Library Services 2014-15
Your Guide to Solihull College Library Services 2014-15 Welcome Library Services Welcome to Solihull College from the library team! Whether you are studying full-time, part-time, in the evening or just taking a short course, you are very welcome to use the College Library Services. Hopefully you will visit one of the libraries during your induction so we can introduce ourselves and tell you about our services. Library Services and Facilities Frequently Asked Questions 1. What does the Library stock? We provide access to books, e-books, reference material, newspapers, magazines and DVDs for all the courses offered by the College. If there are books which you need for your studies which are not in the library, please let us know and we will try to get them for you. Many of our resources are available online through the e-library, which you can access over the internet. 2. Do I need a Library card? Your student ID card contains your Library barcode, so as soon as you have been issued with your card you can start to borrow books. You will need to produce your card whenever you want to borrow books. If you lose your card, please tell us immediately. Books borrowed on your card are your responsibility. 3. How many items can I borrow? Further education students and Access to HE students can borrow up to 8 items at a time. Higher education students can borrow up to 12 items at a time. 01
4. How long can I borrow items for? Standard loan books are issued for three weeks and can be renewed twice (unless they have been requested by another student). Short loan items are only available for one week and cannot be renewed. Students with additional learning needs can arrange to borrow books for longer through the Additional Needs Support team For further information please contact the Additional Needs Coordinators on 0121 678 7113 or via additional.support@solihull.ac.uk or talk to your personal tutor for a referral. 5. How do I renew my books? You can renew books in the Library, over the phone, using the telephone numbers below, or online at http://heritage.solihull.ac.uk You will need to log on to your account using your normal college network username and password 6. What are the fines for overdue books? We charge fines for overdue items at a rate of 10 pence per item per day. Overdue books cause a lot of unnecessary work and inconvenience other students, so please return them in good time and let us know if you have any problems. 7. How do I reserve or order items? Library books which are on loan to someone else may be reserved by asking at the counter or online at http://heritage.solihull.ac.uk. Books and periodical articles not in our stock can usually be borrowed from other Libraries. 8. What equipment is available? The library at Blossomfield has 12 PCs for quiet study. Both libraries have an MFD (multi-functional device) which you can use to print, scan and photocopy. We have a range of assistive equipment including tinted overlays, magnifiers, book stands, height-adjustable tables, and an Expert Mouse four button optical trackball with scroll ring. You can also buy USB memory sticks and a small range of stationery from the Library counter. 02
9. How is the Library arranged? The Libraries at both the Blossomfield and Woodlands campuses are arranged in subject order using the Dewey Decimal Classification system. Each subject has its own unique number which you can find using the online catalogue, following the guides on the shelves or by asking a member of staff who will be happy to help. 10. What study areas are available? Both libraries have separate study areas for group study, quiet study and silent study. Information Skills The Library team also runs sessions and workshops in the classroom to help students to develop their research and information skills. The sessions are arranged in advance through either your personal tutor or subject tutor. We currently offer specially tailored sessions on the following areas: E-Library (a vast collection of electronic newspapers and journals, reference books, databases and subscriber web sites supporting courses across the curriculum) Library skills, including how to use the Library catalogue and e-books Google and other internet search engines Web site evaluation Harvard referencing system Turnitin, the College s Plagiarism detection service Check with your tutor when your information skills session has been planned for. If you miss it, then please approach one of the staff who will be more than happy to assist you. Library Rules To enable students to study in a pleasant and professional atmosphere, the College kindly asks all Library users to observe the following: Silence (or switch off) your mobile phone and take calls outside Keep noise levels to a minimum Do not bring food into the Library Do not drink in the Library (bottled water is permitted) 03
Term Time Opening Hours Blossomfield Campus Woodlands Campus Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 8:30pm Monday and Wednesday 8:30am - 7:00pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday and Thursday 8:30am - 6:00pm Saturday 9:30am - 1:00pm Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm During holidays we are open during normal office hours and closed on Saturdays. Please contact us or check the e-library page in Moodle for any changes to opening hours. Contact Information Blossomfield Campus Woodlands Campus Blossomfield Road Auckland Drive Solihull B91 1SB Smith s Wood B36 ONF Tel: 0121 678 7014 Tel: 0121 678 7394 Email: library@solihull.ac.uk www.solihull.ac.uk Your Views If you have a compliment, comment, or suggestion about how we can improve our services please contact us using one of the following methods: Post use the address above Email at library@solihull.ac.uk Moodle - there is an electronic suggestion box in the e-library area Printed customer feedback forms are available in the libraries Your student rep can raise issues at Student Council Please remember that the Library staff are here to help you. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you cannot find what you are looking for. This leaflet is also available in large print format please ask a member of staff. 04