Open Academic Research:

Training for the 21st Century Scholar

This course is a library intensive designed to help you lay the groundwork for a career in academic research.

Adapted from an open access course at Harvard, these modules are open and available to all. Access to licensed database content is restricted to the University of Kentucky community.

These self-paced lessons can be taken anytime, anywhere, and offer tips and tools for all stages of your research. Whether you are just starting out with a research project, in the middle of a long list of research tasks, or ready to publish your work, our modules have something for everyone.

“carefully designed, meticulously prepared, beautifully executed…the curriculum was rigorous in a really positive way”

- former participant

On Demand Module Collections

Getting Started Modules

Know Your Field

Dig into your discipline by identifying key works, scholars, journals, and more. Discover where you can fit within your field.

Frame Your Question

Construct a strong and clear research question. Practice pitching your research project.

Improve Your Search

Use database features and search options to your advantage. Learn how to make the most of controlled vocabularies.

Self-Care for Scholars

Understand how to care for your mental health. Learn how to adopt a learner’s mindset and free yourself from imposter syndrome.

Media & Technology

A series of mini-lessons on a variety of technologies and media that you can use to build and present your research.

Accessibility

Video Storage and Presenting Media in Courses

Voice Recording and Sound Editing

Data Visualization

Text Mining

Mapping Demographic Data

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Presenting and Publishing Modules

Your Online Presence

Reflect on how various online platforms help you present your work and engage with readers and with colleagues. Get tips on digital privacy and protecting your safety.

Where to Publish

Learn how to select journals to consider for submission. Use an evaluation tool to rank and compare journals.

Own Your Rights

Learn about copyright and publishing contracts. Explore sample contracts to understand elements of important clauses.

Fair Use and Your Scholarly Rights

Learn about copyright and the four factors of fair use. Practice arguing for your right to excerpt copyrighted material.

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Best Practices Modules

All ABOUT

A series of tip sheets that cover a range of library practices. Get access to glossaries of library terms, as well as curated advice and resources for a range of topics.

Discover Your Databases

Get tips on how to find and access databases in your field. Assess your specific database needs to prepare for your search.

Keep Track

Boost your productivity by staying on task and organized. Try out different tools and find what works best for you.

What is a Database?

Explore and compare top databases and library catalogs. Dive deep into how databases work and what you can do with them.

Specialized Reference Sources

Get the most out of academic encyclopedias, bibliographies, directories, and other highly specialized reference sources.

Advanced Search Lab

Learn about advanced search options common across databases. Get tips for constructing better search queries.

Find Your Materials

Gain confidence tracking down hard-to-find citations. Learn how to use catalog record information to find citation clues and library access services.

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Archives and Primary Sources Modules

Overview of the SCRC

Conducting research at the UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center (SCRC), what you need to know!

Navigating Our Resources

Learn about the SCRC's unique collections, digital libraries, and databases.

Using Our Services

The SCRC's Research Account Guide provides instructions and tutorials. Learn how to activate your account, request materials for in-person research, or order a digital scan.

Research Skills

Search for Archival Materials

Tips and methods for finding archival collections anywhere. Learn about major search engines for collections in the U.S., and strategies for finding collections internationally.

Digital Collections and Finding Aids

Explore the relationship between archival collections and finding aids. Deconstruct a finding aid and navigate through a digitized collection.

Handling Special Collections Materials

Review how to handle fragile and unique items to avoid damage and gain confidence.

Preparing for Research Travel

Get tips to help prepare yourself for research travel. Learn about planning considerations before you travel. Find out who you can ask for help across your library or institution.

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About

Contact

Has this site impacted your research or teaching practice? Do you have a question or a comment? We look forward to hearing from you!

Contact the UK Libraries Educational Services Team or complete this short feedback form

Need help from a librarian?

Contact any UK Libraries Subject Librarian Teams

Visit our Research Workshop Series for future Zoom sessions and past recordings on topics such as EndNote, systematic reviews, data management, and more.

Credits

We could not thank enough the following individuals at Harvard University Libraries:

This course was initially designed by Ashleigh Kenworthy (Unabridged Learning Design Assistant) with Anna Assogba and Odile Harter (Unabridged Program Coordinators). The Unabridged program is the product of years of iterative development and the contributions of many librarians as well as staff from across Harvard: you will find individual credits in each module.

At the University of Kentucky Libraries, we would like to acknowledge the work of Helen Bischoff, Jay-Marie Bravent, Helene Gold, Peter Hesseldenz, Karyn Hinkle, Lisa Nichols, Margie Ruppel, and Stacey Greenwell for adapting the course for the UK community. We would also like to thank our colleagues with instructional responsibilities for their feedback and promotion of this course.

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