NU Library Newsletter
Spring Semester January 2026
Spring Semester January 2026
Welcome to the Spring Semester!
We’re delighted to share the January 2026 edition of the NU Library Newsletter. As the semester gets underway, this issue is here to support your studies and research with essential library updates, key services, and a curated selection of tools and standout resources you can use right away for coursework and projects.
We invite you to explore the newsletter and stay connected with the Library throughout the semester.
We’re delighted to share the January 2026 edition of the NU Library Newsletter. As the semester gets underway, this issue is here to support your studies and research with essential library updates, key services, and a curated selection of tools and standout resources you can use right away for coursework and projects.
We invite you to explore the newsletter and stay connected with the Library throughout the semester.
Textbook Issuance Update
The official textbook issuance period for Spring Semester 2026 has ended. All textbooks are now available under standard borrowing conditions and can be checked out by any NU community member, subject to availability.
For assistance, please contact our librarians at the circulation desks or email us at library@nu.edu.kz.
For assistance, please contact our librarians at the circulation desks or email us at library@nu.edu.kz.
Library Workshops & Consultations
Join the Open Library Sessions this month to explore the NU Repository, research-related topics, and more.
Furthermore, if database searching feels overwhelming, we can help. Successful article searching depends on more than typing words into a search box. The right keywords, correct Boolean operators, and understanding what content a database includes are common challenges, but we can make life easier.
We offer online and in-person assistance to improve your academic and research skills - efficient literature searching, using databases, applying digital and AI tools, citing and referencing in APA, MLA, Chicago and other styles, publishing in highly impactful journals or polishing the researcher profile with Google Scholar or ORCiD.
Furthermore, if database searching feels overwhelming, we can help. Successful article searching depends on more than typing words into a search box. The right keywords, correct Boolean operators, and understanding what content a database includes are common challenges, but we can make life easier.
We offer online and in-person assistance to improve your academic and research skills - efficient literature searching, using databases, applying digital and AI tools, citing and referencing in APA, MLA, Chicago and other styles, publishing in highly impactful journals or polishing the researcher profile with Google Scholar or ORCiD.
Find Your Librarian
Get to know your librarians and make use of our knowledge and services! Librarians are available for virtual and in-person assistance. Please email us or make an appointment to get a consultation.
Diana Baidollinova
GSB, GSPP, CPS
Block 5, Room #5e.324
+7 (7172) 70 59 88
diana.baidollinova@nu.edu.kz
Block 5, Room #5e.324
+7 (7172) 70 59 88
diana.baidollinova@nu.edu.kz
Anara Mendygaliyeva
SEDS, SMG
Block 5, Room #5e.324
+7 (7172) 70 92 18
anara.mendygaliyeva@nu.edu.kz
Block 5, Room #5e.324
+7 (7172) 70 92 18
anara.mendygaliyeva@nu.edu.kz
Aigerim Akparova
NUSoM
5/1, Kerey-Zhanibek Khandar street, School of Medicine Library, Room 701
+7 (7172) 70 58 13
aigerim.akparova@nu.edu.kz
5/1, Kerey-Zhanibek Khandar street, School of Medicine Library, Room 701
+7 (7172) 70 58 13
aigerim.akparova@nu.edu.kz
Venera Niyazbayeva
SSH, GSE
Block 5, Room #5e.324
+7 (7172) 70 90 67
venera.niyazbayeva@nu.edu.kz
Block 5, Room #5e.324
+7 (7172) 70 90 67
venera.niyazbayeva@nu.edu.kz
Getting Started at NU: Library Orientation Highlights
A Warm Welcome with Expert Guidance, Library Services, and Academic Support.
The Teaching and Learning Support Office welcomed newly admitted Spring Intake 2026 students with orientation sessions for SSH, SEDS, and GSB. Subject Librarians Venera Niyazbayeva (SSH) and Diana Baidollinova (GSB) introduced key library services, databases, research support, the NURIA chatbot, and accessible resources. The Patron Services Office also led guided library tours to help students explore spaces and facilities. Students who missed the sessions are welcome to visit Block 5E, Room 324, or contact library@nu.edu.kz.
The NU Library hosted Orientation Sessions for new faculty to introduce key services, resources, and support for teaching and research. Participants explored the Library’s main service areas, including Teaching & Learning Support, Research Support, E-Resources, and Patron Services, and learned how to use essential library tools and platforms. Each session concluded with a guided library tour.
2025 in Review: Progress, People, and Powerful Support
Service statistics, achievements, and team news from the Teaching and Learning Support Office.
The library is delighted to present key figures reflecting the services provided in 2025. These numbers highlight not only our performance but also the significance and quality of the services we offer to our community.
We thank our patrons for their trust and active engagement, and we remain committed to supporting learning, research, and innovation.
We thank our patrons for their trust and active engagement, and we remain committed to supporting learning, research, and innovation.
Throughout the year, the Library delivered seamless access to its resources and services, strengthening support for research and learning across the NU community.
At the same time, the Library advanced its mission to enhance professional skills, foster innovative thinking, and integrate emerging technologies.
At the same time, the Library advanced its mission to enhance professional skills, foster innovative thinking, and integrate emerging technologies.
We are delighted to share that our colleague has taken on a new role!
Diana Baidollinova has joined the Teaching and Learning Support Office.
We congratulate Diana on this new step and wish her great success, continued growth, and many rewarding opportunities ahead.
Diana Baidollinova has joined the Teaching and Learning Support Office.
We congratulate Diana on this new step and wish her great success, continued growth, and many rewarding opportunities ahead.
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!
ORCID, AI Tools & Publishing Guidance
Everything you need to stay visible, efficient, and compliant with journal policies.
An ORCID iD is no longer optional; it’s essential. It helps distinguish your work, saves time when submitting manuscripts or grant applications, and ensures your research is accurately credited across platforms. The library can help you get started and connect ORCID to your research outputs.
- supports accurate attribution,
- improves the discoverability of your work, and
- is increasingly required by journals and funders.
Artificial intelligence is becoming a valuable tool for students and researchers. From discovering relevant articles faster to summarizing complex texts and supporting data analysis, AI can save time and spark new ideas. Used thoughtfully, it helps enhance critical thinking, not replace it.
We tested Elicit, Consensus, Undermine AI, Connected Papers, Research Rabbit, Perplexity and others. For a comprehensive list of the variety of generative AI tools, services and resources for a wide variety of purposes, check out the library libguides.
We tested Elicit, Consensus, Undermine AI, Connected Papers, Research Rabbit, Perplexity and others. For a comprehensive list of the variety of generative AI tools, services and resources for a wide variety of purposes, check out the library libguides.
As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into scholarly workflows, major publishers and journals are updating their standards to ensure responsible use of generative AI. Most policies require transparent disclosure when AI tools are used for writing, editing, or data analysis, meaning authors must describe which tool was used and how it contributed to their work: COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) set out basic principles for the use of AI in research and publishing that are adapted by most of the publishers including Elsevier, MDPI, IEEE, Wiley, Springer among others.
Expand Your Academic Toolbox
We are pleased to announce that trial access to the databases listed below has been activated for Nazarbayev University and will be available until February 28, 2026.
These EBSCO resources provide valuable full-text content and research support in mathematics, engineering, geosciences, and petroleum-related studies, helping NU students, faculty, and staff strengthen coursework, academic projects, and research activities.
All trial resources are available through the EBSCO Collection.
We encourage NU students, faculty, and staff to explore these databases during the trial period and take advantage of the full-text content available.
For assistance with searching, database features, or selecting the best resource for your research topic, please contact us at library@nu.edu.kz.
These EBSCO resources provide valuable full-text content and research support in mathematics, engineering, geosciences, and petroleum-related studies, helping NU students, faculty, and staff strengthen coursework, academic projects, and research activities.
All trial resources are available through the EBSCO Collection.
We encourage NU students, faculty, and staff to explore these databases during the trial period and take advantage of the full-text content available.
For assistance with searching, database features, or selecting the best resource for your research topic, please contact us at library@nu.edu.kz.
Mathematics Source
A specialized database supporting research and learning in pure and applied mathematics, including mathematical analysis, algebra, probability, statistics, and mathematical methods used across science and engineering.
GeoRef with Full Text
A leading resource for geosciences, offering full-text access to publications in geology, geophysics, environmental science, mineral resources, and related fields.
Inspec with Full Text
An essential database for engineering and technology research, widely used in physics, electrical and electronic engineering, computer science, information technology, and telecommunications. It provides strong full-text coverage of scholarly and technical publications.
Petroleum Source +Petroleum Source eBook Collection (bonus companion to the database)
- Petroleum Source - A focused database supporting petroleum engineering and energy research, covering exploration, drilling, production, refining, transportation, and industry-relevant technical topics.
- Petroleum Source eBook Collection (bonus companion to the database) - A curated eBook collection that complements Petroleum Source by providing additional book-length content and reference materials in petroleum and energy-related areas.
Getting Started with WRDS: Data Access, Analytics, and Research Tools
Join an introductory online session on January 28 at 3:00 PM on Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS), a leading platform for financial, economic, and business research.
In this session, you will learn how to navigate the WRDS platform, explore subscribed data sources, extract data for analysis, and use WRDS research, analytics, and classroom tools effectively.
Presenter: Victoria Kent, Associate Director, Business Development, WRDS
In this session, you will learn how to navigate the WRDS platform, explore subscribed data sources, extract data for analysis, and use WRDS research, analytics, and classroom tools effectively.
Presenter: Victoria Kent, Associate Director, Business Development, WRDS
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.
This issue brings together notable resources to support deeper discovery and exploration.
This issue brings together notable resources to support deeper discovery and exploration.
The collection of unique editions on political, economic and social development of the Central Asia region down to the 17-18 centuries. More than 500 volumes of Turkestanskii sbornik describe the history of the Turkic peoples of Central Asia from the second half of the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century. The initiator of compiling the digest was Governor-General K.P. Kaufman, who ruled the Turkestan region for about 14 years. The digest is a collection of articles from magazines, newspapers, academic works, and military reports.
Primary source materials from Stalin's personal papers and insightful monographs on communism. 400,000+ pages documents from Stalin's personal papers highlight foreign policy with Germany before World War II, communications during the Great Purges, relations with Western intellectuals and leaders, and private notations on many Soviet leaders. The Annals of Communism series contains 25 volumes of scholarly commentary, annotation, and interpretation of documents from state and party archives selected by teams of Western and Russian editors.
A comprehensive database produced by the American Mathematical Society, providing access to reviews, abstracts, and bibliographic information for mathematical research literature. It helps users discover high-quality, peer-reviewed content and track developments across all areas of mathematics.
Tips & Tricks: Efficient Searching
Efficient searching starts with choosing the right keywords. Your search terms can include synonyms, antonyms, related terms, phrases, dates, and the names of events or individuals.
Example: “War of Independence,” “Revolutionary War,” “American Revolution”
Be aware of alternative spellings for proper names, as they may vary across languages or sources.
Examples:
Examples:
Example: “War of Independence,” “Revolutionary War,” “American Revolution”
Be aware of alternative spellings for proper names, as they may vary across languages or sources.
Examples:
- Mao Tse-Tung / Mao Zedong
- Toussaint Louverture / L’Ouverture
Examples:
- Teens, teenagers, adolescents, youth, youngsters, “young adults”
- Anorexia, bulimia, “eating disorders”
- Nutrition, food, diet, “healthy eating”
Engagement & Interaction
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 Diana Baidollinova, Teaching and Learning Librarian at the Teaching and Learning 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 Diana Baidollinova, Teaching and Learning Librarian at the Teaching and Learning 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).
At the moment, it’s The Indispensable Academic Librarian: Teaching and Collaborating for Change by Claire McGuinness. Since I’ve recently started working as a Teaching and Learning Librarian, this book feels very timely. I often read it alongside my daily work, it helps me reflect on what teaching librarianship looks like in practice and how librarians can meaningfully support both students and faculty.
The stray cat Nana from The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa. This choice probably says a lot about me - I love cats so much that even fictional ones feel important. Nana’s perspective is sharp, cute, funny, and quietly emotional, and seeing the story unfold through his eyes made it especially memorable for me.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. I read it as part of a small book club I have with a friend, where we enjoy sharing thoughts and reactions rather than just finishing books. This one made me quite emotional. It also really stayed with me because of how it plays with the idea of multiple possible lives, the sense that different versions of us exist, even when one version feels stuck or “failing.”
This is a difficult question, but The Travelling Cat Chronicles had a very real impact on me. After reading it, I decided to adopt a cat or perhaps, more accurately, he adopted me? That’s how Persik entered my life, and I still associate that decision very closely with the feelings the book left me with.
I’m not entirely sure if this counts as a typical answer, but Өлеңдер жинағы is one of the first books I remember. When I was a child, my mom and I used to sing songs from it together. It’s tied to very warm, happy memories and my earliest experiences of books as something joyful.
I usually don’t push myself to finish a book if it doesn’t resonate with me, I’m quite comfortable putting it aside. That said, I sometimes return to a book if I later come across a review or a comment that highlights an interesting angle I may have missed the first time.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa. It’s a book I know I could return to more than once and still find meaning in, especially in a place where time would move very differently.
Book Exhibition "The Productivity Shelf"
Manage your time effectively and build better study habits with our curated selection of books on productivity. From practical strategies for planning and prioritization to insights on motivation and mindful work, these titles are designed to help students study smarter, stay organized, and achieve their academic goals with confidence.
Service Update & Policy Reminder
Bloomberg Terminal scheduling information and guidance on library space use.
Scopus Access Update: Temporary Suspension
Please be informed that access to Scopus via the national subscription has been temporarily suspended.
According to the information received from the provider, there is currently no confirmed timeline for when access will be restored.
We will keep you informed and share updates as soon as we receive further information from the provider.
According to the information received from the provider, there is currently no confirmed timeline for when access will be restored.
We will keep you informed and share updates as soon as we receive further information from the provider.
One Bloomberg Terminal is available at the NU Library in the Media Room (5E.216) and is accessible 24/7.
To ensure maximum availability for all patrons, please reserve your time slot via the library website before using the terminal.
Please note: usage is limited to 1 hour per session per day.
To ensure maximum availability for all patrons, please reserve your time slot via the library website before using the terminal.
Please note: usage is limited to 1 hour per session per day.
Library Space Use
We remind you that conducting public worship, religious rites, ceremonies, meetings, or engaging in missionary activities on library premises (including reading rooms, bookshelf areas, stairwells, etc.) is not permitted, following Chapter 3, Article 7, Point 3, Subpoint 3 of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Religious Activities in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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
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