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Training at IALS Library: Training events

An introduction to research skills training offered by the IALS Library

Training at IALS Library

Training events at IALS Library

We offer online and face-to-face training sessions. Forthcoming training is listed on this page.

Anyone who is an IALS Library academic member can take part in the training, regardless of affiliation or level of study. If you have not joined IALS Library yet, you can find out how to register on the Joining the Library pages of our website.

All of the training listed on this page is free.

One-to-one advice appointments (reference advice, OSCOLA)

Book a one-to-one advice session with an IALS librarian. Appointments can take place in-person or online.

We can help you with all aspects of using library resources and correct use of OSCOLA, for example;

  • Finding secondary sources such as books and journal articles
  • Finding primary sources such as cases and legislation
  • Advice on which database to use
  • Constructing effective searches
  • Citing unusual sources using OSCOLA

Who is it for?

All postgraduate law students and academic researchers with a current IALS Library card or SAScard.

Where / when does it take place?

We offer regular appointments Monday to Thursday in the spring and summer terms.

How can I book a place?

You can view availability and book online.

One-to-one advice appointments (formatting with MS Word)

Sign up for a one-to-one advice session with an IALS Computer Services Librarian. We can help you with:

  • Formating your dissertation or thesis using Microsoft Word
  • Producing a professional looking document
  • Document layout and templates
  • Generating automatic table of contents
  • Formatting footnotes and page numbers
  • Tracking and reviewing changes

Who is it for?

All postgraduate law students and academic researchers with a current IALS Library card or SAScard.

Where / when does it take place?

Email us at ials@sas.ac.uk to enquire about availability.

How can I book a place?

Email us at ials@sas.ac.uk to enquire about availability.

Get Dissertation Ready

What does this session cover?

This afternoon of training sessions is aimed at postgraduate law students who are preparing to write a dissertation or thesis. There are three sessions included in the afternoon:

  •  Finding legal journal articles for your literature review More info
  •  Introduction to citing your sources with OSCOLA More info
  • Formatting your dissertation with MS Word More info

Who is it for?

All postgraduate law students and academic researchers with a current IALS Library card or SAScard are invited to attend this training. Holders of provisional library cards are also welcome to attend.

How can I book a place?

Sessions will be taking place on:

  • The spring 2023 sessions have all taken place. Check back here for times and dates of future sessions.

For more help with OSCOLA see our

For more help with Finding legal journal articles, see our finding legal journal articles tutorials

OSCOLA Workshop

What does this session cover?

This workshop builds on our 'Introduction to OSCOLA' lecture to further develop skills and confidence in citing work with OSCOLA. The workshop provides opportunities for practical, hands-on experience. The session will focus on:

  • citing journals and online materials
  • citing foreign materials, international materials, and things not specifically covered in the OSCOLA guide
  • cross-referencing footnotes

Who is it for?

All postgraduate law students and academic researchers with a current IALS Library card or SAScard are invited to attend this training. Holders of provisional library cards are also welcome to attend.

This workshop does require a basic knowledge of OSCOLA, so users are requested to first attend one of our 'Introduction to OSCOLA' sessions or to watch a recording of the session (we will send you a recording if you select this option when booking).

How can I book a place?

  • The spring 2023 Workshops have all taken place. Check back here for times and dates of future Workshops.

For more help with OSCOLA see our