NU Library Newsletter
Fall Semester, October 2025
Programs, Events & Highlights
This month, the NU Library celebrates two major global initiatives: Open Access Week and Global Media and Information Literacy Week.
For several years, the Library has been part of these worldwide movements that promote open knowledge, academic integrity, and critical thinking.
These campaigns play an important role in strengthening NU’s commitment to openness, innovation, and research excellence, empowering our community to access, evaluate, and share information responsibly.
For several years, the Library has been part of these worldwide movements that promote open knowledge, academic integrity, and critical thinking.
These campaigns play an important role in strengthening NU’s commitment to openness, innovation, and research excellence, empowering our community to access, evaluate, and share information responsibly.
This Month’s Open Library Sessions
Join the Open Library Sessions this month to explore the NU Repository, research-related topics, and more. If your study schedule conflicts, you can book an appointment or meet Darya and Venera at the Main Library (Floor 3, Block 5E, 324) or Aigerim at NUSOM (Floor 7, Office 702).
During the spring semester, we offer online and in-person workshops for all levels, ranging from beginner to advanced, including subject specialist resources. Together we will develop your academic and research skills in efficient literature searching, using databases, applying digital and AI tools, citing and referencing in APA, MLA, Chicago and other styles. Book a seat in LibCal.
During the spring semester, we offer online and in-person workshops for all levels, ranging from beginner to advanced, including subject specialist resources. Together we will develop your academic and research skills in efficient literature searching, using databases, applying digital and AI tools, citing and referencing in APA, MLA, Chicago and other styles. Book a seat in LibCal.
On September 11, our colleagues Yelizaveta Kamilova and Venera Niyazbayeva conducted an embedded session for 23 GSE MA1 students, supporting them in developing effective strategies to find information for their major assignments. Additionally, they created library guides specifically designed for 2 courses of MA in Multilingual Education Program: EDML 610: Foundations of Multilingual Education and EDML 602: Academic Literacies for Multilingual Education Professionals.
During the session, students actively participated in the interactive activities, trying to search new concepts for their general topic of the program and for everyone’s topic, that should be soon chosen for their annotated bibliography assignments. The professor and students evaluated the session once after it and after two weeks in the form of search reflections by the Professor’s formative assignment. Overall, students were excited by the results of the session, describing the change of their search strategies.
Here are some excerpts from their written reflections:
During the session, students actively participated in the interactive activities, trying to search new concepts for their general topic of the program and for everyone’s topic, that should be soon chosen for their annotated bibliography assignments. The professor and students evaluated the session once after it and after two weeks in the form of search reflections by the Professor’s formative assignment. Overall, students were excited by the results of the session, describing the change of their search strategies.
Here are some excerpts from their written reflections:
I wanted to search the term “literacy event” in order to give a clear definition, and help students find a clear definition, for their final assignment in the Academic Literacies course. Following NU librarian Yelizaveta Kamilova’s instructions during the lesson on process literacy, I started by searching the words literacy event without quotes…
Finally, I explored the NU Library search engine. A simple search for “psycholinguistics” produced 31,023 results, with many of the top results being books. To narrow it down, I used the “advanced search” option, filtered the material type to “articles,” and added the keyword “identity”. This search returned 37 results, among which I found an interesting article
Fortunately, NU librarian Yelizaveta Kamilova gave us instructions on how to find materials and what kind of keywords to use. I began my search in Academic Search Premier using the keyword language revitalization. This produced more than 700,000 results, which was far too broad to be useful. To refine the results, I changed the search to language revitalization AND Kazakhstan. This narrowed it to about 1,000 results…
Explore Upcoming Events
Be part of open knowledge and inspiring conversations at NU Library.
Join to uncover the information about NU Repository, Creative Common Licenses, and Open Access.
Join us for a Coffee Talk where NU professors share their experiences with open access publishing, transformative agreements, and the bigger question: Who owns our knowledge?
We look forward to your participation and an inspiring discussion on the enduring legacy of L. V. Ščerba’s contributions to language education.
Join us for an exclusive session with Dr Maral Muratbekova to learn how European Management Journal evaluates submissions, makes editorial decisions, and shapes impactful management research.
Did you know that…
NU Library offers support to book authors by assisting in the organization of book launch presentations.
Authors can showcase their work in a professional and welcoming setting, engaging with readers,
colleagues, and the wider NU community.
This service is open to all members of the NU community and can be arranged by submitting
an online request form through the Library website. Our team will help coordinate
logistics to ensure a successful and memorable event.
Recent Library Events
As September turned into October, NU Library became a hub of learning, creativity, and collaboration.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the NU Library welcomed thousands of visitors during Open House Day 2025, offering consultations, guided tours, lively conversations, book-lover quizzes, and a dynamic Formula 1-speed atmosphere filled with fun and engagement.
Congratulations to the winning teams for their impressive performance and innovative trading strategies! Team "Goldman Stanley" (Nurali Nurkamalov, Imangali Nurkamalov, and Abay Oskenbay, SSH, SEDS) is the winner of this year’s challenge.
«Literary Flame»: Reading Poetry and Prose
It was a warm and inspiring gathering that celebrated the love of literature and creative expression.
Congratulations to...
We are delighted to share that our colleagues have taken on new roles!
Yelizaveta Kamilova has been appointed Head of the Library Research Support Office.
Venera Niyazbayeva and Anara Mendygaliyeva have transitioned to Teaching and Learning Support Librarian positions.
We warmly congratulate them and wish them every success in their new roles!
Yelizaveta Kamilova has been appointed Head of the Library Research Support Office.
Venera Niyazbayeva and Anara Mendygaliyeva have transitioned to Teaching and Learning Support Librarian positions.
We warmly congratulate them and wish them every success in their new roles!
Research & Academic Support
Research Support
The NU Library continues to provide personalized, one-to-one research support to help you succeed academically, whether you’re planning your thesis or an article for publication. Our librarians are here to publish, evaluate, and reserve your research.
Visit the Research Support Office in the Main Library (Floor 3, Block 5e, Office 323) to meet Yelizaveta, Lazzat, or Ainash, or contact us at library@nu.edu.kz.
Prefer online support? Ask our virtual librarian NURIA, book a virtual appointment, or explore our 24/7 LibGuides to navigate resources anytime, anywhere.
Your success is our priority. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Visit the Research Support Office in the Main Library (Floor 3, Block 5e, Office 323) to meet Yelizaveta, Lazzat, or Ainash, or contact us at library@nu.edu.kz.
Prefer online support? Ask our virtual librarian NURIA, book a virtual appointment, or explore our 24/7 LibGuides to navigate resources anytime, anywhere.
Your success is our priority. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Boost your research
Explore our online resources and utilize our support services.
Smart searching
To conduct an effective literature search, create a concept map, identify keywords (including synonyms and variations), and use them with Boolean operators in databases. Refine results through abstracts and filters, and consult a librarian via Ask NURIA if needed.
A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique string of numbers, letters, and symbols assigned to an article or document. It provides a permanent and reliable web link to that specific work.
Publisher Sessions
Join webinars and discover resources for your research this week.
We invite you to join the online webinar with the representative of World Bank Group Publications, Devika McWalters, who will introduce you to free online resources for researchers, including the World Bank Open Knowledge Repository, Documents and Reports, and Data360.
Join us for an engaging webinar where we explore EBSCO databases and how they can support you research.
We are alsp pleased to announce the successful launch of the new and improved Nazarbayev University Repository on DSpace 9! This important milestone reflects our continued commitment to innovation, quality, and the advancement of open access to NU’s scholarly output.
This enhancement will help NU researchers showcase their work more effectively and increase the visibility of the University’s research contributions.
This achievement was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Library Research Support Office, whose thorough testing, implementation, and optimization work has ensured a smoother, more reliable, and user-friendly experience for all.
This enhancement will help NU researchers showcase their work more effectively and increase the visibility of the University’s research contributions.
This achievement was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Library Research Support Office, whose thorough testing, implementation, and optimization work has ensured a smoother, more reliable, and user-friendly experience for all.
Cut Through the Noise: Prioritize Your Publishing Tasks
Use the Eisenhower Matrix to focus on what truly drives your research forward.
Access to Online Resources
All NU community members have 24/7 access to world-class online resources through Primo Discovery and the A–Z List, including databases, journals, eBooks, and videos from leading academic publishers such as Elsevier, Wiley, Cambridge, Oxford, and more.
ASTM International
Previously the American Society for Testing and Materials, is a global organization that creates and issues voluntary consensus standards for diverse materials, products, systems, and services.
Access the database
Previously the American Society for Testing and Materials, is a global organization that creates and issues voluntary consensus standards for diverse materials, products, systems, and services.
Access the database
Pivot-RP
A professionally curated database of global research funding opportunities, offering advanced discovery, workflow, and intelligence tools.
To access the platform, please register using your NU credentials and log in to begin exploring available resources.
A professionally curated database of global research funding opportunities, offering advanced discovery, workflow, and intelligence tools.
To access the platform, please register using your NU credentials and log in to begin exploring available resources.
ERIC
A key database for education research, offering indexed and full-text resources. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, it supports researchers at all levels.
Access the database
A key database for education research, offering indexed and full-text resources. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, it supports researchers at all levels.
Access the database
Engagement & Interaction
Dear NURIA...
Looking for some advice? Ask and NURIA will try to respond! Send your questions via email to library@nu.edu.kz (Subject: Dear NURIA). The library will publish at least one question per month, and here is one of them.
P.S. NURIA chatbot is operating in the morning hours. Librarians are online after lunch.
P.S. NURIA chatbot is operating in the morning hours. Librarians are online after lunch.
- Dear NURIA,
Recently I used a NURIA chatbot that popped-up on the Primo page. I asked it to find articles or books about family stress. But it gave me links to the other questions. Did I do something wrong?
Best regards,
Alexander - Dear Alexander,
Thank you for using NURIA chatbot, your questions help us improve. You may notice that it's not GPT-like and won't answer about books and articles but guide you through the library FAQs. You still have to use Primo to search for the materials you need. For your convenience, here are results for the search with keywords "family stress". You should keep “” which means you are searching with the phrase. You will need to use filters on the left hand side to adjust results to your needs. Ex. Type of materials - Articles or Books. Here is a start guide and we encourage you to have a consultation with a librarian if you need further assistance.
Beyond books,
NURIA
Library Interview
It’s possible to balance textbook reading with your favourite fiction!
Check out book recommendations from our colleagues and read the interview with Lazzat Arystanova, Senior Manager at the Research Support Office.
Would you like to share your thoughts on a book you’ve recently read? Submit a short book review for inclusion in our upcoming Library Newsletter!
Send your review to library@nu.edu.kz (subject: Book Review for the Library Newsletter).
Check out book recommendations from our colleagues and read the interview with Lazzat Arystanova, Senior Manager at the Research Support Office.
Would you like to share your thoughts on a book you’ve recently read? Submit a short book review for inclusion in our upcoming Library Newsletter!
Send your review to library@nu.edu.kz (subject: Book Review for the Library Newsletter).
On my bedside shelf I have “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami, a melancholic novel about love, loss, and growing up. It’s a good book for evenings when you want to slow down and remember what it feels like to be young and uncertain, but still hopeful.
When it comes to literary characters, I am fascinated with strong, complex personalities who mix intelligence with vulnerability: Tyrion Lannister, Lisbeth Salander, and Holden Caulfield.
As for the book of the year, I must admit I haven’t read as much fiction as I would like this year, but I’d choose “Almond” by Sohn Won-pyung. It’s a powerful story about empathy and human connection, and it stayed with me long after finishing it.
When asked about a book that changed my life, I realize I don’t have one single title. I think all of the books I ever read have influenced me in small, meaningful ways over time.
The first book I remember reading was a children’s book named “Мы в пятом классе” by L. Matveeva. It was a simple story about school life, friendship, and that sweet, clumsy feeling of first love. I was about 10 or 11 years old, and that story still brings a warm sense of nostalgia.
Do I always finish the books I start? Not really. I have lots of books I left aside for many different reasons: house chores, work, studying, endless scrolling on social media, or simply procrastinating by doing nothing at all.
I don’t like the idea of permanently staying on a desert island :) I think I would bring a book about survival tips, something practical to keep me alive until I am rescued. If it's allowed to take 2 books, then the second book would be something by Haruki Murakami again.
Tips & Announcements
Housekeeping
NU Library Use Policy and Patrons’ Behavior Rules
Recently, we have received complaints from patrons regarding cases of inappropriate behavior in the library. To maintain an atmosphere of respect and focused study, we kindly ask you to follow the rules outlined in the Library Use Policy.
Key Points to Remember:
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful, safe, and productive study environment.
Recently, we have received complaints from patrons regarding cases of inappropriate behavior in the library. To maintain an atmosphere of respect and focused study, we kindly ask you to follow the rules outlined in the Library Use Policy.
Key Points to Remember:
- Be courteous and respectful to other patrons and library staff.
- Maintain silence; use headphones and take phone calls outside the reading rooms.
- Do not leave personal belongings unattended to reserve study spaces.
- Full meals, open drinks, chewing gum, and smoking (including vaping) are prohibited inside the library, including in stairwells, restrooms, and any interior spaces.
- Aggressive behavior, loud disputes, fighting, demonstrative public displays of affection, or religious activities are not allowed on library premises.
- All borrowed books and materials must be returned on time; otherwise, access to library services may be restricted.
- Failure to comply with the rules may result in temporary or permanent restrictions on library access in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a respectful, safe, and productive study environment.
Authors of this edition
Let's acknowledge the contributors who made this newsletter possible.
- Darya ZvonarevaHead,
Teaching and Learning Support Office - Zhuldyz OrazymbetovaHead,
Patron Services Office - Venera NiyazbayevaTeaching and Learning Librarian,
Teaching and Learning Support Office - Lazzat ArystanovaSenior Manager,
Research Support Office - Madina AbdykaimovaSenior Manager,
Patron Services Office - Dina BaiseitManager,
Patron Services Office