The HardiBlog

U-Multirank, a new university rankings system has been launched under the Irish Presidency of the European Union. This initiative is an attempt to broaden the current rankings systems which many consider to be too narrow in their focus, particularly with the media emphasis on league tables.  Instead U-Multirank uses a broad range of indicators that will enable users to compare the performance and profile of institutions across five dimensions of higher education and research activities:  Teaching and learning  Research  Knowledge transfer  International orientation  Regional engagement Some 500 universities are expected to sign up to take part, with the first rankings results expected in early 2014.  An independent consortium will compile the ranking, led by the Centre for Higher Education (CHE) in Germany and the Centre for Higher Education Policy Studies (CHEPS) in the Netherlands. Further information The U-Multirank website explai...

Topic 1 in the AWC Annual Academic Writing Competition: Identify a commonly held perception and explain why it is incorrect. The following are examples of such perceptions: ‘votes for women was a great cause with a positive outcome’; ‘everyone has a right to education’; ‘one must distinguish between dreams and reality’; ‘homicide is not civilized behavior’; ‘modern life owes a debt of gratitude to Thomas Edison’s inventions ; ‘we cannot escape the burden of the past’. Any commonly held perception in any field is acceptable. However, your piece may not contain anything libellous . Maximum Length: 500 words Top Prize: Apple I-Pad 2 Other Topics and Rules:  http://www.library.nuigalway.ie/support/academicwritingcentre/academicwritingcompetition/ Submit your essay by 21 February by emailing us at awccompetitions@gmail.com and irina.ruppo@nuigalway.ie

To learn about the life saving capabilities of the AED (Defibrillator) machine located in the Library Foyer, see how it works, and in particular hear what you as a by-stander can do in response to a cardiac emergency occurring, come along to a short practical briefing session on St. Valentine’s Day - who knows it may help you save someone you love one day. Thursday 14th February 12.00 - 12.30 Entrance Foyer - James Hardiman Library

We are delighted to inform you that the Blog of the Archives Service of the James Hardiman Library ( http://nuigarchives.blogspot.ie/ ) has been nominated as part of the Digital Humanities Awards in the category of 'Best DH blog, article, or short publication.' "Digital Humanities Awards are a new set of annual awards given in recognition of talent and expertise in the digital humanities community and are nominated and voted for entirely by the public." You can vote for NUIG Archives blog here: http://dhawards.org/dhawards2012/voting/ Voting is now open and will close on 17th February. Your support and vote in this would be greatly appreciated. Support your Library!