Academic Librarian Support
Academic Librarians act as a link between the UWS Library and schools, staff, and students.
We are experts on everything library related.
We support and respond to the learning, teaching and research needs of the University and help its members dream, believe and achieve their academic goals through the provision of high quality, innovative and user-focused library services informed by policies that are clear, fair and transparent.
Academic Librarian
Expertise
Jacqueline Boston
BA(Hons), MSc, PGDip
Academic Librarian for the School of Education and Social Science divisions:
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Work.
Professional Profile
- I provide in-depth, personalized research assistance for students, staff and faculty.
- I teach information literacy and deliver library instruction sessions to help students complete the research component of their assignments.
- I create learning and teaching materials (e.g. LibGuides) to highlight relevant information, tools and skills for students. These are closely tailored to the needs of the students and the instructor’s learning outcomes. Please e-mail me to discuss your needs. I will be happy to create new content.
- I purchase library materials for UWS Libraries. Please contact me with your purchase requests and suggestions.
- I develop library collections within my subject expertise.
- I assist with validation, revalidation or accreditation of programmes.
- I advocate for open access and open educational resources.
Personal profile
I am interested in both the Arts and the Sciences. My academic background is a mixture of degrees in Social Sciences with Psychology, and a joint Masters in Waste Management with Environmental Management.
After a spell working as a research assistant at the former University of Paisley, now UWS, in the research area of newspaper recycling, I went on to become a senior book buyer in a well known Scottish Independent bookseller. Here I specialised in the area of Children's literature and also educational textbooks for primary through to senior schools and eventually academic texts. 'Paid in books', I happily added numerous and varied new titles to my already busy bookshelves. My love of books then led me to change my line of work again.
In 2001, I embarked on more studying to obtain my Librarian post graduate qualification. My first library post was at the University of Strathclyde, on the former Jordanhill campus. After five years there, I moved onto my current part time professional Academic Librarian role at UWS.
You can find me mostly on the Ayr campus, with a day a week on the Paisley campus.
Availability
I am currently hybrid working, with a mixture of on-campus and working remotely each week.
My working pattern is Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and I am normally based between the Ayr and Paisley campuses.
I am happy to see you for an in-person consultation or to support your learning and teaching, whether you are a student or staff at UWS.
- Students
To book an online or campus based appointment, please see our Librarian appointment page for availability. Choose to see an individual Librarian or any of the Academic Librarian team at a date and time that suits you.
- Staff
To arrange classes or to discuss book purchases contact me via the email link on this page.
I look forward to working with you!
Help & Support
If you are experiencing difficulties accessing any resources or would like to discuss your searches, referencing or related matters, please contact library staff:
Email library@uws.ac.uk or log a call on the Self Service Portal.
- Self Service Portal
All students and staff members have access to an online Self Service Portal to search through the answers to FAQs, log calls or place service requests and review the progress of any submitted requests.
