Areas of Expertise of the Earth Sciences Library

This is a list of topics on which the Earth Sciences Library can contribute upon invitation (e.g., in lectures, projects, and working groups, departmental colloquia, etc.). The duration and format are tailored individually to meet specific needs. Please contact us requests.

 

Literature Access and Research

Quality Criteria for Literature Selection

We provide guidance on evaluating scholarly sources. In addition, we explain the advantages as well as the challenges of quality assurance in the publication process, particularly with regard to peer review. Finally, we address the issue of “predatory publishing.”

Research Strategy

We explain the most important strategies for literature research and introduce, among other things, the central research tool at FU Berlin (Primo).

More Than Primo: Little-Known Research Tools at Freie Universität Berlin

We briefly introduce useful research tools and highlight their unique features: the Database Information System (DBIS) at FU Berlin, Web of Science, the KOBV portal, and the GEO-LEO search portal.

AI: What the New Primo Research Assistant Can (and Cannot) Do

With the Primo Research Assistant (Primo AI), the FU offers a new AI-powered research option for accessing information. We’ll outline the advantages and limitations of conducting research with Primo AI.

 

Academic Work

Proper Citation in the Earth Sciences – Fundamentals and Practical Examples

Citation is a central aspect of “good scientific practice” that all students and researchers must follow: it is considered plagiarism to reproduce someone else’s work—whether verbatim or indirectly—without citing the source. We explain the most important basic rules. Using various examples, we show how books, articles, and websites can be cited in academic papers.

Copyright: What Is Permitted in Research and Teaching When Using Images and Texts?

When reusing copyrighted images, photos, or graphics for one’s own publications, there is often uncertainty about which uses are permitted. We explain the basics of German Urheberrecht (the German copyright law) as well as the specific exceptions that apply to the fields of research and teaching.

Creative Commons Licenses Explained

We explain what Creative Commons licenses are and how, by choosing the appropriate license, you can legally enable “open access” for your own publications (reports, posters, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral theses, journal articles, etc.).

AI: Fundamentals and Policies in the Department

How does Freie Universität approach the topic of AI? And what policies are in place for students in the Department of Earth Sciences? We provide an overview and practical guidance on good academic practice.

AI: Using FU’s Large Language Models

Freie Universität Berlin provides AI models that comply with data protection regulations for university members. This learning module explains why this is important and how these models can be used.

Reference Management with Citavi

Citavi is software for reference management and knowledge management. Freie Universität Berlin offers a free campus license for students, faculty, and staff. Citavi helps you collect, organize, and manage references and automatically generate reference lists in your preferred citation style. We’ll highlight the basic features and benefits of Citavi.

Introduction to Research Data Management

We teach students and researchers the fundamentals of data collection, organization, and archiving, as well as the relevant legal and ethical frameworks. We’ll also introduce the Research Data Management services offered by Freie Universität Berlin.

Data and Software Management Plans Explained

Here, participants learn how to create structured management plans to support research data management for their own projects, for working groups, or for larger consortia. At the same time, such plans help meet the requirements of research funding agencies.

 

Map Collection at the Earth Sciences Library

Guided tours of the map collection at the Earth Sciences Library

We provide an overview of what is available in the map collection and the options for borrowing maps or having them digitized.

A Map Is (Not) a Book: Map Research 101

We present our map collection and also share tips and tricks to make map research easier (even outside the Earth Sciences Library).