Two partners, one goal: supporting students
With its new workshop format, ‘How to do a Master’s thesis?’, the University Library has, for the first time, created a targeted support service for Master’s students and successfully implemented it in collaboration with the Master’s programme in European Studies. University Library initiatives such as this impressively demonstrate how library services extend far beyond the traditional provision of literature and can actively contribute to academic development and the teaching of information literacy.
The Master’s programme in European Studies is characterised by its interdisciplinary focus and global student body. As Kugelmeier López emphasises: “The European Studies programme focuses on policy-making in the European Union from various perspectives: politics, social structure, economics, culture and communication. It combines theoretical and methodological expertise with practice-oriented, group-based approaches to prepare students for a wide range of policy-related careers.”
Diverse academic backgrounds and expectations
The international diversity is particularly striking: students from all over the world come together to engage with European issues. “We are an international, English-language study program with students from every continent. Last winter semester, students from Japan, Algeria, the UK, Pakistan, Mexico and many other countries joined us. We are delighted that European Studies is so well received worldwide,” Kugelmeier López continues.
However, it is precisely this diversity that brings with it different academic backgrounds and expectations – particularly when it comes to writing a Master's thesis. This is precisely where the University Library’s workshop comes in. The session was led by Carina Kröber, who clearly outlines the challenges faced by international students from a librarian’s perspective: “The requirements and regulations for Master's theses vary even within Germany, but even more so when compared to other countries. The workshop is another building block through which the University Library consistently pursues its aim of being a so-called ‘teaching library’.”
This concept describes libraries that see themselves not merely as providers of information, but as active supporters of teaching and learning processes. The aim is to promote information literacy, support academic work and strengthen students’ methodological skills at every stage of their studies. Teaching Libraries therefore offer training courses, workshops and advisory services that specifically prepare students for academic requirements and encourage the independent use of knowledge – and the University Library offers a wide range of these, which is constantly growing. Why not take a look at the University Library’s e-learning section: All courses | E-Learning OVGU
The ‘How to do a Master's thesis?’ format is deliberately designed to be accessible. It is aimed both at students who are still in the orientation phase and at those who have already developed concrete ideas for their final thesis. ‘The aim of the programme is to show how the journey from finding a topic to completing a Master's thesis can be successfully navigated,’ explains Kröber.
The workshop focuses on key aspects of academic work: structuring a Master's thesis, initial considerations on operationalising research questions, dealing with typical challenges in the writing process, and practical advice on format, layout and formal requirements. The programme is complemented by an overview of helpful services offered by the University Library – ranging from literature research and database use to support services that can make the writing process significantly easier.
The workshop is to be offered regularly in future
Feedback from the European Studies programme has been consistently positive. The opportunity to cater specifically to students at different levels of knowledge and provide them with guidance is particularly appreciated. Accordingly, it has already been decided that the workshop will be offered regularly in the European Studies programme in future.
At the same time, the format is intended as an open offer for the entire university. Other departments are expressly invited to make use of the University Library’s services for their students and to jointly develop formats tailored to their needs. The successful launch demonstrates the potential that lies in close cooperation between academic departments and the library.
With initiatives such as “How to do a master’s thesis?”, the University Library underlines its role as a key partner in study and teaching – and as a place where knowledge is not only made available but actively imparted.
Text: CARINA KRÖBER