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oulibrary.bsky.social
The Open University Library
@oulibrary.bsky.social
9.8K followers 380 following 290 posts
The Open University (OU) Library enables OU students and staff around the world to access a world-class online library service. Visit www.open.ac.uk/library to get started.

Starter Pack for OU (UK) staff here: https://go.bsky.app/UhqW8VR
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oulibrary.bsky.social
The Open University Library @oulibrary.bsky.social · Nov 14
We've just created our first Starter Pack for staff at The Open University (UK)... join us! go.bsky.app/UhqW8VR

#OUfamily
oulibrary.bsky.social
For #LoveDataWeek2026 we’re celebrating open research data - because great research deserves to be shared. 📊

Explore Open Research Data Online (ORDO), the OU’s open research data repository. Browse and search datasets created by OU researchers, freely and openly 🔎 https://ow.ly/JLeJ50YeljG
Three students sitting on grass outside a brick building, studying with laptops and notebooks. Text reads: 'What is ORDO? Open Research Data Online (ORDO) is the OU's repository for research data: openly accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world. #LoveDataWeek2026'
February 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Whether you’re a student, researcher, or use technology for work, improving on digital literacy can open a new world of opportunities.

Being digital features FREE activities designed to develop your digital literacy skills – take a look 👉 https://ow.ly/Gc8u50Y4M1j

#BeingDigital
Image contains text which reads "Introducing you to the world of information at your disposal, including the Open University online library and its wide range of resources."
February 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM
oulibrary.bsky.social
With CAR T‑cell therapy making news, it’s the perfect moment to highlight new research in this field.

Read 'Design, development and characterization of novel Globo-H-targeting CAR T cells for solid tumours cell therapy' by Francesca Putti on ORO: https://ow.ly/YWZ550Y3BlC

#ThesisThursday
Illustration of Immune Cells Attacking Cancer Cell There is text around the image that reads '#ThesisThursday. Design, development and characterization of novel Globo-H-targeting CAR T cells for solid tumours cell therapy by Francesca Putti. Photo by Mount Photography on Canva.'
February 12, 2026 at 7:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
#OTD in 1990 Nelson Mandela was freed from a South African prison after being incarcerated for 27 years.

The Very Short Introductions collection has a book on Mandela exploring his life & legacy alongside related images, narratives, politics & literature: https://ow.ly/sMQY50YciJM (OU login reqd.)
Top half of a bronze sculpture of Nelson Mandela in front of some trees.
February 11, 2026 at 10:01 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Women remain underrepresented in many science and technology fields, yet their impact is profound.

We’ve curated a library list exploring gender representation and highlighting work by women in these disciplines. 🔬🌱🧬💡

Explore the collection 👇
https://ow.ly/Nv9i50Y61wE

#WomenInSTEM #IDWGS
A mid-blue background featuring the OU logo and text that reads: 'Women and Girls in STEM Library Resources. Explore resources on gender representation in STEM, alongside work by women in these fields. '
February 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Did you know that #OUstudents can use and borrow academic resources from other university libraries... free through the SCONUL Access scheme! 📖

Get key reading closer to home - no extra cost, no long trips.

See how it can support your studies locally 👇 https://ow.ly/jEN650Y3Br9
Bright green background featuring a quote from an OU student about SCONUL Access that reads: "I’m a member of three university libraries with SCONUL and the books available to borrowing all vary depending on the library. This versatility really supports my studies."
February 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
This February, treat yourself to stories full of love, connection & feel-good moments with the romance collection on Libby and OverDrive. 🎧💗📖

Explore everything from passionate love stories & emotional journeys to uplifting tales of second chances 👉 https://ow.ly/xCxS50Y3BL3

#LibbyApp #OverDrive
Dark blue background featuring the OU logo and a series of book covers. Text reads: 'Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses - it’s about romance of every kind. Free for OU students and staff.'
February 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Celebrate #LGBTHistoryMonth by exploring a wide range of LGBTQIA+ eBooks and audiobooks - including memoirs, fiction, history, wellbeing titles and thought-provoking non-fiction - through Libby and OverDrive.

All free to borrow with your OU login 👉 https://ow.ly/JqFc50Y3BCR

#LibbyApp #OverDrive
Dark blue background featuring the OU logo and a series of book covers. Text reads: 'Discover new authors and explore LGBTQIA+ history and culture on Libby and OverDrive. Free for OU students and staff.'
February 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Need a calm place to study? 🤫

With SCONUL Access, OU students can use quiet study spaces in university libraries near them. 📖💻

Fewer distractions, proper desks, a fresh study spot - whatever helps you focus.

Find your local options 👇
https://ow.ly/PiIm50Y3Bh2
Bright yellow background featuring a quote from an OU student about SCONUL Access that reads: "The SCONUL Access scheme gave me the opportunity to find a welcoming, positive and quiet place in which to study. As a low-income, distance learning student, I feel this has been instrumental in my successes so far as an OU student."
January 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
A powerful new thesis explores how university educators really understand and practise inclusive pedagogy.

It looks at their beliefs, everyday teaching practices, and the professional development shaping more inclusive learning in higher education.

Read it on ORO 👉 https://ow.ly/PbGw50Y3Bj0
University lecturer engaging students in a classroom discussion with one student raising their hand to participate. There is text around the image that reads #ThesisThursday Cultivating ‘inclusive pedagogy’ in higher education: What are the beliefs, practices and professional development needs of educators? by Julian Lewis Brown
January 29, 2026 at 7:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
A quote from John Glenn, who in February 1962 became the first American to orbit the earth!

To see his life in photos (and read more inspiring quotes!) check out: 👇
https://ow.ly/YkWB50Y4HW2
Text of a quote from John Glenn which reads, "I suppose the one quality in an astronaut more powerful than any other is curiosity. They have to get someplace nobody's ever been".
January 28, 2026 at 10:01 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Do you need to brush up on your referencing skills?

This pathway from Being Digital will help you learn how to reference books, ejournals, module materials and websites with confidence 👉 https://ow.ly/w5KP50XRQyZ

#BeingDigital
Image contains a quote from an OU student which reads: "I will definitely be using the information in this activity when I need to reference a website".
January 27, 2026 at 7:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
On this day in 1818 John Keats wrote his poem 'On a lock of Milton's hair'.

Curious to find out more?

Check out this Keats page in ProQuest One Literature. Alongside a biography there's links to the full text of his works, criticism, video & related reference works:

👉https://ow.ly/yZFJ50Y0uZM
A 3p postage stamp with an illustration of the head and shoulders of John Keats, alongside the words 'John Keats: 1795/1821'.
January 21, 2026 at 2:02 PM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Developing your digital literacy skills will give you the confidence to work successfully and safely online, as well as enhance your employability.

Start improving your digital literacy skills with these FREE activities from Being digital 👉 https://ow.ly/Oo9G50XRQxq

#BeingDigital
Image contains text which reads "A collection of short, easy to follow activities that cover the skills we all need to be effective online. Being Digital".
January 19, 2026 at 7:30 PM
oulibrary.bsky.social
January can be rough on the bank account... but your reading list doesn’t have to suffer. 💸

With Libby and OverDrive, you can access thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and comics completely free with your OU login..

Start borrowing for free 👉 https://ow.ly/P5TV50XLpWC

#LibbyApp #OverDrive
A collection of save money book covers available on Libby and OverDrive. Text reads: 'Explore thousands of digital titles at zero cost with Libby and OverDrive. Free for OU students and staff'.
January 17, 2026 at 2:30 PM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Can punishment and rehabilitation co-exist?

Through interviews and personal insights, Stephen Akpabio-Klementowski's thesis on ORO uncovers hidden barriers, systemic challenges, and the resilience of those striving for a better future through education 👉 https://ow.ly/EXAk50XX8RE

#ThesisThursday
January 15, 2026 at 10:47 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
If one of your resolutions is to spend less time doom-scrolling, the Libby app is an easy way to swap mindless scrolling for something more meaningful. 📲

Access free eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and comics - perfect for more intentional screen time in 2026 👉 https://ow.ly/NzMp50XLqfM

#LibbyApp
A collection of book covers available on Libby and OverDrive. Text reads: 'Start the new year with healthier, happier reads from Libby and OverDrive. Free for OU students and staff'.
January 12, 2026 at 12:01 PM
oulibrary.bsky.social
We now have access to The Biomedical & Life Sciences Collection in HSTalks!

HSTalks provides animated lectures, talks and case studies from leading experts. The content covers a wide range of topics and is constantly being updated and added to.

Check it out at: 👇🏼
https://ow.ly/mbkg50XSqLf

A dartboard with three darts lodged in the bullseye. Underneath are the words 'new content'.
January 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Searching online can often feel like a bit of a minefield! 🤯

This pathway from Being digital shows you how to focus your online searches effectively, avoid common searching pitfalls & ensure you retrieve the best information for your needs 👉 https://ow.ly/knFY50XxZis

#BeingDigital
Image contains a quote from an OU student which reads: "[The pathway] opened up some new resources I was not previously aware of."
January 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Goodbye 2025, hello 2026! 🎇🎉

Wishing you a new year filled with joy, good health, and plenty of brilliant study moments. You’ve got this! 🎓🤩

#HappyNewYear #Hello2026
January 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
Our online library has a world of information at your disposal! 💻📱

This short pathway from Being digital introduces you to the rich variety of online resources provided by OU Library Services 👉 https://ow.ly/AW6750XxZg7

#BeingDigital
Image contains textwhich reads: "Helping you develop essential skills for study, work and lifelong learning."
December 30, 2025 at 10:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
We hope you’re having a fabulously festive time! 🎄🎉

The OU might be closed, but our Library Helpdesk webchat elves are still on duty 24/7 – ready to help at any moment! 🌟

👉 https://ow.ly/hAfp50XyBqK
A bright green background featuring the OU logo and text that reads: 'Library helpdesk webchat available 24/7 over Christmas and New Year. Contact the helpdesk via our website open.ac.uk/library'.
December 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
From The Open University Library family to yours, we wish you all a very merry Christmas! 🎅🌟⛄🎄
December 25, 2025 at 7:00 AM
oulibrary.bsky.social
We hope you all have a wonderful break over the festive period! 🎄🎊

The OU Library team will be back on Friday, 2 January 2026, but we have the webchat service available 24/7 throughout the whole break 👉 https://ow.ly/a9sj50XyB2Y
Festive Christmas ornament border on a white background. Text reads: 'We’re heading off for the festive break, but you can still contact the Library Helpdesk by webchat 24/7. Happy holidays!'
December 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
oulibrary.bsky.social
The best way to avoid plagiarism is to learn the principles of good academic practice and employ them from the start! 👍

This activity provides a useful overview of the issues surrounding plagiarism and practical ways to avoid it 👉 https://ow.ly/6ufV50XxZkJ

#BeingDigital
Image contains a quote from an OU student which reads: "It explains and demonstrates the correct way of citing books and the activity at the end was just right to test knowledge."
December 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM