Making the most of KDI School’s information and research resources is an important part of graduate-level study at our school. As a new freshman, I was especially eager to familiarize myself with the KDI School Library this semester and attended one of their workshops.

The KDIS Library regularly conducts workshops aimed at equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively utilize the vast array of resources available to them. Recently, 62 students, many of whom were new to KDIS, participated in these workshops, gaining valuable insights into tools and strategies to enhance their academic journey. This article highlights the key services covered during the sessions, as well as the significance of these resources, particularly for new students as they navigate their own research and study practices.

One of the primary objectives of the KDIS Library workshops is to help students understand the advantages of using library resources over general search engines like Google or newer AI-based tools. As emphasized during one session, library resources offer a higher degree of reliability and academic credibility because they are specifically designed to target scholarly materials. In addition, the library has invested significantly in electronic resources, providing students and faculty access to numerous academic databases and publications that are typically hidden behind paywalls, ensuring that students have the tools they need for in-depth research.

Efficient searching is one of the most essential skills, and the workshops introduced various search options available through the library homepage. This includes OneSearch for resource discovery, the Library Catalog for physical collections, and specialized databases. OneSearch is especially useful as it integrates both the library catalog and electronic resources into one seamless interface, enabling students to refine their searches using filters and focus on specific resource types like PDFs or peer-reviewed articles.

To help bridge the gap between general web searches and library resources, students were guided on how to link their Google Scholar accounts to KDIS Library holdings. By configuring the "Library Links" in Google Scholar settings, students can easily access full-text articles available through the library’s subscriptions, ensuring they get the right resources for their research directly from the search engine.

A significant portion of the workshops focused on RefWorks, a powerful citation management tool available to KDIS students. RefWorks allows students to organize research materials, insert citations into their documents with ease, and automatically generate bibliographies in various citation styles. Students learned how to create an account using their KDIS email domain, import references from diverse sources like library databases and Google Scholar, and integrate RefWorks with word processors like Word and Google Docs.

Beyond general resources, the workshops also highlighted specialized collections. Students were introduced to the KDIS Student Dissertations database, which houses past theses and capstone projects, some of which are designated as "Outstanding." Accessing statistical databases was another focus, with a reminder about the lock icon indicating resources that require a library login. Additionally, the Statistical Data Center (SDC) located within the KDIS building was highlighted as an invaluable resource, offering free access to a wide range of national and private sector statistical data, along with expert assistance in data extraction and processing.

For instances when students cannot locate a specific resource, the library offers a Document Delivery Service (DDS/TDS), allowing students to request materials that may not be readily available. Library staff work to obtain these resources, often free of charge, ensuring students can access the materials they need.

What was particularly significant about this recent series of workshops was the overwhelming participation of new students. Among the 62 participants, many were freshmen who found the workshops invaluable in navigating their academic and research journey at KDIS. As they begin their academic careers, understanding how to efficiently access and manage scholarly materials is crucial—and these workshops provided a solid  foundation in utilizing the library's resources to their full potential. As one of the KDIS freshmen students, I can confidently insist that the library’s resources and tools are  essential for success in my study.

By attending these workshops and leveraging the information provided, KDIS students can significantly enhance their research capabilities. The workshops serve as a powerful tool to help students make the most of the vast resources the library offers, ultimately contributing to their academic success. New students, in particular, will find these resources a great asset as they begin their studies at KDIS. For those who missed these sessions, the library website provides materials from past workshops, and information on upcoming sessions is available for those eager to learn more.

In addition to the workshops mentioned above, the KDIS Library continues to offer a variety of educational sessions to support students in making the most of available resources. The KDIS library is committed to continually offering relevant, practical training that helps students access essential tools and resources. Whether it is research databases, citation management, or statistical data, these training sessions are designed to ensure that KDIS students are equipped with everything they need to succeed academically.