Your university library: finding, borrowing and getting help

A university library is far more than a building of books. It gives you e-books, journal articles and databases you could never afford, plus librarians whose job is to help you find good sources. Learning to use it in your first month will save you hours on every assignment.

Getting started

• Your student card is usually your library card, and your university IT account is how you access e-resources from home. Nottingham notes your IT account also gives you access to university computers, printers and study spaces.
• Go on a library tour or induction in your first two weeks, or follow the library's online orientation.
• Find three things on the tour: where your subject's books are shelved, where the silent and group study areas are, and where to print and scan.
• Download your library's app if it has one so you can check loans and renew items from your phone.

Finding books and e-books

• Search the library catalogue to see whether a book is held in print or as an e-book. The University of Bath says to use the 'Online access' link in a search result to read an e-book online.
• Each print book has a shelf number (also called a classmark or call number). Write it down exactly, because books on the same topic sit next to each other.
• When you find the book you need, look at the books either side of it: you may find something even better.
• If all print copies are on loan, check for an e-book, place a reservation, or ask whether a short-loan copy exists.

Journal articles and databases

• Reading lists often include journal articles. Bath has guides on recognising a journal article reference on your reading list and on understanding journal abbreviations.
• Databases search thousands of journals at once. Bath says subject librarians compile lists of the most useful databases for each department.
• Start with a few key words from your assignment question, then narrow down: by date, by peer-reviewed articles, or by adding a second key term.
• Save full reference details as you go (author, year, title, journal, pages, link). Referencing basics are in lesson ss-08.

When the library does not have it

• Ask about inter-library loans. The University of Buckingham, for example, uses this service to borrow books it does not hold and to supply copies of journal articles.
• Rules can be strict. At Buckingham, students' requests must be countersigned by a supervisor, there is a limit of 30 satisfied requests a year, and copies of articles arrive by email with time-limited access.
• Many libraries also take suggestions for books to buy. If a book on your reading list is always out, tell the library.
• Return or renew on time. Buckingham, for instance, charges £2 per item per day for late inter-library loans and passes on any fines from the lending library.

Librarians and academic skills

• Subject librarians specialise in your field. Bath says you are welcome to contact or visit your subject librarian for advice on searching for assignments or research.
• Book a short appointment when you start your first big essay: 'I'm writing about X and only finding general websites. Can you show me where to look?'
• Many libraries run, or sit next to, academic skills services with workshops on essay writing, referencing and exam technique. Lesson sb-06 explains how to use them.
• Asking a librarian is not a sign that you are behind. It is exactly what they are there for.