Writing a thesis can be both lonely and difficult to get started with. To support students in the writing process, the Faculty of Science Library and the Academic Support Centre at Lund University have launched a joint digital initiative combining focused writing sessions with Q&A drop-ins.
“We noticed that students often come to us with questions that fall somewhere between the library and the Academic Support Centre. Is it a question for a language advisor or for a librarian? There is a clear added value in doing this together,” says Maria Källqvist, language advisor at the Academic Support Centre, who supports students at the Faculty of Science and LTH in her work.
The initiative began last spring and is aimed primarily at students writing Bachelor’s or Master’s theses. The sessions are held online, making the support more accessible.
“It is partly about accessibility, but also about the fact that the library serves the entire Faculty, which is spread across several locations. The digital format makes it easier to reach more students in one place,” says Maja Tarka, librarian at the Faculty of Science Library.
During the sessions, students can ask questions about everything from literature searching and reference management to structure, the writing process and academic style.
“The digital Q&A sessions can cover topics such as getting started with writing, how to integrate references into the text, or how to handle images and diagrams in a thesis,” says Maria Källqvist.
Since spring, the concept has been further developed through the “Shut up and write” format – a well-established approach within academia.
“It is a writing session where participants first set a goal and then write in silence in focused intervals. We run three 20-minute writing sessions with short breaks in between,” explains Maja Tarka.
Participants join with both camera and audio on, creating a sense of community and focus.
“It is a simple method that often works very well. You get things done, and it can be easier to get started when writing together with others,” says Maria Källqvist.
The writing sessions are followed by an open Q&A where students can receive feedback or raise questions they have become stuck on.
“It creates structure and dedicated time for writing, which in itself can reduce stress. And because the sessions are recurring – during the spring we have met every Thursday – there are always new opportunities to join,” says Maja Tarka.
The response from students has been positive, and a sense of community has developed around the sessions. The hope is to continue the initiative in the autumn.
“We would really like to encourage teachers to let their students know about the sessions. Although they are aimed at thesis-writing students, they are open to everyone – from Bachelor’s students to doctoral students and researchers. Anyone can benefit from support in their writing,” says Maria Källqvist.
The sessions are held via Zoom on Thursdays during the spring semester. “Shut up and write” starts at 1.00 pm and is followed by a drop-in Q&A on writing and literature searching at 2.30 pm. Two sessions remain this spring: 21 and 28 May.