NU Library Newsletter
Fall Semester, November 2025
As the end of the semester approaches, we would like to wish you a successful completion of your exams and a pleasant winter break.
Remember to take care of yourself during this busy time of year!
Programs, Events & Highlights
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, Anara, Venera, and Nursultan at the Main Library (Floor 3, Block 5E, Room 324) or Aigerim at NUSOM (Floor 7, Office 702).
Don’t miss the final sessions of this semester: Fixing Common Mistakes in Citing and Referencing, NU Transformative Agreements and APC Coverage: Oxford University Press, Advance Engineering Research with Optics Infobase & SPIE, How to Find Articles and Books, Advance Research with ProQuest, Getting Started with NVivo Coding, Build Your Strong Research Profile, and more. Book a seat in LibCal.
Don’t miss the final sessions of this semester: Fixing Common Mistakes in Citing and Referencing, NU Transformative Agreements and APC Coverage: Oxford University Press, Advance Engineering Research with Optics Infobase & SPIE, How to Find Articles and Books, Advance Research with ProQuest, Getting Started with NVivo Coding, Build Your Strong Research Profile, and more. Book a seat in LibCal.
Embedded Sessions
In October, 32 library trainings were embedded into the WCS 150 Rhetoric and Composition course at the request of the Writing Center (SSH). These sessions, held mostly at the end of the month, supported students in searching, evaluating, and citing sources for their essay assignments. The most popular modules were “Searching for Information” and “Citing Sources”, followed by “Establishing the Need for Information” and “Evaluating Sources”.
More than 300 students answered in Qualtrics feedback evaluation form "yes" to the question of whether they can practically apply the knowledge gained during the session, giving various examples of how they intend to use it in their academic work and research.
More than 300 students answered in Qualtrics feedback evaluation form "yes" to the question of whether they can practically apply the knowledge gained during the session, giving various examples of how they intend to use it in their academic work and research.
Library Events
The second half of autumn brought a vibrant lineup of initiatives from the NU Library, from supporting global campaigns like Open Access Week and Media and Information Literacy Week to hosting book presentations and thoughtful discussions that showcase our community’s work and inspire a culture of reading.
In October, the NU Library celebrated International Open Access Week 2025 under the global theme “Who Owns Our Knowledge?” The week featured interactive events, including a discussion where NU faculty shared their experiences publishing in open access journals and using transformative agreements with major publishers.
At the end of October, we concluded our celebration of Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2025, featuring a Regional Webinar for Librarians focused on AI Literacy. We also showcased NU Library initiatives and resources designed to strengthen critical thinking, enhance digital competencies, and support the responsible use of AI across the academic community.
Meeting with the Editor-in-Chief of EMJ
We were fortunate to meet Professor Maral Muratbekova-Touron, Editor-in-Chief of the European Management Journal. She shared valuable insights on publishing, including journal expectations, key rejection reasons, and practical advice for authors. She also provided materials that will support NU researchers in strengthening their manuscripts and navigating the review process with greater confidence.
Brontë Day at the NU Library
In November, we held an inspiring discussion of the Brontë sisters’ classic works: Jane Eyre, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and Wuthering Heights. Together with NU booklovers, we explored the courageous heroines, vivid landscapes, and powerful emotions that make these novels unforgettable. It was a cozy evening filled with ideas, conversations, and a shared love of literature.
Standing Against Digital Violence: A Conversation at NU Library
The NU Library hosted a book discussion on Hate Crimes in Cyberspace by Danielle Citron as part of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. Participants explored how online behaviour affects real lives and discussed ways to promote responsibility and safety in digital spaces.
At the end of October, the NU Writing Center, in collaboration with the NU Library, held a presentation of Dr. Olga Campbell-Thomson’s book The Philosophy and Practice of Foreign Language Education: The Contribution of L. V. Ščerba.
Book Presentation by Professor Aigul Ismakova
We were pleased to host a book presentation by Professor Aigul Ismakova, organized by the Department of Kazakh Language and Turkic Studies at NU. She introduced two of her recent publications, sharing insights into her latest scholarly work. Participants had the chance to learn more about her research and engage in a meaningful discussion.
Upcoming Book Presentation
Another book presentation will be held at the NU Library this week, so join us to celebrate new scholarship with Dr. Wulidanayi Jumabay. Together with the Department of Kazakh Language and Turkic Studies, we will present her book Subordination in Kazakh as Spoken in China and explore its fresh insights into Kazakh syntax.
Stress Relief Week
As the semester entered its busiest period, the NU Library, NU Psychological Counseling Services, and the NU Psychology Club, with support from the NU Student Fund, hosted Stress Relief Week from November 18 to 21. The event brought together relaxing, creative, and wellness-focused activities aimed at supporting students’ mental well-being and helping them recharge before the end of the semester. It was a much-needed pause that lifted spirits and created a supportive space across campus.
Congratulations to...
Celebrating Librarian’s Day with Appreciation from NU Leadership
We were honored to receive recognition from Dr. Loretta O’Donnell for the contributions of our librarians to the NU community as part of the Librarian’s Day celebrations on October 24. We sincerely thank Dr. O’Donnell for her kind acknowledgment and extend our warmest congratulations to all our colleagues!
The NU Library is pleased to share that Yelizaveta Kamilova, Head of the Library Research Support Office, has published her article in the Taylor & Francis journal Collection Management. Her work, titled “Exploring Gender Studies Resources in Kazakhstani Academic Libraries: Collection Development in a Post-Soviet State”, explores how academic libraries in Kazakhstan approach the development of collections supporting gender studies, a field that continues to evolve in post-Soviet 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 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!
Did you know that...
The Library provides an Interlibrary Loan service that allows you to request book chapters or journal articles not available in our collection.
Our team ensures timely access to the resources you need for your research and studies.
Below is user feedback:
Our team ensures timely access to the resources you need for your research and studies.
Below is user feedback:
Thank you very much for your prompt response to my request. This material will be of great help for our study and lectures.
Yes, the work is absolutely critical for me. For my Ph.D. dissertation, I have an entire chapter dedicated to the law and specifically to Speranskii. I tried every possible library when looking for the book. And I am grateful that the library can provide that!
Expand Your Research Toolbox
Here are the latest NU Library updates, including new trial databases and a quick guide to evaluating author expertise. Stay informed and make the most of the tools that support your research.
Access multidisciplinary journals from Springer Nature until Dec 1, 2025. During this period, you can search, download, and study full-text journal articles from SpringerLink and Nature.com, indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Access is available from any university IP address or remotely from your mobile or home network (after registration).
We are pleased to announce that Nazarbayev University Library has launched trial access to CAS BioFinder, available until December 31, 2025. CAS BioFinder brings together essential data and tools tailored for academic environments, empowering faculty and students throughout the drug discovery process, from discovery biology to medicinal chemistry.
Note the Author's Name:
- Are there any advanced degrees listed (M.D, M.S., Ph.D., Ed.D)?
- What is the author's affiliation or place of work? Do they work in a field that is relevant to the article's subject?
- Find the author in Google Scholar or Scopus to see other published articles.
Identify and Evaluate Sources
Explore our LibGuide on identifying and evaluating sources, which outlines key source types and introduces practical frameworks such as CRAAP, BEAM, SIFT and ACT UP to help you assess the quality, relevance and credibility of information. This guide is a valuable resource for strengthening research skills and making informed academic decisions.
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.
Provides preliminary and final data for major global companies, including historical point-in-time information. To use Compustat, please go to the WRDS portal, select the Register tab, or click the “Register for a WRDS Account" link.
An online library offering access to 1,853 eBooks covering nearly every research area and discipline, providing a wide range of reference and non-fiction materials for study and research.
A collection of six databases that contain different types of high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making and a seventh database that provides information about Cochrane groups.
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, my professor asked us to prepare the annotated bibliography of the sources for our semester projects. But I found it quite difficult to find the relevant ones. The main constraint was a failure to select those without bias. Can you please help me in identifying the resources that will be appropriate for my project?
Best regards,
Dias - Dear Dias,
Thank you for your request. Sometimes it may be quite difficult to identify unbiased sources. Firstly, you need to pay attention to the purpose of the work. If the aim is to persuade, promote, sell or entertain, then it will be biased. Secondly, such sources are often one-sided, as the author tends to focus primarily on their own opinion or perspective. Lastly, he or she uses negative language to show opposing views, products, or candidates. To learn more about such sources, you can check this LibGuide. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me. I will be very glad to help you.
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 Venera Niyazbayeva, 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 Venera Niyazbayeva, 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).
Right now, I’m reading “Autoethnography for Librarians and Information Scientists” edited by Ina Fourie, as I recently started working in the Teaching and Learning Office. I’m also reading "Be Opportunity-Minded: Start Growing Your Career Now" - both are very inspiring for my current professional growth.
I’ve always admired strong and reflective characters from the classics, like Scarlett O’Hara from “Gone with the Wind” and Fantine from Victor Hugo’s works - they show both resilience and vulnerability
Definitely “Autoethnography for Librarians and Information Scientists.” It perfectly connects my professional interests with personal reflection and helps me rethink my work in a new way.
Language in Our Brain: The Origins of a Uniquely Human Capacity by Angela D. Friederici. It opened my eyes to how closely language, thought, and identity are connected. I started reading books about neuroscience and brain plasticity during my master’s studies, and they really changed how I see learning and human potential.
I remember Russian fairy tales like Kolobok and Morozko - they were my first introduction to storytelling, imagination, and moral lessons.
It depends. I used to always finish every book, but now I stop if it doesn’t speak to me. There are too many wonderful books waiting to be read!
I would bring The Holy Qur’an because it’s the main book of the Muslim world, and I’d use the time to deepen my understanding of the religion, the world wisdom and learn Arabic. I believe it would prepare me spiritually and mentally for anything.
Tips & Announcements
Nazarbayev University PhD Research Gains Global Platform with ProQuest Partnership
Nazarbayev University has significantly expanded the global reach of its research. The NU Library is proud to announce that PhD theses from the University Repository are now indexed in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (PQDT), the world's leading database for graduate research.
This milestone, achieved through extensive university-wide collaboration, makes NU's diverse PhD research in fields from engineering to social sciences discoverable to the international academic community. The first cohort of theses is now live, with future dissertations to be added upon completion, ensuring continuous growth in the global visibility of NU's scholarly output.
Here are few examples of these theses:
This milestone, achieved through extensive university-wide collaboration, makes NU's diverse PhD research in fields from engineering to social sciences discoverable to the international academic community. The first cohort of theses is now live, with future dissertations to be added upon completion, ensuring continuous growth in the global visibility of NU's scholarly output.
Here are few examples of these theses:
1. Koyanbayev, M. (2025). Enhanced oil recovery performance of Nanoparticle=Surfactant stabilized CO2 foams in carbonate reservoirs (Order No. 32326661). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (3263451528).
Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/enhanced-oil-recovery-performance-nanoparticle/docview/3263451528/se-2
Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/enhanced-oil-recovery-performance-nanoparticle/docview/3263451528/se-2
2. Yessirkepov, S. (2025). Integrating elastic actuation in humanoid robotics: From parallel manipulator design to bipedal locomotion with a compliant ankle (Order No. 32326662). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (3263451522).
Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/integrating-elastic-actuation-humanoid-robotics/docview/3263451522/se-2
Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/integrating-elastic-actuation-humanoid-robotics/docview/3263451522/se-2
3. Naseri, M. (2025). Links between cooking aerosols exposure and acute cardiopulmonary and neurological responses: A clinical investigation (Order No. 32326660). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (3263451525).
Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/links-between-cooking-aerosols-exposure-acute/docview/3263451525/se-2
Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/links-between-cooking-aerosols-exposure-acute/docview/3263451525/se-2
Update: New Structure of Locations and Categories in the NU Library Room Booking System
We are pleased to inform you about the updated structure of Locations and Categories in the NU Library Room Booking System, which introduces a more detailed classification to better reflect the purpose of each area and optimize the booking process.
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us at library@nu.edu.kz.
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us at library@nu.edu.kz.
Updated Location Structure
- Individual Study Rooms: 37 rooms on the 4th floor of the Extension in the Main Library and 1 room at the Medical School Library (see the Category). Confirmation of your visit via the check-in QR code is required.
- Group Study Rooms: 7 rooms located on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of the Extension in the Main Library.
- Video Recording Room: Room 5E.424
- Event Facilities:Large event spaces
- Databases and Software: Bloomberg Terminal and computers with licensed software (including SPSS, NVivo, STATA, Wolfram Mathematica). Confirmation of your visit via the check-in QR code is required.
Time Limits
- Individual Study Rooms, Group Study Rooms, Video Recording Room - 3 hours per day per user
- Event Facilities - 12 hours per day
- Databases and Software - 1 hour per booking. You can reserve a terminal for one hour per session. If you need more time, you may make an additional booking depending on slot availability.
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