our Academic Librarian Team can guide you with one-to-one appointments, training sessions, and online resources to…
Welcome to Dundee: Your Student Adventure Starts Here!
Two students looking at Dundee from The Law
Your Library Journey Starts Here!
Starting university this September? Welcome to what might just become your second home over the next few years! Whether you’re cramming for your first assignment deadline, hunting down that one specific journal article, or simply need somewhere peaceful to focus,…
REF2029: What We Know About the Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU) Guidance
Open Research & Publishing offers the Library’s perspective on the recently announced changes to REF2029 Outputs section and the new Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding (CKU). REF2029 brings several important updates to how research will be assessed across UK universities.…
Graduate Membership to the Library
It’s an exciting week for many of our students as they experience the culmination of all their dedication and hard work and graduate from the university. We love seeing everyone celebrating and hope that this year you’ll take advantage…
Dissertation Take-off: Your Summer Research Success Guide
[flyntTheContent id=”0″] As summer semester approaches, many postgraduate taught students are preparing to embark on their dissertation projects – arguably the most significant piece of work in their academic journey. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of conducting independent…
The Fairlie Meeting/Teaching Room
Study Room Name Series: 3. The Fairlie Room The Fairlie Meeting Room, located on the second floor of the Main Library, offers a versatile space suitable for teaching sessions, meetings, and collaborative work. Designed with a boardroom layout, it can…
Peep O’Day Lane: A Glimpse into Dundee’s Past
Study Room Name Series: 2. Peep O’Day Lane Nestled within Dundee’s cityscape, Peep o’ Day Lane is more than just a quaintly named alley—it’s a portal to the city’s rich historical tapestry. The lane’s name harks back to the Peep…
Peter Flynn: Crossings – A Celebration of 50 Years in Art
Fifty years ago, Peter Flynn began his artistic journey at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. Now, in a new exhibition, Crossings, we celebrate his vibrant career with a stunning showcase of his work—past and present. From his early student…
Dr Saleyha Ahsan: The Inspiration Behind the Robertson Trust Medical Library’s Group Study Room
Study Room Name Series: 1. Dr Saleyha Ahsan The Robertson Trust Medical Library at the University of Dundee has named its group study room after Dr Saleyha Ahsan, a distinguished alumna whose career spans medicine, humanitarian work, and journalism. This…
Halfway Through Semester 2 – How the Library Can Help You Stay on Track
We’re now halfway through Semester 2, and whether you’re deep into assignments, preparing for exams, or working on your dissertation, the Library is here to support you every step of the way. Here are some key ways we can help: …
Enhance Your Skills with Our March 2025 Academic Librarian Webinars
As we move into the second half of the semester, now is the perfect time to sharpen your research, referencing, and digital resource skills. The Academic Librarian Team is hosting a series of free online webinars throughout March to help…
Discover the Health Zine Library at Kirkcaldy Campus Library
Are you interested in personal stories, creative reflections, and unique perspectives on health? The Health Zine Library at our Kirkcaldy Campus Library offers a fascinating collection of zines exploring health-related topics, from mental well-being to long-term conditions. What is a…
New Year, New You: make the most of the University of Dundee Library in 2025!
As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to set some resolutions to supercharge your academic journey at the University of Dundee. Whether you’re a new or returning student, local or international, the library is your ultimate partner in…
Support for Undergraduate Dissertations
[flyntTheContent id=”1675″] Dissertation Take-off for Undergraduates – Monday 27th January to Friday 31st January 2025 Writing your undergraduate dissertation or project can be a daunting task. To help, the Academic Librarians and Academic Skills Service have created the Dissertation Take-off…
Festive Treats within the University’s Museum and Archive Collections
There are lots of festive treats within the University’s Museum Collections. Here are four favourites chosen by curator Matthew Jarron. This Christmas mat from our Needlework Development Scheme Collection was made in Sweden in 1949 by designer Ulla Kockum. Scandinavian…
Explore New Horizons with SCONUL Access
Whether you’re staying in Dundee or heading off to explore other parts of the UK and Ireland, the SCONUL Access scheme is your golden ticket to discovering new libraries, study spaces, and a treasure trove of books and journals. What…
Open Research Blog Series #5: Open to Publishing?
The Library launched a new in-house publishing service this year to support and encourage the sharing of our research in an open and sustainable way. The service includes a number of publishing platforms and provides advice on dissemination strategy help…
Enhancing Accessibility: Introducing our new Assistive Hardware Collection!
We’re excited to announce a valuable addition to our library resources: the new Assistive Hardware Collection! With support from Student Funding, Disability Services, and Digital Technology Services (DTS), we’re committed to making the learning experience more inclusive and supportive for…
Open Research Blog Series #4: Empowering Open
Putting these blog contributions together gave us a kaleidoscope of Open Research attitudes and practices from our research community. The contributions in this blogpost are an example of this. We have contributions from a variety of researchers including Open Research…
Open Research Blog Series #3: Open at every stage
The two contributions below are from researchers in different fields and at different stages of their careers. Chris is a senior lecturer and Open Research Lead for his School, while Calum is a postgraduate student at the early stage of a research…
Open Research Blog Series #2: Research Metrics
Keeping with this year’s Open Access Week theme of Community over Commercialisation, it is important to remember that the value of research outputs to the larger community cannot be measured using traditional bibliometrics alone. Metrics alone cannot capture the full…
Open Research Blog Series #1 – Open Access in Iran: Navigating Academic Barriers
The theme for International Open Access Week 2024 is “Community over Commercialisation”. As part of the Library’s OA Week activities, we asked our research community to tell us about their experience of Open Access. One of the most compelling responses…
Open Access Week 2024!
Its International Open Access Week 2024 (21-27 October). The theme this year is “Community over commercialisation”, a continuation of last year’s theme emphasising the benefits of Open Access to the public and academic community. The theme is still appropriate for…
My Dearest Readers,
A Gentle Reminder: Etiquette and Elegance Allow me to whisk you away to our beloved university library—a sanctuary of knowledge, whispered secrets, and scholarly pursuits. As we walk on its freshly carpeted floors, it’s time to discuss the proper way…
Exploring the University of Dundee City Campus on a budget: a perfect day for £15 or less. Using ChatGPT
Using ChatGPT to plan a day around University of Dundee city campus on a budget.
Updated Library Regulations
Welcome to our University libraries! These spaces are more than just a collection of books – they are vibrant hubs for learning, collaboration, and academic growth. To ensure everyone feels safe, respected, and able to focus, we kindly ask all…
Copyright fact-finding in Leeds
On Thursday 5th September, Bridget McCall, Michael Duncan, and Kirsty Knowles attended the ICEPOPS Copyright Conference at Leeds Beckett University. This was the fifth year of the conference that takes a lighter look at the labyrinth of copyright. The conference is…
What a spectacle! Publishing for the DJCAD Undergraduate Degree Show 2024
#DJCADDegreeShow Undergraduate dissertations were published by the Library at this year’s Degree Show, giving visitors a new insight into the research behind the exhibits. After being impressed by the standard of writing among this year’s Fine Art and Art &…
Welcome to the Library!
Whether you’re diving into research, looking for a quiet study spot, or just need a cosy place to get some work done, our library is here for you. With four convenient locations, you’ll always have access to the resources and…
Maximise Your Summer Vacation with SCONUL Library Access!
Are you an undergraduate or a taught postgraduate student? Planning to dive into some serious studying or research during your summer vacation? Good news! SCONUL has an amazing scheme that allows you to access higher education libraries across the UK…
Expanding Your Academic Resources: More Books
When it comes to navigating academic resources, lecturers play a pivotal role in guiding students towards essential materials. One such tool is the resources list, compiled to support each taught module. So, what happens when students need additional resources or…
Introducing ‘high-spec’ PCs to the Main Library
These state-of-the-art workstations are for all students and are designed to elevate your study experience by delivering the computing power necessary for resource-hungry engineering and design software.
UKRI’S Open Access Policy on books and book chapters – an update
In a previous blogpost, Funded by UKRI? Planning to publish a book? Here’s what you need to know some details of UKRI’s policy on open access publication for books and chapters were outlined. As a reminder, the policy comes into…
Unlocking the Power of Creative Commons Licenses for Academic Researchers
In today’s academic landscape, sharing research findings is essential for progress and innovation. Researchers dedicate significant time and effort to their work, and Creative Commons (CC) licenses offer a means to share research openly while safeguarding intellectual property. This blog…
Funded by UKRI? Planning to publish a book? Here’s what you need to know.
UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) and its constituent research councils have operated an Open Access policy for journal articles and conference proceedings for several years, but will extend the policy to include monographs, book chapters and edited collections published from 1st…
PGR Wellbeing Matters: Insights from a Unique Comic Strip – a guest blog post from Dr Sandra Oza, Doctoral Academy Manager at UoD.
Postgraduate research can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. From navigating the demands of academia to managing your personal life, the pressures can take a toll on your mental health and wellbeing. For this reason,…
BoB playlists – using TV, Films & Radio for teaching & research
Box of broadcasts (BoB) allows you to set up playlists – which can be public or private. Public playlists can be found by searching BoB, there’s also a selection of playlists created by academics on various topics, accompanied by a…
Resources for academic writing
Essays, lab & project reports, presentations, posters, dissertation, thesis , research… – there’s a lot of writing at University. Here are some resources to help you with writing. Help is available from Academic skills ( asc@dundee.ac.uk) who offer sessions on…