A Guide for New Students

Transcription

1 University of Limerick A Guide for New Students The Information contained in this booklet is also available in a series of online interactive tutorials on the web. The tutorials are freely available at

2 Contents Section 1: 5 Useful Facts 1.1 Opening hours 1.2 Need help? 1.3 Where are the books? 1.4 Borrowing books 1.5 Photocopiers Section 2: Borrowing Books 2.1 Find books by browsing the shelves 2.2 What is a shelfmark? 2.3 Reference Collections 2.4 Library Catalogue 2.5 Find books using the Library Catalogue 2.6 Borrowing books 2.7 Returning & renewing books 2.8 Your account Section 3: Find Information on a Subject 3.1 Where to look for information 3.2 Choose the right keywords 3.3 Broaden & narrow your searches 3.4 Example search Section 4: Journals 4.1 What is a Journal? 4.2 Find Journals by browsing the shelves 4.3 Find journals by searching the Journals List 4.4 University of Limerick print journals 4.5 Electronic journals (ejournals) 4.6 Reprints Section 5: Find Information in Electronic Databases 5.1 What is an electronic database? 5.2 Databases fulltext, abstract 5.3 How to access the Library s electronic databases 5.4 Tips for searching electronic databases 5.5 Example searches Section 6: Find Information on the Web 6.1 The Web 6.2 Search the web using Google 6.3 Tips for searching using Google 6.4 Evaluating websites 6.5 Web addresses A-Z of the Library Tips: There are tips throughout this booklet which will give you hints and shortcuts when you are using the Library. Activities: There are activities throughout this booklet which you can use to test your understanding of what you have learned.

3 Section 1: 5 Useful Facts about the Library 1.1 Opening Hours During Semester Service Desks Building opens Building closes Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday Tip: Changes to these opening hours during exams, bank holidays, Christmas and summer vacation will be publicised on campus, on TV screens in the Library and on the Library website. 1.2 Need Help? The Information Desk is on the Ground Floor of the Library Telephone: libinfo@ul.ie Website: Where are the Books? Floor 1 Floor 2 Short Loan Collection Computing, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Arts, Business, Education, Humanities, Law Beside the Service Desk on the Ground Floor

4 1.4 Borrowing Books You can borrow books from the Service Desk or at the Self Service machines. Undergraduates can borrow 4 general collection books for 14 days 1 general collection book with red tape for 3 days 1 Short Loan item for 1 day or 3 hours 1 reprint for 1 hour Journals, reference texts, FYPs and theses can only be used in the Library. Tip: Don t forget your Student ID card. You will need it to borrow books. 1.5 Photocopiers There is a photocopier on each floor of the Library. Photocopy Cards You can buy photocopy cards and get change from the dispensers in the Photocopy Room on Floor 1. 4 for 50 units 8 for 100 units Tip: There is a colour photocopier in the Photocopy Rroom on Floor 1 which will also photocopy onto transparencies. A single A4 copy on this machine will take 10 units from your card. You can buy transparencies from the Service Desk at a cost of 50 cent each.

5 Section 2: Borrowing Books In this section you will learn How to find books by browsing the shelves How to find books by using the Library Catalogue How to renew your books and check your borrower account 2.1 Find Books by Browsing the Shelves Books are arranged in subject order. Every subject has a shelfmark number. (For example: Chemistry books are at 540, Law books are at 340, Business books are at 650) If you know the number your subject is shelved at, go to that section in the Library and browse through the books in that area. Below is a list of the main subjects and where they are in the Library Subject Number Location Subject Number Location Aeronautical 629 Floor 1 Law 340 Floor 2 Accountancy 657 Floor 2 Literature 820 Floor 2 Agriculture 630 Floor 1 Management 658 Floor 2 Archaeology 930 Floor 2 Mathematics 510 Floor 1 Architecture 720 Floor 2 Mechanical Engineering 620 Floor 1 Art 700 Floor 2 Medicine 610 Floor 1 Biology 570 Floor 1 Metal Technologies 671 Floor 1 Biomedicine 610 Floor 1 Music 780 Floor 2 Biomechanics 612 Floor 1 Nursing Floor 1 Business 650 Floor 2 Occupational Therapy 615 Floor 1 Chemical Engineering 660 Floor 1 Philosophy 100 Floor 2 Chemistry 540 Floor 1 Physics 530 Floor 1 Civil Engineering 624 Floor 1 Physiotherapy 615 Floor 1 Computer Science 004 Floor 1 Politics 320 Floor 2 Economics 330 Floor 2 Psychology 150 Floor 2 Education 370 Floor 2 Religion 200 Floor 2 Electronics 621 Floor 1 Science 500 Floor 1 Engineering 620 Floor 1 Social Sciences 300 Floor 2 Equine Science 636 Floor 1 Sociology 300 Floor 2 Food Technology 664 Floor 1 Speech Therapy Floor 1 Geography 910 Floor 2 Sports Science 613 Floor 1 History 940 Floor 2 Statistics 310 Floor 1 Information Technology 004 Floor 1 Technology 600 Floor 1 Insurance 368 Floor 2 TRC Floor 2 International Affairs 327 Floor 2 Wood Science Floor 1 Language 400 Floor 2 Zoology 590 Floor 1

6 2.2 What is a Shelfmark? Every book within each subject has its own specific number called a shelfmark. The shelfmark is on the spine of every book. An example shelfmark: 823.7/AUS To find this book, you would go to the Literature section (820 Floor 2) and find on the shelves. /AUS refers to the first three letters of the author s name (Austen). Use the Library Catalogue to find shelfmarks, then go to the shelves to locate the books. Tip: Books, reference texts and journals are all shelved in different sections, but have similar shelfmarks. If you go to the shelves, find the right number, but can t find the right books, you might be in the Journals section or the Reference section by mistake. 2.3 Reference Collections Dictionaries, directories, encyclopaedias, and handbooks are shelved in the Reference Collection on Floor Library Catalogue The Library Catalogue is a searchable list of material in the Library. Go to the Library web site and click on Library Catalogue. There are computers on each floor of the Library dedicated to catalogue searching. Tip: Remember to write down the shelfmark of items you find on the catalogue to help you locate the item on the shelf.

7 2.5 Find Books Using the Library Catalogue The Library Catalogue is a fast way of finding books on a subject or from a reading list. Use the Library Catalogue to find shelfmarks, then go to the shelves to locate the books. Title Search Search by Title if you are looking for a specific book. Example: Where can I find a copy of The Importance of Being Earnest? Author Search Search by Author if you are looking for books by a specific author. Example: What books does the Library have by Oscar Wilde? Keyword Search Search by Keyword to find books on a subject. Example: What books does the Library have on Irish politics? Tip: Use different words to get different books, i.e. Irish politics or Ireland 20 th century politics or Fianna Fáil Activity: 1. Find the shelfmark of a copy of Pride and Prejudice. 2. How many books does the Library have by Jane Austen? 3. Find books on poverty in modern Ireland.

8 2.6 Borrowing Books You can borrow books from the Service Desk or at the Self-Service machines. Lending periods Collection Undergrad Postgrad UG/PG General Lending 4 items 10 items 14 days / 4 weeks 3 Day Loans (red tape) 1 item 3 items 3 days Short Loans 1 item 1 item 1 day or 3 hours Reprints 1 item 1 item 3 hours Tip: Try the Self Service machines to borrow books instead of queuing at the Service Desk. There is also a Self Service machine in Short Loans. 2.7 Returning & Renewing books You can return your books at any of the Self Service machines. You can also return your books to the Service Desk. You will be fined if your books are overdue. If your fines exceed 20.00, then your account will be blocked, and you will be unable to borrow any further items. You may renew your loan up to 3 times if the item is not required by another borrower. Do-it-yourself in the Library Catalogue by selecting My Account Use the Self Service machines (Short Loans may not be renewed) Phone or Bring your ID card to the Service Desk 2.8 Your Account Go to the Library Catalogue and click on My Account. Type 0 followed by your ID number and click logon. You can See what books you have on loan Renew your books Check your fines Check the status of books that you have reserved Tip: You won t be allowed to renew your books if you have fines to pay or exceed your loans limit. Activity: If you currently have books on loan, go to the Library Catalogue, click on My Account and type 0 followed by your ID number. View the books you have on loan, and renew any book you still need.

9 Section 3: Find Information on a Subject In this section you will learn Where to look for information How to choose the right keywords to find books on a subject How to broaden and narrow your search 3.1 Where to Look for Information To find information on a subject, search The Library Catalogue Books, Encyclopedias, Dictionaries Articles in journals Databases The Web Tip: If you find a useful book, look at the bibliography at the back of the book to find other useful books. 3.2 Choose the Right Keywords Choosing the right keywords is crucial to finding the best information on a topic. The key to subject searching is to vary your keywords, try lots of different words. Use general words to find lots of books. Use specific words to find a few books. 3.3 Broaden and Narrow your Searches Core words Write down the core words of the topic. Write down any variations, different spellings, plural and singular versions. Do a keyword search in the Library Catalogue using these words. Broaden your search if you are not getting enough results Use general words. Use fewer words. Narrow your search if you are getting too many results Use specific words. Use more words.

10 3.4 Example Search Search the Library Catalogue for books on: The politics of the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher Search 1 - Core words: Search 2 - Variant words: Search 3 Broad search: politics, Conservative Party, Thatcher Conservatives, Tory Party, Thatcherism politics, Great Britain, 20 th century Search 4 Narrow search: Margaret Thatcher, Tories, 1980 s Tip: Don t give up if you find nothing immediately. Consult a thesaurus and vary your search words. Activity When you get your first project, use the following to define your keywords Title of Project What are the core words? What are the variations of these core words? What words will you use to find a lot of books (Broad Search)? What words will you use to find a few specific books (Narrow Search)?

11 Section 4: Journals In this section you will learn What is a journal How to find print journals How to find electronic journals 4.1 What is a Journal? A journal is published on a regular basis e.g. monthly, quarterly, annually etc. Journals are also known as serials, periodicals or magazines. Each issue of a journal contains a number of articles by different authors. You can find journal articles on specific topics that you are researching. What is an Electronic Journal (e-journal)? An e-journal contains the same content as a print journal, but the journal issues and articles are available on the web. 4.2 Find Journals by Browsing the Shelves Go to the Journals section on Floors 1 or 2 and find journals under the shelfmark number for your subject (See section 2.1 for help on your subject numbers). Find a journal that looks interesting and browse through the recent issues, looking for articles which might be relevant to the subject you are researching. Tip: Journals are shelved separately from books. They are shelved on floors 1 and 2 in the same subject divisions and numbers as the books, but in different sections of the Library. The most recent issues of journals are located in the Popular Reading Room on the Ground Floor. 4.3 Find Journals by Searching the Journals List From the Library homepage click on Journals. Type the journal title in the search box. If the journal says it is in University of Limerick Print Journals, see section 4.4 If the journal is held elsewhere (InformaWorld, JSTOR, Kluwer, etc.) see section 4.5 Tip: Search the journals list by journal title, not article title or article author. If you cannot find the journal, check that... A. You are searching for the journal title, not the article title B. You have correctly spelled the journal title and have not used abbreviations C. If the Library does not hold the journal, the article may be in the Reprints collection, see section 4.6

12 4.4 University of Limerick Print Journals The message University of Limerick Print Journals in the Journals List means the journal is available in print in the Library Follow the links to find the shelfmark and go to the journals sections on Floors 1 or 2 to find the issue you require Example Search for the journal Physics Today Choose University Tip: Search of for a Limerick journal title Print the Library Journals Catalogue, and then not an Show article title Library or an author holdings title You will see that the Library holds all issues of this journal from 1978 onwards Write down the shelfmark of the journal Journals 530 Go to Floor 1, find Journals 530 and find the issue of Physics Today that you require Tip: Journal issues may not be borrowed from the Library. You may read them in the Library or photocopy from them. 4.5 Electronic Journals (e-journals) If you search for a journal title e.g. Clinical psychology review using the Journals search and find that it is held from X year to present in this means the full articles of this journal are available on the web, in a database that UL students can access. Example Search for the journal Journal of Vascular Surgery Issues of this journal are available from 1995 onwards in Science Direct Freedom Collection Click on Science Direct Freedom Collection to view articles in this journal You can print, or save articles from e-journals Tip: The e-journals in UL are paid for by the Library and are part of the invisible web. See section 6.1 for more information about the invisible web. 4.6 Reprints Your lecturer may have put particularly useful journal articles in the Reprints section. The Reprints section is in the Short Loans Collection. Articles are in boxes under the lecturer s name. You may borrow articles in the Reprints section for 3 hours or 1 hour. Activity Check the Journals List for the following journal, and see if you can find the article on the shelves in the Library Dyson, B. (2002) The implementation of cooperative learning in an elementary physical education program, Journal of Teaching in Physical Education 22(1), Check the Journals List for the following e-journal, and see if you can find the article on the web Zhang, Li-Shu, and Mummert, Mark E., (2008) Development of a fluorescent substrate to measure hyaluronidase activity, Analytical Biochemistry 379 (1),

13 Section 5: Find information in Electronic Databases In this section you will learn about Electronic databases The Library s electronic databases Searching electronic databases 5.1 What is an Electronic Database? An electronic database is an organised collection of articles on the internet. Databases can cover many disciplines or may be restricted to a specific subject. Search a database to find journal articles specifically related to the subject you are researching. Electronic databases are part of what s known as the invisible web They are subscribed to or paid for by the Library. The articles you get in databases are not freely available through Google although you may search Google to discover articles and then get the fulltext through the Library. 5.2 Databases - Fulltext, Abstract Many journal articles in databases may be available in fulltext. Some journal articles may only be available as summaries or abstracts. If you have details of a journal article and wish to find the entire article, search for the journal title in the Journals List (see section 4.3). 5.3 How to Access the Library s Electronic Databases Open the Library s homepage ( and select Databases. Choose Databases by Subject to identify a database in your subject area. You can also ask at the Information Desk for advice on which database you should search. A good general database to begin your research in any subject is Web of Science. Choose the icon to see if the fulltext of each article is available. Tip: To access the Library s databases from your home PC, follow the instructions at or ask at the Information Desk.

14 5.4 Tips for Searching Electronic Databases All electronic databases have a search box where you enter keywords. Searching may vary between databases, but in most databases you can search for information in the following ways Cat AND Dog AND Put AND between words to find articles containing both words Cat OR Feline OR Put OR between words to find articles containing either word pet food Put an exact phrase in inverted commas to find articles containing those exact words in that exact order vet* * Put a wildcard symbol (usually, but not always, an asterisk) beside a root word to find variations of the word, i.e. vets, veterinary, veterinarian Search for articles on poverty in Ireland poverty AND Ireland 5.5 Example Searches Search for articles on the rehabilitation of elderly stroke patients rehabilitation AND stroke AND elderly Search for articles on marketing in the soft drinks industry marketing AND soft drinks Search for articles about the novel Pride and Prejudice jane austen AND pride and prejudice Search for articles about managing change manag* AND chang* (Using * here will search for manage, manages, managed, managing, manager, management, managements, AND change, changes, changing, changed.) Tip: The number of results you get will depend on which words you used. Vary your words to find different articles about the same topic. See section 3 for help on choosing the right keywords. Activity: Go to the Library s Databases webpage and search the database called Web of Science to find articles on the history of the United Nations. Type the following searches in the search box and note the number of articles each search finds. Can you see why you get different articles when you use different ways of searching? united nations united AND nations united nations AND history united nations AND histor* united nations OR security council No. of articles found No. of articles found No. of articles found No. of articles found No. of articles found

15 Section 6: Find information on the Web In this section you will learn The difference between the visible and invisible web Tips for searching the visible web using Google How to evaluate websites 6.1 The Web The Visible Web Contains websites that are freely available to anyone. Is visible to search engines like Google or MSN Live Search. The Invisible Web Contains websites that are subscription-based or fee-based, i.e. databases, e- Journals, etc. Tip: The Library subscribes to databases and e-journals which are part of the invisible web, and can be accessed by UL students and staff at (see sections 4 and 5). Google is a search engine. 6.2 Search the Web Using Google A search engine allows you to search for information on the visible web. Other search engines, which are similar to Google, may find different sites. These include MSN Live Search, Altavista, Ask.com and Yahoo. The web address (or URL) for Google is You could also search Google Scholar for academic literature. 6.3 Tips for Searching Using Google Searches for an exact phrase will reduce the number of results Barack Obama + Searches for websites that include every word Obama +president +Democratic +Party _ Searches for websites that don t have a specific word Barack Obama + Democratic Party Clinton Tip: If you are getting thousands of hits, search for specific websites that might have useful links. For example, to find biographical information on Barack Obama search for the official website of his presidential campaign or the Democratic Party website.

16 6.4 Evaluating Websites If you wish to use information from a website for an essay or assignment, you must ensure that the information is of high quality and is accurate and authoritative. Questions to ask yourself What is the purpose of the website To inform, educate, give facts? To advertise, promote or sell? To persuade, lobby or convince? To entertain? Authority Who is the author or organisation responsible for the website? Do you recognise the author or organisation? What are their credentials or reputation? Accuracy & Currency When was the website last updated? Are there references or a bibliography? Content Is the site objective or biased? Are there lots of advertisements and pop-up screens? Tip: If you recognise the company or organisation that created the site, you can probably expect that the site is reliable. If you have never heard of the organisation or creators of the site, or if its purpose is to sell or advertise, it may be wise to avoid using the website in your research. 6.5 Web Addresses The web address of any website is known as the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and is seen in the address bar at the top of your internet browser. It looks like Parts of a web address can sometimes help you to identify the purpose of the site..gov.org.edu or.ac.com or.co.ie.uk.au usually is the site of a government department. usually is the site of a non-profit organisation. usually is the site of an educational institution. usually is the site of a company wishing to advertise or sell. is an Irish site. is a British site. is an Australian site. Sample web addresses Is the official government website of the US White House. Is the homepage of the University of Melbourne in Australia. Is the website for Nokia in the UK.

17 A-Z of the Library Access from Home Access the Library's electronic resources from home at the following address: If you need assistance contact the Information Desk at or by phone on Access your UL from home at Instructions on how to use this service are available at Assistive Technology An assistive technology area and equipment for students with disabilities is located on the Ground Floor. Blog The Library has a blog where you can read news about new services in the Library. Access it here Books Refer to section 2 of this guide for information on books, where to find them, how to borrow them, etc. Borrower Number Your borrower number is the same as your student ID number printed on your UL ID card. You need this number to login to campus PCs, to access your borrower information in the Library Catalogue and to access the Library and from home. Borrowing Refer to section 2.6 of this guide for information on borrowing, returning and renewing your loans. Computer Account All students have their computer accounts automatically created for them. To activate your computer account log on to any PC on campus using your ID number as your username and your date of birth (e.g. 07Jan1990) as your password. If you have any problems contact the ITD Help Desk in the Information Commons area of the Library. Databases See section 5 of this guide for information on how to use the Library s databases. DVDs The Library s DVD collection is held in the multimedia section in GLG-002 at Store Level. Ask at the Information Desk about using televisions and DVD players in the Library. Headphones are available at the security window at the entrance to the Library. You may also borrow DVDs to watch at home. EDC (European Documentation Centre) The EDC is located on Floor 2. It contains European Union publications. Ask at the Information Desk or go to e-journals Refer to section 4.5 of this guide for information on how to use the Library s e- Journals.

18 Your UL address is your 7-digit student number and will look like this Refer to the ITD Student Manual or follow the instructions on the ITD website Current Students and Student Computing Services. If you need additional help please go to the ITD Help Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library. Emergency Exits Please note the location of emergency exits. Please comply with instructions from Library/security staff regarding emergency evacuation procedures Exam Papers Many exam papers are available electronically on public folders within the student system. Refer to the ITD Student Manual or follow the instructions on the ITD website Current Students and Student Computing Services. If you need additional help please go to the ITD Help Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library. Faculty Librarians There are librarians dedicated to supporting the four UL Faculties. They can show you how to use both the Library s print and electronic resources. Ask at the Information Desk if you wish to contact your Faculty Librarian. Fines General lending books which are overdue incur a fine of 50c per day for the first 5 days, then 1 per day from day 6 onwards. 3 day loan books which are overdue incur a fine of 3 per day and overdue books from the Short Loan Collection incur fines of 1 per hour or part of. Collection of fines will be strictly enforced. Borrower accounts will be blocked from further borrowing if fines exceed Final Year Projects (FYPs) A sample of FYPs (Final Year Projects) are kept in the Library. FYPs may only be read in the Library. Ask at the Information Desk if you need help locating an FYP. Garden Level Garden Level is located below the Ground Floor. It is also called the Book Store or Store Level. Older and lesser-used material is kept in rooms GLG-002 and GLG The material in these rooms is open to readers. Group Study Rooms Book a group study room at the security window at the entrance to the Library. Group study rooms are for 2 or more people. The rooms are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Help Refer to section 1.2 of this guide for information on the different methods by which you can contact the Library for help. ID Card You must have your ID card to borrow books in the Library. Information Commons Area The Information Commons Area is located to the left of the entrance on the Ground Floor of the Library. This area contains 176 PCs on which you can do coursework, read your and access the internet. If you need help using the computers please go to the ITD Help Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library.

19 Information Desk The Information Desk is located on the Ground Floor of the Library. Please do not hesitate to ask the staff there about any queries you may have. Information Technology Student Support Students working off campus or seeking IT help outside the hours of support should for assistance. All queries will be dealt with as soon as possible. Journals Refer to section 4 of this guide for information on how to use the Library s journals. Keyword Searching Refer to section 3 of this guide to learn about keyword searching. Laptops You may use your own laptop in the Library but must register it at the ITD Helpdesk if you wish to access the internet. There are wireless areas throughout the Library building. Laptop Clinics are available every Tuesday and Thursday at 14h30 in the Library Information Commons Area, Ground Floor. Library Catalogue Refer to section 2.4 of this guide for information on how to use the Library Catalogue. Library Code of Conduct The Library Code of Conduct exists to protect the rights and interests of all users, and to enable the Library to carry out its main functions of supporting study, teaching and research, as effectively as possible. The Library seeks to provide a safe, secure and comfortable study environment for all its users. All Library users are expected to acquaint themselves with, and observe this code. See: Library Quickstart: the Library Step-by-Step This is a tutorial on the web which will help you to get to grips with the Library. It is available at Lost Property Lost property is held at the security office at the entrance to the Library. Personal belongings left on desks overnight will be put into lost property. Students are advised not to leave valuables unattended for any length of time in the Library. Microfilm Microfilm and microfiche are stored in various locations in the Library. There are a number of microfilm readers throughout the building. Ask at the Information Desk if you want help with microfilm or microfiche. Mobile Phones You may use your mobile phone for silent functions such as texting. You may not receive calls or allow your phone to ring in the Library. You can have quiet conversations in back stairwells and bathrooms only. Multimedia Collection The Library has some course-related videos and cassettes which are held in the Multimedia Collection in GLG-002 on Store/Garden Level. Newspapers Current issues of newspapers are held in the Popular Reading Room. Back issues of newspapers are located in GLG-002 at Store/Garden Level. Many are also accessible on the web. Ask at the Information Desk for help using print or electronic newspapers.

20 Noise Guidelines Please respect the noise guidelines and co-operate with staff in the Library when they ask you to stop talking or to take group conversations outside the building. All study spaces should be regarded as being for quiet study. Disruptive Library users may be asked to: provide identification, leave the Library, or be referred to security. See also silent study area. Opening Hours Refer to section 1.1 of this guide or check the Library website, notice boards and TV screens in the Library for up to date information on the Library s opening hours. Photocopiers Refer to section 1.5 of this guide for information about photocopying in the Library. Popular Reading Room The Popular Reading Room is directly in front of you as you walk in to the Library. You can browse the latest newspapers, magazines, journals and popular fiction in this area. Postgraduate Reading Area There is an area in the Information Commons on the Ground Floor with PCs and reading space reserved for postgraduate use only. Printing To find out about printing refer to the ITD Student Manual or follow the instructions on the ITD website Current Students and Student Computing Services. If you need additional help please go to the ITD Help Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library. Projects A sample of student projects (FYPs) are kept in the Library. Projects may only be read in the Library. Ask at the Information Desk if you need help locating a project. Reference Collections Reference collections include dictionaries, directories, encyclopaedias and handbooks. Refer to section 2.3 of this guide for information on the Library s Reference Collections on Floor 1. Referencing Pick up a copy of the Library s Cite it Right booklet and use the Library s referencing website for help with citing and referencing Remote Access Access the Library's electronic resources from home. For further information, go to or ask at the Information Desk. Renew Your Books Renew your books using the self service machines in the Library or go to the Service Desk. Refer to section 2.7 of this guide for additional information. Reprints Refer to section 4.6 of this guide for information on the Library s Reprint Collection. Research Librarian

21 Aoife Geraghty is the Research Support Librarian, working with researchers across all disciplines in UL. Aoife delivers EndNote training sessions and provides other academic supports for researchers Reservations You may reserve Library materials that are on loan to another student. Place a reservation using the My Account feature on the Library Catalogue. The material will be left at the Service Desk for you to collect. Check the status of your reservation(s) by logging on to your Library account. Scanner The scanner is located near the ITD Help Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library. Instructions for using the scanner PC are available at the scanner. If you need additional help please go to the ITD Help Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library. Search The Library s homepage features a search box where you can search across a broad selection of the Library s electronic databases. This will be a useful indicator of the best databases for a subject area. Security Office The security office is located at the entrance to the Library. Reserve group study rooms here or check for lost property. Self-Service Machines There are self-service machines in the Library. You can use them to borrow and return books, instead of queuing at the Service Desk. There is also a self-service machine in the Short Loans area where you can borrow and return books only. Short Loans cannot be renewed. Service Desk You may borrow and return books and collect any material you reserve at the Service Desk. Short Loan Collection The Short Loan Collection holds copies of books which are in particularly high demand. Short Loan periods commonly vary between 3 hours and 7 days. Silent Study Area A silent area is available on Floor 2. Talking, use of audio devices, laptops or phones is strictly forbidden in this area. Special Collections Special Collections is located on Floor 2. It contains the Library s rare books. Store Level Store Level is located below the Ground Floor. It is also called the Book Store or Garden Level. Older and lesser-used material is kept in rooms GLG-002 and GLG The material in these rooms is open to readers. Subject help The Faculty Librarians maintain help pages for their respective subject areas. Go to to see the journals, databases and other Library resources recommended for your course. Swipe Machine

22 Use the Swipe PC in the Information Commons on the Ground Floor of the Library if you are experiencing problems with your computer account. If you experience a problem e.g. logging on with your User Name which is your ID Number and your Password which is your date of birth (e.g. 07Jan1990), you will need to swipe your ID card through the swipe reader to reset your password. Instructions are available at the swipe machine. If you need additional help please go to the ITD Help Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library. Theses Search the Library Catalogue for Masters and Doctoral theses, then request them at the Service Desk. Theses can be borrowed for 3 hours but may only be consulted in the Library. Tours & Training Individuals and groups can request a guided tour of the Library, or arrange a session to learn more about using the electronic and print resources in the Library. Contact the Information Desk or your Faculty Librarian to find out more or libinfo@ul.ie. TRC (Teaching Resource Collection) The TRC is located on Floor 2 and contains secondary school textbooks and other resources for student teachers. Videos The Library s video collection is held in the multimedia section in GLG-002 at Store Level. Ask at the Information Desk about using televisions and videos in the Library. Headphones are available at the security window at the entrance to the Library. You may borrow videos to watch at home. Web Refer to section 5 of this guide for help with searching the web. Webpages The Library s webpages are located at They include links to the Library Catalogue, to the Library s electronic databases and journals, information on other Library services, subject web pages and help guides. Web tutorials There is a series of practical tutorials on the web which will help you to get to grips with the Library. They are available from the Library s web pages at Wi-fi/ Wireless Access There are wireless areas throughout the Library building. You will need to register your laptop with the IT Department in the Information Commons on the Ground Floor before you can use the internet on your personal laptop. You will find more. Refer to the ITD Student Manual or follow the instructions on the ITD website Current Students and Student Computing Services to find out more information on wireless and laptops. If you need additional help please go to the ITD Help Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library.

23 UL Library: A Guide for New Students produced by Information Services, Glucksman Library, University of Limerick. Updated August Notes

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