iKamva - Library Postgraduate Research Support Course Module

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) Learning Management System, namely iKamva, is a dedicated eLearning platform for students to access course material and engage with an online learning and teaching environment.

The Library Postgraduate Research Support course module has been set up on iKamva for all registered UWC postgraduate students. The module gives access to training resources, announcements and events uploaded onto the site.

Postgraduate research is a journey and the module is designed to assist and support with the progression of that journey. Part of a research plan should be an appointment with the research librarian who will be able to assist with library and research needs.

Objectives of the module

Students will be:

  • Given a broad overview of the resources and services the UWC Library has to offer;

  • Given assistance in identifying relevant research materials for their research;

  • Trained in searching skills to ensure that databases are used effectively, including the use Boolean operators, truncation and wildcards for advanced searching;

  • Trained on finding relevant databases suitable for their research;

  • Given assistance in creating alerts so that they can receive regular updates within their research field;

  • Given assistance on how to use Google Scholar optimally.