NU Library Newsletter
Spring Semester, April 2025
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

— Winston Churchill

Hello everyone!

We're thrilled to share the third edition of our library newsletter for 2025!

As the semester will soon end and now you are busy with deadlines, remember that the library is a great resource for your studies and offers a quiet space for focused learning. Our librarians are also available to assist, so don’t hesitate to stop by if you need help with research.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: As the semester comes to an end, we kindly remind all students to return the textbooks borrowed during Spring 2025.

You can check the return status of your books via your My Library Account.
We value your feedback. Did we exceed your expectations?
"Miss April Manabat was invited to give a guest lecture at the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences on April 7th, 2025, as part of the Microfluidics course for undergraduate and Master’s students. April delivered an excellent talk titled “Literature Review using AI tools”.

In her lecture, she explained what a literature review is, how to conduct one properly, and, most importantly, introduced three powerful AI tools that can help students carry out efficient literature reviews for their term papers and theses. Specifically, April presented AI platforms such as Consensus, Undermind, and SciSpace. Both students and the instructor learned a great deal about effective methods for finding peer-reviewed papers based on user queries.

An important aspect of using AI is practising responsible usage. While these tools are readily available, students are expected to apply critical thinking when evaluating the information provided and to use these tools only as a means of gathering information, always adhering to the University’s Honour Code. April emphasized these points throughout her lecture.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the course coordinator would like to extend sincere thanks to April for her time and effort in delivering such an insightful and engaging session".
— Gulsim Kulsharova, Assistant Professor, SEDS, NU

Trial Access

We would like to remind you that the NU Library has secured trial access to Policy Commons and History Commons, available until June 3, 2025. These platforms provide exclusive access to policy documents and historical archives, supporting research across various disciplines.
Access both databases through our A-Z Databases List under the "New / Trial Databases" section (NU credentials required).
We encourage you to explore this resource and share your feedback with us at library@nu.edu.kz. Happy researching!

Research Support

The library continues one-to-one support. You can discuss research strategies for your projects, assignments, or publishing articles with the librarian.


Feel free to ask the Library’s Research Support Office to learn more about these opportunities.

Contact lrso@nu.edu.kz or visit Tolkyn, Lazzat or Ainash in the Library (Floor 3, Block 5e).


Can’t make it to the library today? Ask our virtual librarian on duty, NURIA or you can book a virtual appointment.


Remember, Library guides are available 24/7! Check our LibGuides collection.

  • Thesis Submission
As your studies are near completion, remember that you have the umique opportunity to make your research accessible to a global audience of scholars, researchers, and practitioners. By sharing your work in the repository, you contribute to the academic community and help foster the growth and development of science in the country.

Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your hard work and make a lasting impact on your field:
  • Log in using NU credentials into NU Repository
  • Submit your thesis
  • Sign the author license agreement.
To find out more about it, please follow this guide or ask us.
  • Referencing
It's crucial to rely on reliable sources to maintain the credibility of your research. Referencing not only directs your readers to additional resources but also demonstrates academic integrity, making you a more responsible researcher and boosting the trustworthiness of your work.

By acknowledging your sources, you give proper credit to the original authors and show respect for their intellectual contributions.

Citations act as a guide, pointing to the source of your information and helping you avoid plagiarism, which damages both your work and others'. This habit of giving recognition and respect is fundamental to upholding academic integrity.

An introduction to Citing and Referencing libguide will help you to navigate why, what and how to cite and reference your sources.
  • High Impact Journals
High impact journals are those with the most influential research publications. Journal metrics is the most common measure of impact. Journal metrics are calculated for journals that are indexed in either Scopus or within Web of Science. They are of different frequency and field dependent. However, impact metrics are not only enough to identify a quality journal while searching for relevant journals. You have to investigate journal scope, review recent articles and citations, familiarize with submission guidelines, check editorial board and peer review process, publication speed and acceptance rate.

Find more about research metrics and rights journals to publish in in our libguides.
  • Databases
The library has an extensive amount of databases that can help you in completing your assignments and boosting research. Feel free to visit the official website and use the resources 24/7 through Primo Discovery and the A–Z List.
Provides access to chemistry literature, including articles, patents, technical reports, and more. It supports research on chemical properties, substances, and reactions through tools like CAS SciFinderⁿ, CAS Analytical Methods®, and CAS Formulus®. First-time users must register an account a NU domain (@nu.edu.kz) credentials. Please, see the features of a new release of the database.
A comprehensive database covering the world's mathematical literature since 1940. The leading index provides reviews and absctracts of publications in all areas of pure and applied mathematics and the history of mathematics. Some articles contain synopses not full text.
Access MathSciNet through the library website.
An expert-curated source of global research funding opportunities with powerful workflow, intelligence and discovery tools. Regularly updated to offer a variey of state, private and federal funding opportunities for any discipline.
Please, register an account with NU email and log in everytime to use PivotRP.

Celebrating Literary Legends

Let’s honor the influential voices who have shaped the world with their words!

We're thrilled to celebrate the birthdays of remarkable authors born in April. Their works continue to inspire readers worldwide, enriching our love for literature. These gifted writers have left an enduring legacy, and we invite you to join us in celebrating their contributions. Who knows? You may just find your next favorite book along the way!

Book Recommendations: Wellness & Mental Health Resources

As the end of the semester approaches, we would like to introduce you to a special book collection on wellness and mental health. Take a moment to look at it and choose what you would like to read.

There is a special collection of books that you may find useful. It is called “The Read Well, Live Well Collection”. It was launched so that NU students and staff may find insightful books, materials and helpful information to support various aspects of their wellbeing, encompassing physical and mental health issues.

Whether you're looking to manage stress, improve your time management, learn about relaxation techniques, explore mindfulness to combat anxiety or navigate a better work-life balance, we have books that can help.

Please note that these resources are intended to guide you and not substitute professional consultation.

You can access the collection through this link.

Recent Library Events

The Literary Lounge: “My Favourite Author. My Favourite Book” was held twice over the past two months (in February and March), providing students with a welcoming space to share their favourite authors and books in a warm, engaging atmosphere. The March event was dedicated to the spring holidays, "Women’s Day" and "Nauryz". Participants had a chance to enjoy the coffee break and connect with fellow book lovers.

Most popular book presentations from event guests were devoted to different authors such as “Shuakty Kunder” by Zeinep Akhmetova, “Parasat Maidany” by Tolen Abdik, “Volokolamskoye Shosse” by Alexandr Bek, “Vegetarian” by Khan Gan "Feeling Good (The new mood therapy)" by David D. Burns, "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, "The Travelling Cat Chronicles" (a heartfelt story about the bond between the cat and his owner) by Hiro Arikawa and works of James A. Michener.
As part of the #NUOpenLibrarySessions, the NU Library recently launched a 5-day workshop titled “Making Sense of Evidence: Evidence Synthesis for Literature Reviews”, held from March 31 to April 4. The pilot session, led by NU Librarian April Manabat, brought together graduate students, research assistants, early career researchers, and faculty members from NUSOM, GSE, SEDS, and SSH.

This workshop was designed to support members of the academic community in navigating the process of conducting systematic literature reviews, an essential component of evidence-based research.

Following the successful first run of this workshop and in response to positive feedback from participants, the Library's Teaching and Learning Support Office is pleased to offer it again. These sessions will also be held from April 15–29, 2025. Please register in advance using this link.

Congratulations to...

Our dedicated librarians, April Manabat, Darya Zvonareva, and Zhuldyz Orazymbetova, have received a long-awaited copy of the book Fake News Across Asian Countries, edited by Edson C. Tandoc Jr. and published by the prestigious Taylor & Francis, in which they authored a chapter. This research publication has also been indexed in Scopus.

We are delighted that they have had the opportunity to share their local experience on such an important topic of information literacy. Their chapter explores how fake news is perceived in Kazakhstan, why people believe it, and which programs help combat disinformation.

We look forward to future publications that will continue to provide valuable professional insights and evidence in this area.

Media Spotlight

"We need to change the environment, not the person": NU Expert on Assistive Technologies and Accessibility on the ban preventing blind people from becoming judges

NU Expert on Assistive Technologies and Accessibility, Ziyat Abdykaimov, believes that the new list of medical conditions issued by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health, which bars blind individuals from becoming judges, contradicts both national legislation and international obligations. Why such bans are harmful and what needs to change in the system — in the report by Yekaterina Belousova.

Watch the video here.
Access to Information for People with Disabilities: Results and Challenges of 2024

The year 2024 marked significant progress in ensuring the right of people with disabilities to access information. This article summarizes the key achievements of the year, highlights the challenges that remain, and outlines issues that require systemic attention in 2025.

You can read the full article here.

More Upcoming Library Events

Stress Relief Week
Date: April 15-17, 2025
Book Discussion: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
Date: April 18, 2025 at 4pm
Master Mode: Clinical Game Challenge with Elsevier
Date: April 30, 2025 at 4pm
The NU Library, in collaboration with the NU Psychology Club, are organizing the annual Stress Relief Week to help students get through the challenging season of final exams and assignments. You have a great opportunity to join us and take your mind off things. There will be various workshops, including diamond painting, painting flat rocks, spirograph art, drawing on tote bags, and making shell bracelets, etc.. Come and participate!
Please register through this link.
The event will take place in the Small Meeting Room (5e.419).
This book delves into themes of identity, alienation, and the struggle for authenticity, making it a perfect conversation starter.
We encourage you to share your thoughts and reflections on this iconic work of literature. Whether it’s your first time reading the book or you've experienced Holden Caulfield’s journey before, your perspective will enrich the discussion.
Please register through this link.
Organized in collaboration with Elsevier, Master Mode is a game where you and a partner will tackle three real-world clinical cases, using the ClinicalKey database to diagnose, treat, and manage patients. This team-based game is designed to challenge your clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills while offering a refreshing break from your usual routine.
You can access all the details and register via this link.

Housekeeping

Important Reminders

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.

Furniture
We kindly ask that you do not move furniture in the rooms. Rearranging furniture may cause damage and disrupt the functionality of the space. Please help us maintain a safe and comfortable environment for everyone by keeping furniture in its designated place.

Relax Room
Please note that the Relax Room is intended for short breaks to help you recharge, not for extended sleep. It provides a quiet space to rest and refresh briefly, ensuring it remains available to everyone. Please be mindful of the time you spend in the room so others can also benefit from it.

We appreciate your cooperation!

Follow the NU Library on your preferred social media platform to stay updated on library news, announcements,

upcoming events, book recommendations, and more!


Follow us on Facebook: Facebook

Follow us on Facebook: Instagram

Follow us on Facebook: Telegram

Follow us on Facebook: X/Twitter

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Do you have questions? We are happy to help!
Ask the Librarian at the Library Information Desk (Floors 2 & 3, Block 5E) or chat with our virtual librarian, NURIA.
Authors of this edition
Let's acknowledge the contributors who made this newsletter possible.
  • Darya Zvonareva
    Head,
    Teaching and Learning Support Office
  • Zhuldyz Orazymbetova
    Head,
    Patron Services Office
  • April Manabat
    Senior Expert Librarian,
    Teaching and Learning Support Office
  • Monika Bukowska
    Senior Expert Librarian,
    Teaching and Learning Support Office
  • Lazzat Arystanova
    Senior Manager,
    Library Research Support Office
  • Madina Abdykaimova
    Senior Manager,
    Patron Services Office
  • Dina Baiseit
    Manager,
    Patron Services Office
  • Venera Niyazbayeva
    Manager,
    E-Resources Management Office