NU Library Newsletter
Fall Semester, October 2025
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 and Venera at the Main Library (Floor 3, Block 5E, 324) or Aigerim at NUSOM (Floor 7, Office 702).
During the fall 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 fall 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.
Explore Upcoming Events
Expand your mind: Discuss a book, meet an author, and find your calm.
Join us to explore three timeless classics — Jane Eyre, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and Wuthering Heights. Share your thoughts and connect over the Brontës’ unforgettable stories and characters.
Discover a compelling new book that explores how Kazakhstan’s national identity and regional role have transformed in response to the January 2022 protests and the shifting dynamics of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
Stress Relief Week
The view of images in the critical perspective is when the viewers criticize the images, and the critiques have been made in the interest of the society.
Recent Library Events
Last month was a vibrant period of events, from exploring the future of publishing and hosting an insightful guest talk to celebrating our staff on Librarian Day and promoting critical skills during MIL Week.
Coffee Talk: Publishing Open Access at NU
Faculty and researchers explored the future of publishing in a recent discussion, delving into open-access journals, transformative agreements, and the critical question of who owns knowledge.
Celebrating Librarian’s Day with Appreciation from NU Leadership
It was truly an honor to receive recognition from Dr. Loretta O’Donnell, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Nazarbayev University, for our librarians’ contributions to the NU community in honor of Librarian’s Day on October 24.
Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2025
On October 24-31, NU Library celebrated the Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2025.
Librarians from Central Asia and Russia discussed adapting AI literacy into academia, highlighting the role of libraries in promoting critical thinking and shaping information culture.
We also offered two seminars to discuss the power of evaluation of media and academic content with the NU community.
Librarians from Central Asia and Russia discussed adapting AI literacy into academia, highlighting the role of libraries in promoting critical thinking and shaping information culture.
We also offered two seminars to discuss the power of evaluation of media and academic content with the NU community.
Insides of the Editorial Process of European Management Journal
The November 3 guest talk featured Dr. Maral Muratbekova-Touron, Editor-in-Chief of the European Management Journal, who explained the journal's editorial process and shared key insights for publishing in top-tier journals.
Book Presentation by Dr Olga Campbell-Thomson
On October 23, Dr. Olga Campbell-Thomson from the Writing Center Program presented her book The Philosophy and Practice of Foreign Language Education: The Contribution of L. V. Ščerba. The event explored Ščerba’s lasting impact on modern language education and inspired an engaging discussion of his ideas and contributions.
Thank you for your outstanding work in organizing the event. Your professionalism, attention to detail and your presence ensured that the event ran smoothly and was an enjoyable experience. It was certainly enjoyable and memorable to me. I am touched by the support of colleagues and the wider university community including all of you.
Thank you to the Library again for helping the Writing Center with this book presentation. I was very pleased with the professionalism in marketing the event which had a great audience. And of course, thanks to Dr. Campbell-Thomson for her clear overview of the book (along with writing it). We look forward to working with the Library in the future.
Congratulations to...
The NU Library is proud to share that Yelizaveta Kamilova, the Head of the Library Research Support Office, has published a co-authored article in Collection Management titled “Exploring Gender Studies Resources in Kazakhstani Academic Libraries.” Her research examines how libraries support gender studies and promote inclusive access to academic resources in Kazakhstan.
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!
Trial: Springer Nature Databases
Access multidisciplinary journals from Springer Nature until Dec 1, 2025. A free online training session is available to help researchers and students utilize these resources.
How do I know if an author is an expert?
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.
- Find the author in Google Scholar or Scopus to see other published articles.
Boost your research
Explore our online resources and utilize our support services.
Access multidisciplinary journals from Springer Nature until Dec 1, 2025. A free online training session is available to help researchers and students utilize these resources.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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