Did you know... ?

This page gives some quick hints and tips on various aspects of our services and collections that people have been asking us about.

It isn't a comprehensive guide! More information on all of these is available elsewhere on the website - we've included links where appropriate to help you explore further.

Remember you can always contact us for more help and advice.

How to search the Library Catalogue

  • If you know the book you need, type in the author's surname and one or more words from the title
  • If you want to find what we've got on a subject, type in some keywords which describe the subject
  • Remember the catalogue includes electronic as well as print resources

Useful links

Follow the link on the Library Catalogue to get more help or look at the Library Catalogue Help

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How to search a database

  • You can search for words in article titles, abstracts and subject descriptions, or by author's name
  • Plan ahead - choose the words which describe your subject best. Are there any synonyms which also describe your subject?
  • Use truncation (usually * or ?) to find all the endings to a word. For example, child* will find child or children
  • Use a wildcard to replace a single character within a word to find different spellings. For example, organi?ation will find organisation or organization
  • Combine your search words using:
    • and (to find all words)
    • or (to find any of the words)
    • not (to exclude a word)
  • Check whether your database has a subject index or thesaurus. These are lists of subject headings which describe the content of the article. Search or browse these to find the best words to search for
  • Look for options to limit your search by date, language or type of information

Useful links

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My Library Account gives you information on your Library account

The link from the Library Catalogue takes you to a Login page which explains how to login.

When you have logged in you can:

  • See what you have borrowed and their return dates
  • Renew items you have already taken out
  • Keep track of any requests you make, and when they will be ready to collect
  • Find out if any books you have on loan have been requested by someone else
  • Check on any fines you owe

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You can Request items on loan to someone else

If the item you want has already been borrowed (but not Key Texts):

  • Choose Request from the Library Catalogue and follow the instructions
  • The return date may change: we send an email (or letter) to the borrower telling them the new date - the minimum loan is for a week
  • When the item is returned we immediately send you an email (or letter) telling you it can be collected
  • You have 5 days to collect it - after that it will be returned to the shelves

Help your colleagues and avoid fines by returning and collecting items promptly - check emails and My Library Account regularly.

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How to use Key Texts

Key Texts have been selected by course tutors as essential readings which are in heavy demand. Borrowing periods are short and can be booked in advance.

  • Borrowing periods are longer from 6pm weekdays and 2pm on Saturdays
  • Book in advance: follow the Booking link on the Catalogue
  • Use Self-Issue and keep your receipt. It tells you the time your item is due for return
  • Return items on time to the Key Texts desk. Avoid a large fine!
  • You can't renew items, but they may be available for reissue if not already booked by someone else
  • You can borrow and book up to 2 books and 3 short loan photocopies

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We can help you find the information you need

We can help you in a variety of ways.

Introduction to our libraries and services

We offer an introduction to the libraries for all new staff and students. Sessions are timetabled into student induction programmes. Staff should contact your Academic Liaison Librarian for a personal introduction and discussion of your teaching and research needs.

Tailored help

If you would like a more personal approach you can discuss your needs with your Academic Liaison Librarian.

Academic Liaison Librarians can help you one to one, or they can deliver more formal lectures, seminars and practical workshops to suit the needs of your group.

Sessions can be embedded in a course at an appropriate point in the curriculum, or be ad hoc to suit the needs of the group. Delivery and content can be tailored to help students and staff find information for anything from short essays to in-depth research.

Useful links

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What to do if you can't find what you're looking for

It's not on the Library Catalogue

  • Check that you've searched using the right information. For example, have you got the spelling right?
  • Check the reference with your tutor in case the information they've provided is incorrect
  • Ask for help from Library staff - they are experienced in tracking things down!

It's not on the shelf

  • Check the books waiting to be shelved at the bottom of the stairs in the JB Morrell Library
  • Check you are looking in the right place. For example, is the book in the Quarto [Oversize books] collection? Ask for help if you're not sure
  • If you still can't find it, fill in a paper request form at Lending Services and we'll look for it and let you know if we find it. If it's lost you can ask us to get it on inter-library loan

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You can get resources from other libraries if we don't have them here

You have other options: