RUAS Library Introduction

RUAS Library Introduction

Intro

Welcome

Welcome to the library introduction of the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS). In this online introduction you will get, among other things, answers to the questions from the intro.

After following this introduction you will know how to use the library, both on- and offline, to find the information you need during your studies.

The RUAS library has various information sources

The most important sources within RUAS are:

START - START stands for STudy And Research Tool. START is the starting point for all your (desk) research. For even better results you can continue your search in the databases - there you can search directly by subject or type of information. See the databases section of this introduction for more information.

Information sources per study programme - Online resources selected for your study programme aimed at your area of expertise. Includes databases as well as relevant websites and the reading list with both required and recommended readings.

You have access to these sources via the library website. You can also consult these sources from home or from your internship location, on the condition that you are logged in to the RUAS network. You can also install the Library Access plugin, then you only need to log in once.

 

library access(c) geralt, Pixabay Content License.

Library

Through the library you have access to information sources that you need during your studies, Such as books and journals, but also digital materials such as e-books and articles.

You can also visit our physical locations for information and support.

 

START

You can find almost all our materials, printed and digital, through one search system: START.

 

Digital collection

With START you can search in many databases at once, although there are some exceptions. You can find e-books, articles from (academic) journals, and literature references, but no market reports etc.

If you get a lot of search results or if you want to make a more targeted search, you can use the filter options on the left. With these you can filter by format type or publication year. On the Advanced Search page the databases which are included in your search are shown on the right.

Sometimes you will find a book or article which you do not have access to through the library. If you wish to consult such a book or article you can request in via Interlibrary loan (ILL). If you check 'Full Text' (under 'Show Only') you will only get results that you have access to through the library.

 

Physical collection

START is also used to search for printed books in the library. To search for printed books and journals you can filter on 'Format' by checking 'Print Book' (under 'Book'). You can also filter on whether they are available.

Are you looking for a book that the library does not have? You can request it via Interlibrary loan (ILL).

 

Borrowing, Renewing and Reserving

Borrowing in the library is done through selfservice. In order to borrow a book you need your student car or the RUAS app.

You can also renew your loans and return your books via the selfservice. Renewing your loans can also be done via your START account.

You will find more information about borrowing, renewals and reservations on the library website.

More information on the physical libraries can be found on the library website in the section on library locations.

 

Databases

In a database you can make a very targeted search.
The video below - with sound - explains the difference between using a search engine and searching in databases.

 

The library's databases

The library offers access to a lot of databases. Some of these can also be searched with START, but the database itself often has more search and filter options, allowing you to perform a more targeted search.

By adding the Lean Library extension to your browser, you have easy access to relevant sources and less frustration with paywalls or logins.

If you want to keep track of which databases and which search terms you have used, you can use the 'Desk research form'

 

Databases per study programme

Are you having difficulty finding the right database ? Then have a look at the Information sources per study program page and find your study programme. There you will find databases - and other sources - that are most relevant to your own study programme. There you will also find your study programme's reading list.

 

Google Scholar

With Google Scholar you can search for academic articles. In Google Scholar you will find links to free 'Open Access' content as well as to articles for which you have to pay.

If you use Google Scholar via the link on the library website, or if you have installed the Library Access extension, you will also find articles with Find@Hogeschool Rotterdam behind them. These links go to the full text version of the article in one of the databases that the library has a licence to.

 

Search tips

Finally, a number of tips for searching more effectively in START or in one of the databases.

You can find more information about search methods in our Literature research guide.

 

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Boolean operators

With the Boolean operators AND, OR and NOT you can combine search terms, search for multiple terms at one or exclude certain terms..

AND The AND-operator allows you to combine search terms. If you use AND between two search terms, the database will only give you results with both search terms.

OR The OR-operator allows you to find results containing the one or the other term, or both. Useful for synonyms, abbreviations and related terms! Take note: Always place search terms combined with OR between rounded brackets.

NOT The NOT-operator allows you to exclude certain results.

 

Truncation

Truncating is the replacing of one or more characters at the end of your search term by a truncation symbol, such as *. By using truncation you can use one search term to search for spelling variations, plural forms or variations of that search term.

For example: manag* will give results for the words 'manage', 'managers' and 'management'.

 

 

 

Advanced Search-page

Via the Advanced Search-page in START and most databases you have the option to make a more targeted search , for example by keyword, author or (a word from the) title. You can also combine these terms.

 

Research support

Are you stuck trying to find sources for your assignment, thesis or research? Don't panic! Through the library you can make an appointment for research support. During this appointment you will get customised aadvice tailored to your specific question.

Click here for more information or to make an appointment.

 

Edubadge test

Take the test and earn an edubadge!


Classroom test (teacher request):

Students can take a digital test in class to earn an edubadge. This test can only be organised in consultation with the Library. Please contact infova@hr.nl. More information is available on our website.

Individual test (student request):

You can earn an edubadge by taking the test that accompanies this training. The test is administered by the ANS testing system and is available to you for a fixed period of time. Request the test at least one week before the test week indicated below using this link.

Test dates for 2025–2026 have not yet been determined.  Therefore, the test cannot be requested yet.

Please note:

  • The test - including 2 resits - will be available to you for one week.
  • You will have 60 minutes to complete the test. Once you open the test, the time starts running until the 60 minutes are up, even if you close the test. You must therefore take the test in one sitting.
  • Once you have taken the test in class, you cannot take it individually and vice versa. Please bear this in mind!

 

Conclusion

You are now finished with the RUAS library introduction.

You now know:

  • Where to find the physical libraries

  • Where to find the digital collection

  • How and where to search the digital collection

  • How and where to find physical materials

  • How to borrow, renew and reserve

  • What the added value is of the library's databases vs. Google Scholar?

  • That you can search more efficiently in search engines or the library databases

Do you want to know more? Check out the literature research guide on the website, or take the Literature Review Training on Wikiwijs.

If you are still unable to find what you need or if you are looking for more support, feel free to send an email, ask a question in the chat, or drop by at one of our locations!

  • The arrangement RUAS Library Introduction is made with Wikiwijs of Kennisnet. Wikiwijs is an educational platform where you can find, create and share learning materials.

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    Team Informatievaardigheid Hogeschool Rotterdam
    Last modified
    2025-09-05 13:04:25
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    After following this introduction, you will know how to make optimal use of the library facilities -online and offline- to search for literature/sources. You can find the qualitative sources that lecturers ask of you. You are aware that for the best results in your next educational research assignment, you will use the library.
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    Rotterdam UAS Library Instruction

    https://maken.wikiwijs.nl/164841/Rotterdam_UAS_Library_Instruction

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