It’s Shwmae Su’mae Day!

Having fun while speaking Welsh is the theme of this year’s Shwmae Su’mae campaign led by Mentrau Iaith Cymru.  The event, which takes place annually on 15 October, is a national celebration of the Welsh language, wherever you live and whatever your level.

Whilst you’re here at Aberystwyth University, why not take advantage of some of the many special opportunities and resources available for learning Welsh?

Welsh courses delivered by Learn Welsh are free for Aberystwyth University students and staff. Find more information here: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/learn-welsh/

selection of book covers available in the library for welsh learners

To support your learning, the library has many thousands of Welsh-language resources for Welsh learners and speakers in our Celtic Collection. Here’s just a selection of what’s available on the library shelves.

From contemporary and classic fiction, poetry, to language and Welsh culture and history – find the entire Celtic Collection on Level F of the Hugh Owen Library. And search Primo, the library catalogue to find what you need.

We also have many Welsh-speaking or learning members of staff who can be identified by their orange lanyards. Felly rhowch gynnig ar siarad Cymraeg heddiw!

The first Shwmae Su’mae Day was held on 15 October, 2013 to promote the idea of starting every conversation in Welsh.  The aim of the day is to show that Welsh belongs to everyone – fluent speakers, learners and those who feel their linguistic skills are a little rusty.

Looking Back and Moving Forward: A Year in Review from Your Library

Presenting our Library Action Plan 2024 – 2025

As another academic year draws to a close, we’re excited to share some of the milestones and key developments from your Library Services in 2024–25.

It’s been another busy year for the library as our users continue to borrow thousands of books and ebooks, access thousands of journal articles, and make use of our expanding range of digital resources and physical spaces. Reading lists remain a core part of your academic work and our library staff are always working to make sure the books, articles, and resources you need most are at your fingertips. Our Subject Librarians continue to provide specialist support and advice to all staff and students and our Resource Discovery team help facilitate and disseminate the University’s world-class research.

Browse our Library Action Plans to find out how Library Services have supported your teaching, learning, and research at Aberystwyth University over the past year.

Unlock the Power of Healthcare Knowledge with Your Library Databases!

Navigating the world of healthcare can feel incredibly overwhelming. The feeling of being time-poor while juggling personal commitments, lectures, and clinical placements can be intense. So, when it comes to research for assignments or understanding complex conditions, it can be hard to know where to start.

Rather than time spent on endless online searches that can lead you down rabbit holes of questionable websites and outdated information, your library invests in premium healthcare databases like CINAHL, MEDLINE, British Nursing Database (and many more!) for a reason – they are goldmines of credible, peer-reviewed research specifically for healthcare.

Our Database Search page is fully integrated within our main library search tool and can be found at the top of Primo, so no need to remember any separate URLs.

The Database Search is divided up into different subjects so you can browse resources applicable to your course. Alternatively, you can search by key terms and draw results from the whole of the collection.

Befriend these databases for:

  • Reliable, up-to-date evidence: These databases curate information from reputable journals.
  • Targeted Information: Use specific keywords and filters to pinpoint articles directly related to your topic, whether it’s wound care, mental health nursing, or diabetes management.
  • Evidence-Based Practice at Your Fingertips: These databases help provide the foundation for understanding the “why” behind the practice, helping deliver the best possible services based on solid research.
  • Academic Success: Using credible sources from these databases will strengthen your arguments, demonstrate critical thinking, and ultimately lead to better grades.
  • Expanded knowledge: Broaden your understanding of healthcare topics for career preparedness.

Don’t know where to start?  

  1. Sign in to Primo – your library catalogue.
  2. Search in the ‘Database Search’ for your database – follow any off-campus notes if needed.
  3. For further information and support, see your LibGuide or contact your librarian.

Happy researching!

Welsh-language Music Day

Today, 7 February, is Welsh Language Music Day – a day which celebrates all forms of Welsh Language music. Whether you’re into indie, rock, punk, funk, folk, electronica, hip hop or anything else, there’s incredible music being made in the Welsh language for you to discover. Find out more about the day here with links to Spotify playlists

Our librarians have curated a Box of Broadcasts playlist of some of their favourite documentaries and performances to get you on track with music in Welsh

https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/playlists/194552

Click on the image or link above to see the playlist