Talking around the library tree

This episode brings together Martin Faulkner (alumni), Uzma Kadri (a current student) and Charlotte Holgate (a prospective student) to share their views on Lancaster University across different stages. They reflect on how the campus has changed in size and support, what they have learned from their experiences, and what they hope to gain next. It highlights how views and idea change, and what stay...

This week, Faculty Librarians Gem Sosnowsky and Ciara Murray are joined by Charlotte Holgate for a comics-centric cast – join them in dispelling common stereotypes: comics are not "just for boys"! Are you comics-curious? Charlotte’s got some top tips for anyone who might have thought graphic novels weren’t for them…And, what’s next for comics? With more available in mainstream book shops...

In the second of these two episodes on writing reports,Sarah and Rafel continue their discussion around the complexities of writing reports. Rafael shares some of his key learnings from writing reports for different disciplines, and expectations around sections of reports, including;executive summaries, limitations, and appendices. Sarah and Rafael also discuss some of those assignments which cros...

In this episode, Sarah speaks with one of our student writingmentors, Rafael. Rafael shares some of his experiences around writing reports,including strategies for success, expectations of report writing, andpresenting data effectively. In this series, we hear our student writing mentorsdiscussing different aspects of study. These podcasts are intended for anystudent in UK Higher Education, and th...

On the importance of slow scholarship in universities, meeting students where they are, and the role of Nan Shepherd’s poetry in providing inspiration for researchin the natural sciences. Sophie chats to Louise, the Learning Developer for the Faculty of Science and Technology and one of the co-founders of the Scientific Writing Centre. “Even if I’m not having a good experience with writing, it doe...

On learning how to write from creative writers, the unexpected role of emotions in scientific writing, and the hidden amount of work behind what we read at university. Sophie chats to Beth, the Learning Developer for the Faculty of Health and Medicine and one of the co-founders of the Scientific Writing Centre. “ Just write, write something, it doesn’t matter what. Just write.”

On reading when stuck, the importance of taking a break, and dealing with rejection in academic writing.  Sophie chats to Liying, a Scientific Writing Mentor, and doctoral student in Linguistics.  “Academic writing builds on experiences, just like fiction writing. Whether it’s experiences with reading, experiences with writing. Your experiences do shape how you write”.

On getting ‘in the writing zone’, approaching writing like a conversation, and on being neurodivergent in academia.   Sophie chats to Nicholas, a Scientific Writing Mentor, and doctoral student in Nuclear Chemistry. “Even though we feel that our voices don’t mattersometimes, it is always worth speaking up and joining the conversation”

On finding identity in academic writing, writing in a second language, and on sending “imperfect” drafts to PhD supervisors. Sophie chats to Sofia, a Scientific Writing Mentor, civil engineer, and doctoral student in the Lancaster Environment Centre. “There is no such thing as a perfect piece of writing. Allow yourself to learn, allow yourself to try, and find your style. The beauty I’ve found in...

On keeping the dopamine gremlin happy in academia, giving yourself grace, and on finding what works best for you in writing.   Sophie chats to Charlotte, a Scientific Writing Mentor and a doctoral student in Biomedical and Life Sciences.   “I have to find ways to enjoy the process, because sometimes all I’m looking for is the result. Just know that you do have the capacity within you, and time wil...

Learning Development, Lancaster University In this series, we hear our student writing mentorsdiscussing different aspects of study. These podcasts are intended for any student in UK Higher Education, and they may be of particular use for people new to studying. They are conversational and should be understood as an informal source of guidance. Produced by writing mentors from the Learning Develop...

Learning Development, Lancaster University In this series, we hear our student writing mentors discussing different aspects of study. These podcasts are intended for any student in UK Higher Education, and they may be of particular use for people new to studying. They are conversational and should be understood as an informal source of guidance. Produced by writing mentors from the Learning Develo...

Learning Development, Lancaster University In this series, we hear our student writing mentorsdiscussing different aspects of study. These podcasts are intended for any student in UK Higher Education, and they may be of particular use for people new to studying. They are conversational and should be understood as an informal source of guidance. Produced by writing mentors from the Learning Develop...

This week’s episode discusses the hot topic of the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in academic research. Our Research Data Manager, Jenny McHugh, talks to Joe Lindley, Senior Research Fellow in the School of Design about his use of AI in creative practice. Joe is also involved in a project called Responsible AI, which discusses the best way to license your AI research outputs. Listen to fin...

In this episode of Talking around the Library Tree, Andy is joined by Jim Patten to talk about the Patten Collection. This is a collection of World War 2 ephemera collected by Peter Patten, Jims father. The collection was donated to Lancaster University in the 1980s and contains over 1000 items covering all aspects of life in the war time period. Jim discusses how the collection came about, though...

This episode explores the long-standing impact of our library's outreach to local schools, Andy Holgate chats with Ben Wood, Religious Studies lead at Haslingdon High School, particularly focusing on EPQ and coursework students. Ben has been bringing students from Haslingdon High School to Lancaster University Library for the past eight years.  In this episode they explore how these visits equ...

In this episode of the podcast, Tom is joined by Professor Richard Brook, Professor in Architecture at Lancaster University, to discuss their latest publication " The Renewal of Post-War Manchester: Planning, Architecture and the State ". During the interview they discuss Richards experiences of publishing the book open access and why the impacts this has made on potential audiences for their work...

This episode of our podcast Talking Around the Library Tree focuses on Lancaster University’s commitment to addressing the climate emergency. Louise Speakman (the Library’s Head of Engagement) speaks to Dr Georgiana Allison (Head of Sustainability) and Tim Leonard (The Library’s Associate Director: Space, Experience and Innovation) about the university’s net zero goals, its sustainability strategy...

In this episode of Talking Around the Library Tree, Luke and Edward from our Library Student Ambassador team reflect on their experiences working in the library and how this has benefited their development. The Library student ambassador team support the library on open days, as well as working on a variety of projects and events throughout the academic year.

Andy Holgate is joined by Paul Newnham, the FASS Teaching and Learning Librarian for this episode of Talking around the Library Tree. Paul talks about his favourite database (Mass Observation Archive), impactful books (Primo Levi, If this is a Man), and the joy of student learning. Plus, advice on being organised, and why it is never too late to learn – like picking up guitar at 57

From the importance of evidence-based study to a quirky anecdote about a past life as a fantasy hair model (appearing on the covers of books in various heroic poses). Join Andy Holgate in a conversation with John Barbrook, the content librarian for FST and FHM here at Lancaster University whose role deals with the sometimes-chaotic world of library resource acquisition. John discusses the crucial...

In this first episode of two, under the theme of students as partners, Anna (MASH Manager) is interviewing Malek (MASH tutor). Malek as one of the oldest members of the MASH team, talks about his tutoring experience, collaborating with Learning Developers and tutors to support the student learning. Malek shares insights from from his collaboration with MASH, his journey from a new in-experienced t...

In part 2 of our special episodes on students as partners, Anna (MASH Manager) welcomes Patrick in his MASH tutoring role. Patrick talks about his varied roles at the university and what he has gained from his MASH tutoring experience. Anna and Patrick discuss about their ongoing collaboration on co-creation for the MASH workshop series Brush up your stats skills. 

In this episode Andy Holgate chats with Gemma (Gem) Sosnowsky, Faculty Librarian for Health and Medicine at Lancaster University where they discuss the importance of time management and the benefits of students seeking support if or when it is needed. Gem also shares insights from her recent experience judging at a comic book festival.

From Northern Lights to independent bookshops, join Andy Holgate for a chat with Ciara Murray, Faculty of Arts and Sciences/Law Librarian at Lancaster University whose love of literature shines brightly. Andy and Ciara explore the excitement of discovering new worlds through books, the magic of Philip Pullman, and the unique experience of book buying in independent bookstores. Up for discussion ar...