NU Library Newsletter
Spring Semester:
March 2026
We’re excited to share the March edition of our 2026 Library Newsletter. In this issue, you’ll find the latest library news, key services, and a curated selection of tools and resources designed to support your academic work, coursework, and research.
A Tribute to Sustainable Development Month
Stress Relief Week as a part of NU Library efforts to fulfill Sustainable Development Goals
Many of the activities during Stress Relief Week align with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to well-being, education, and sustainable communities.
1. Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well‑Being
This is the primary goal supported by Stress Relief Week.
Activities such as drawing, painting, handicrafts, table games, and relaxing creative workshops help reduce stress, improve mood, and support students’ mental health during the demanding end-of-semester period.
2. Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education
By creating a supportive environment for students’ well-being, the library contributes to improved learning outcomes. Activities such as book exhibitions and creative workshops encourage lifelong learning, creativity, and intellectual engagement beyond the classroom.
3. Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Events that bring students together in a safe and supportive campus space help strengthen a sense of community, inclusiveness, and social connection, important elements of sustainable and resilient communities.
A gentle reminder that, since 2016, the NU Library has hosted Stress Relief Week each semester. Our next campaign is just around the corner, taking place on April 21–24, and will also feature a special 10-year anniversary celebration. Stay tuned and keep an eye on our library calendar!
Book Exhibition "Sustainable Development: Building a Better Future"
The library presents an exhibition dedicated to sustainable development and everyday practices that support a more environmentally responsible lifestyle. The display features books on global sustainability challenges as well as publications that introduce hobbies and activities promoting responsible consumption, creativity, and care for the environment. Readers are invited to explore ideas that show how small personal interests and habits can contribute to a more sustainable future. The exhibition is located on the 3rd floor of the Main Library. Feel free to visit and borrow the books.

Photo by Jacob
Photo by Kolya
Photo by Lea
Photo by Oliver
Photo by Leo
Photo by Fabrice
Photo by Paul
Photo by Adam
Photo by Alex
Library Interviews
Now, let’s explore the inspiring sustainability initiatives and experiences shared by members of the NU community.

In this section, Zhuldyz Orazymbetova, Head of the Patron Services Office at NU Library, and representatives of SDSN Youth Kazakhstan share their reflections and insights on their engagement with sustainable development.

Have you recently read a book you’d like others to discover? Submit a short book review for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of the Library Newsletter.

Send your review to library@nu.edu.kz (subject: Book Review for the Library Newsletter).
“Working with handmade clothing not only helps me relax and give garments a second life, but also brings a quiet sense of fulfillment in knowing it contributes to a more sustainable world.”
Zhuldyz Orazymbetova
Head, Patron Services Office, Library
The creative stage, selecting materials, shaping ideas, and sketching the future piece
The process of creating something new, where each stitch brings the idea to life
Handmade backpack crafted from upcycled denim
A unique upcycled skirt crafted from two pairs of unwanted jeans, thoughtfully reimagined into something new and beautiful
Another example, a denim skirt thoughtfully crafted from unused jeans

A Conversation with Zhuldyz Orazymbetova

A Conversation with SDSN Youth

Organizations, Associations, and Societies
Organizations and associations play an important role in promoting sustainable development by supporting initiatives that address environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth. Through research, advocacy, and collaborative projects, they contribute to solving global challenges such as climate change, responsible resource management, and social inequality.
We invite you to explore this section to learn more about their efforts to promote sustainable development worldwide.
The UNGC describes itself as the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative with more than 20,000 corporate participants and other stakeholders in more than 160 countries.
It aims to drive business awareness and action in support of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. 
Read more
Greenpeace is a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green, just, and joyful future.
Read more
The WWF works to preserve wildlife and reduce human impact on the environment. Since 1995 it has invested more than US$1bn in upwards of 12,000 conservation initiatives. Its mission is to “build a future in which people live in harmony with nature”.
Read more
Library Workshops & Consultations
If database searching feels overwhelming or you have concerns about the quality of papers we can help. 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 high impactful journals or polish the researcher profile with Google Scholar or ORCiD.
Book a seat in libcal.
Can’t make it to the library today? Ask our virtual librarian on duty, NURIA, book a virtual appointment. Or just stop by our offices # 322, #324 Main Library to talk to Darya, Venera, and Diana, Lazzat and Ainash. Aigerim is at NU SoM (Floor 7, office #702).
Upcoming Events
As March comes to an end, we warmly invite you to join a series of events designed to celebrate and nurture a passion for reading.
The NU Library invites you to the presentation of “Woven Heritage: Central Asian Textiles” (HALI, 2025) by Snezhana Atanova and Tereza Hejzlarová.
Register here
Join us for an inspiring discussion dedicated to The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a timeless novel about dreams, courage, and the journey of following one’s personal legend.
Register here
Do you enjoy the intriguing mysteries
of Agatha Christie? Join us for a discussion dedicated to one of the most beloved mystery writers of all time.
Register here
The webinar is exclusively organized for NU medical community. During the presentation, we will explore AccessMedicine by covering the site's innovative resources available for students, faculty members, and researchers.
Register here
This session provides an overview of how to identify appropriate and trustworthy journals for publishing research. Participants will learn how to search for journals and articles, understand publishing models, and evaluate journal credibility using key metrics and selection tools.
Register here
Gain valuable insights into research performance and benchmarking with this SciVal overview webinar. Designed for academics, research managers, and librarians, the session introduces SciVal’s data sources, analytical tools, and workflows to support strategic decision-making and research evaluation.
Register here
Recent Events
The NU Library hosted a series of engaging events focused on research communication, literature, and personal growth as part of its ongoing support for the NU community.
Communicating Your Research Confidently and Effectively for 7MR
As part of its commitment to supporting student success and research excellence, the NU Library hosted a session on “Communicating Your Research Confidently and Effectively for 7MR.” The session brought together engaged students eager to strengthen their research communication skills. Participants explored how to present ideas clearly, step beyond their comfort zones, and build confidence in sharing their work.
SDGs Week: AI, Ethics, and Student Debate
As part of SDGs Week, our Subject Librarian Diana Baidollinova conducted an interactive session introducing students to Consensus AI, AI use ethics, and the Library’s A–Z Databases. This was followed by an SDG-focused debate with the Nomad Debate Club. Inspired and led by Rassul Baidalin, the session encouraged learning through inquiry, discussion, and debate, fostering critical engagement with academic resources and highlighting the curiosity and talent of our students.
Literary Lounge: Soft Voices, Strong Stories
As part of Week of Women 2026, on March 12, 2026, the Literary Lounge: Soft Voices, Strong Stories invited NU students, faculty, and staff to celebrate the achievements of women in literature. The session offered an inspiring discussion on books by women authors, showcasing powerful narratives and fostering engaging conversations in a relaxed, lounge-style atmosphere.
TED Talk Movie Night: Leadership & Personal Growth
As part of the Week of Women 2026 initiative, the NU Library hosted the event TED Talk Movie Night: Leadership & Personal Growth on March 13, 2026. The session aimed to create a space for students and staff to explore topics related to leadership, personal development, and the role of women in society. During the event, participants watched a selection of inspiring TED Talks focused on leadership, self-development, and overcoming personal and professional challenges. The talks served as a starting point for reflection and discussion on how these ideas can be applied in academic and professional contexts.
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 support you in publishing, managing, and preserving your research outputs.

Visit the Main Library (Floor 3, Block 5e, Office 323) to meet our Research Support librarians, or contact us at library@nu.edu.kz.

Prefer online support? Book a virtual appointment, or explore our 24/7 LibGuides to navigate resources anytime, anywhere.

Your research success is our priority. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Did you know that ...?
We are proud to feature an open access book chapter authored by two distinguished professors from the Graduate School of Education, Professor Naureen Durrani and Professor Zumrad Kataeva, together with Professor Aliya Kuzhabekova, a Kazakhstani researcher affiliated with University of Calgary in Canada. Their chapter, Policy Context for Gender Equality Reforms in Education in Central Asia, was published by Springer Nature in the Palgrave Studies in Gender and Education series and is available in the NU Repository.

The chapter offers a comparative analysis of gender equality policies in education across the five Central Asian countries. It traces the legacy of the Soviet era, examines the influence of globalisation and neoliberal reforms, and considers the role of nationalist discourses in shaping education policy. The authors also explore how international commitments and national structures interact with deeply rooted social norms, which often remain the most significant barriers to meaningful reform.

By making this work openly accessible, the authors ensure that their insights reach a global audience, contributing to wider debates on education and equity. This publication exemplifies NU’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality, and showcases the leadership of NU’s women scholars in shaping international scholarship.

You can read the full chapter in the NU Repository.

If you’d like to attend open information literacy (IL) sessions conducted by the Library Research Support Office librarians, please check the calendar. Upcoming sessions will cover practical topics such as publishing strategies, identifying high‑impact journals, understanding transformative agreements, and more.
You can also book online or offline appointments with our librarians to consult directly about your research.
Databases Supporting SDGs
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encourage researchers to address global challenges through interdisciplinary and impactful scholarship. The Library supports health and education, climate change and innovation research by providing access to databases that help researchers both explore SDG-focused topics and align their existing research with relevant SDG targets. The databases and expert support can help you identify relevant literature, discover emerging research trends, and connect your work with the broader SDG research agenda.
Health-related studies connected to Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being can be explored in MEDLINE Ultimate: global health OR public health OR epidemiology.
Research on climate and environmental sustainability linked to Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action can be discovered in GREENFile: climate chane OR sustainability OR biodiversity.
Studies addressing innovation and infrastructure under Sustainable Development Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure are well supported by Knovel: sustainable power system OR nanomaterials OR smart city OR digital twins.
Education and social development research aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education and Sustainable Development Goal 10 – Reduced Inequalities can be explored in ERIC - education policy OR learning outcomes OR teaching practices and SocINDEX – social policy OR inequality OR community development.
Exploring SDG Research Impact in SciVal
How NU contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SciVal offers ready-made queries to map publications to the 17 SDGs. Here’s a quick guide to exploring NU’s outputs, using SDG 5: Gender Equality as an example.
  • Step 1.
    Log in to SciVal and choose the Explore Module. Choose SDGs in the filter list. By default, you’ll see NU research outputs mapped to SDGs for 2020–2026.
  • Step 2.
    Select SDG 5 - Gender Equality. For example, we want to see NU’s performance towards this goal. Click on Analyze at Institution
  • Step 3.
    Explore the summary metrics. The new window shows detailed indicators for NU’s SDG 5 outputs: Scholarly outputs, FWCI, International collaborations, View and citation counts, Collaboration types
  • Step 4.
    Review Top Keyphrases.
    See the most frequent research themes linked to SDG 5, such as Gender Equality, STEM Education, Entrepreneurship, Central Asia, and Women’s Status.
Want to learn more? For deeper guidance on benchmarking, exporting reports, or analyzing other SDGs, please contact lrso@nu.edu.kz
Connecting research to global SDG conversations
Science communication is an essential part of a scientist’s everyday work. Promoting research on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) does not have to be limited to academic publications or conference presentations. During the 13th Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development, Professor Mariza Tsakalerou together with students Yevgeniy Lukhmanov and Nagyn Seitkhan organised an SDG-9 exhibition activity, creating an interactive booth that invited participants to reflect on and discuss the role of human–AI collaboration in advancing SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Through visual summaries, short explanations, and engaging questions, the team encouraged dialogue with a diverse audience. Activities like this show how sharing research insights in creative and accessible ways can help researchers reach people beyond academia, including policymakers, industry professionals, and international partners, and bring SDG research into real-world conversations.
NU’s Open Access Publishing Agreements
We are pleased to announce important updates regarding our Open Access publishing agreementsю Please feel free to contact research support librarians if you have further questions through email lrso@nu.edu.kz
Cambridge University Press (CUP)

A new 2026 Open Access Transformative Agreement has been signed with CUP. This agreement ensures that NU authors can continue publishing their work in CUP journals with Open Access benefits, supporting wider dissemination and visibility of research outputs. Learn more in our libguide about OA Publishing Agreement with CUP: https://nu.kz.libguides.com/cup.
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

We are entering the final year of our current Transformative Agreement with ACM. Authors publishing in ACM journals and conference proceedings will continue to benefit from Open Access coverage under this agreement throughout 2026. Detailed instructions are available in our libguide about OA Publishing Agreement with ACM: https://nu.kz.libguides.com/acm
Explore Our A–Z Databases: Discover New and Trial Resources
Explore and discover a wide range of resources through our A–Z Database list. Stay up to date with newly added titles and take advantage of our trial databases, offering temporary access to valuable content across various disciplines. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to expand your research, explore new tools, and enhance your academic work.
Congratulations to ...
NU Library Introduces Assemgul Temirkhanova as Director
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Assemgul Temirkhanova as Library Director. NU Library warmly welcomes her in her new role and looks forward to continued growth, innovation, and meaningful engagement with the University community under her leadership.
Expert Hour on Accessibility and Inclusion
Ziyat Abdykaimov, Expert for Assistive Technologies and Accessibility at the NU Library, participated in the “Expert Hour” program, where he discussed key issues such as accessibility funding, support for people with disabilities, employment challenges, access to rehabilitation and assistive technologies, and international practices relevant to Kazakhstan.
Book Exhibition "Kazakh National Clothes, Food, and Ornaments"
We warmly congratulate you on the occasion of Nauryz, a celebration of renewal, unity, and the arrival of spring.
To mark this special holiday, we are pleased to present a book exhibition dedicated to Nauryz. Our collection features books on Kazakh national clothing, traditional cuisine, and the rich world of ornaments, symbols that reflect the history, worldview, and aesthetics of the people. Each title reveals unique elements of cultural heritage and offers deeper insight into traditions passed down through generations.
We invite you to explore the collection and discover the beauty and wisdom of Kazakh culture during this season of renewal. The exhibition is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library.
Photo by Jacob
Photo by Lea
Photo by Kolya
Photo by Oliver
Photo by Leo
Service Update & Policy Reminder
Library Hours During the Nauryz Holiday
Please be informed that the Main Library and NUSOM Library will be closed, and all library services will be unavailable on March 21-23, 2026, in observance of the Nauryz holiday.
On Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the libraries will operate with adjusted hours:
  • Main Library: 8:30am – 7:45pm
  • NUSOM Library: 8:30am – 5:30pm
The detailed schedule is available here: Library Hours.
Please note that 24/7 study spaces will remain open.
Wishing you a happy holiday!
Authors of this edition
Let's acknowledge the contributors who made this newsletter possible.
  • Dina Baiseit
    Manager,
    Patron Services Office
  • Madina Abdykaimova
    Senior Manager,
    Patron Services Office
  • Diana Baidollinova
    Teaching and Learning Librarian,
    Teaching and Learning Support Office
  • Lazzat Arystanova
    Senior Manager,
    Research Support Office
  • Zhuldyz Orazymbetova
    Head,
    Patron Services Office
  • Darya Zvonareva
    Head,
    Teaching and Learning Support Office
Visual images are sourced from canva.com and freepik.com
Sustainable Development in Practice. Case Studies for Engineers and Scientists | Slobodan Perdan, Azapagic Adisa | Электронная книга - купить на OZON в Казахстане
Materials and Sustainable Development - 1st Edition | Elsevier Shop
Sustainable development research in the Asia-Pacific region : education, cities, infrastructure and buildings - Autonomous Organization of Education Nazarbayev University
Water security, climate change and sustainable development - Autonomous Organization of Education Nazarbayev University
Ex Libris Discovery - sustainable development
Ecological limits of development : living with the sustainable development goals - Autonomous Organization of Education Nazarbayev University
FinTech and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development : The Role of Smart Technologies in Achieving Development Goals - Autonomous Organization of Education Nazarbayev University
The Aral Sea basin : water for sustainable development in Central Asia - Autonomous Organization of Education Nazarbayev University
Waste as a resourceharrison, r. m.: смотрите и скачивайте изображения — Яндекс Картинки
Biodegradable waste management in the circular economy - Autonomous Organization of Education Nazarbayev University
Cradle to Cradle / Книга на Английском | Braungart Michael купить на OZON по низкой цене в Казахстане (1266635728)
Knitting Technology eBook by D J Spencer - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States
Kids' Fashion Design Guide: Draw, Color, and Create Turkey | Ubuy
Купить sandor ellix katz the art of fermentation (146690880609), Германия
Gender and Education in Central Asia (Palgrave Studies in Gender and Education): Kuzhabekova, Aliya, Durrani, Naureen, Kataeva, Zumrad: 9783031753039: Amazon.com: Books