Library quote of the day...

“My two favourite things in life are libraries and bicycles. They both move people forward without wasting anything. The perfect day: riding a bike to the library”- Peter Golkin.

Sounds good to us!

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

We may be near the end of our Library A-Z but there’s still lots of useful information and fun facts to share with you. Today we’ve reached the letter T...

T is for:

·         Trusted – Your UWTSD libraries are a reliable source of high quality print and online resources. You can put your trust in us to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information for your projects, assignments and dissertations. Google is great but libraries are better!

·         Teaching – We’ve got all aspects of teaching covered...so, whether you’re looking for education resources and teaching practice materials, or a subject librarian to teach you the basics about how to conduct online research, you’ll find everything you need at UWTSD libraries!

·         Twitter – We have thousands of followers on social media. Twitter in particular is a great way for us to share important information, publicise new resources and interact with staff and students quickly and easily. Follow us on Twitter now and you’ll always be up-to-date with all the latest library news!

A-Z Of UWTSD Libraries...

Image Courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

We’re fast approaching the end of our library A-Z now, only a few more weeks left...we’ve been doing this since February! There’s obviously a lot of great things to say about libraries! Let's continue with the letter S...

S is for:

·         Special Collections – The RodericBowen Library & Archives (Lampeter Campus) houses the Special Collections of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the University's oldest printed books, manuscripts and archives. Acquired over the last 200 years, largely by bequest and donation, the Special Collections include over 35,000 printed works, 8 medieval manuscripts, around 100 post medieval manuscripts, and 69 incunabula.  Material from the Archives includes the early student registers and photographs from the mid nineteenth century onwards.

·         SubjectLibrarians – Whatever course you are studying here at UWTSD you will find a team of dedicated Subject Librarians available to assist you with subject specific information and research enquiries. Check our website or call in to your nearest UWTSD library to find out which librarian is responsible for your subject area...they will be invaluable during your time here! 

·         Self-Service – All our libraries have self-service facilities, so if there is a queue at the main desk, or if you are in a hurry between lectures, you can quickly and easily borrow or return books yourself at the designated self-service points, without needing to wait for a member of library staff to become available.

·         Study Space – We allocate study spaces in all our libraries, for both groups and individual study. So if you need somewhere convenient to go and finish off your assignment, do some last minute revision, or practice a group presentation, pop in to your nearest UWTSD library, there’s plenty of room! 

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

Time to revisit our A-Z of all things library related! This week we’re moving on to the letter Q...

Q is for:

·         Quality – Information is everywhere these days and is available at the touch of a button, 24/7. But with so much information out there and with so many sources to choose from, how can you be sure of its quality and provenance? By resisting the lure of Google and Wikipedia and visiting your nearest UWTSD library that’s how! Our libraries will only ever provide you with reputable, up-to-date and peer reviewed information, taking much of  the stress out of your research. So, the next time you’re preparing for an assignment, project or dissertation, remember it’s quality not quantity that counts! 

  

·         Questions – Our highly experienced library staff have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are used to dealing with your questions and queries...we’ve probably answered just about every type of question over the years! So if you’re struggling with your research and need help, don’t be afraid to come and ask us. There’s no question too big or too small!

·         Quiet – We try not to live up to the typical ‘shushing librarian’ stereotype these days (!!) and it’s true that there are many areas of the library where it is perfectly ok for you to talk and work in groups...but we do still maintain quiet study areas for those that need them. So, if you are looking for a little oasis of calm to get that last minute assignment or revision done, visit one of our libraries and look for the quiet zones. 

A-Z of UWTSD libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

We hope you’re enjoying our library A-Z! We’re continuing our walk through the alphabet today with the letter P...

P is for:

·         Printing & Photocopying – All our libraries provide colour and black and white printing and photocopying facilities (most of our copiers also double up as scanners). There is a printing and photocopying account already set up for you as a UWTSD student, so all you need to do is bring your university ID card with you and pay for credits either at the main desk or the self-service machine. You’ll find plenty of printers and copiers available at all libraries. If you need any help using them just ask a member of library or IT staff.  

·         Pinterest – From library quotes to book art and vintage library posters, there’s something for everyone with a visual interest in libraries, books and reading on our Pinterest board. Take a look!

·         PsycARTICLES – If you’re looking for full text journal articles relevant to psychology and the behavioural and social sciences, look no further! This journal database provides access to over 180,000 full-text articles from more than 100 APA peer-reviewed journals. You’ll find it in our Online Library, Databases A-Z.

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

There’s so much on offer from your UWTSD libraries! Let’s continue our A-Z guided tour with the letter O...

O is for:

·         Opening Hours – We do our best to be open at the times you need us most. In addition to standard opening hours, we offer evening and weekend opening during term time, we also keep some libraries open on Sundays and Bank Holidays where possible. All opening hours are on our website, just check before you leave home!

·         OnlineLibrary – The library buildings may not be open all day, every day, but we can still offer a 24/7 library service with the help of our Online Library! All you need is your university login and password and you’ll have access to a vast collection of Ebooks, Ejournals, Enewspapers, statistics, industry and company reports, case studies and much more...all at the touch of a button and in the comfort of your own home! Just visit the library website and follow the link...

·         Oxford Reference Online – Looking for a concise dictionary definition, alternative words from a thesaurus, or a famous quotation? Try Oxford Reference Online (one of our many databases in the OnlineLibrary). Think of it as a virtual reference shelf containing all the specialist dictionaries and encyclopaedias you could ever need! 

May Day Holiday

Image courtesy of Panuruangjan / Free Digital Photos

This May Day Bank Holiday, Monday 4th May you will be able to use the Owen and Townhill libraries, which are open from 12-5 pm. Please note however that we are only offering self-service.

The Griffith Library and Swansea Business Campus Library will be closed, but all four libraries will resume term-time opening hours on Tuesday 5th May. Have a lovely bank holiday weekend all!

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

We’re moving on to K in our library alphabet today…approaching the halfway point soon…who knew there was so much to say about libraries?? Here’s hoping we’re giving you lots of reasons to pop in to your nearest UWTSD library very soon!

K is for:

·       Knowledge – If you need an answer to a question, if you’ve been panicking about an assignment topic, if you need research help and advice…visit the library, we are the font of all knowledge!!

·    Keys Stage books – If you’re an education student you’ll find teaching practice books on all Key Stages available via the relevant UWTSD libraries.   

·   Keeping up to date – Save yourself some time and effort with your research…did you know that you can set up email alerts relating to a topic or journal of your choice within most of our library databases? All you have to do then is sit back and let the information come to you!

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

We’re back after a short Easter break to continue with our A-Z of UWTSD libraries and we’re on the letter J…

J is for:

·       Journals – We subscribe to a vast number of periodicals (both print and online) relating to all courses taught at the university, which will help keep you up-to-date with all the latest news and developments within your subject area…a great way to get a head start when it comes to assignments and dissertations!  

·         JSTOR – A Full text archive of scholarly journals covering the Humanities, Education, Business and Science (one of the many databases we subscribe to!). You can access it via the UWTSD library website’s Online Library.

·     Jobs – You’ll find lots of information on careers, job hunting, interview techniques and how to write a good CV in our UWTSD libraries. We also employ a small number of student workers at some of our libraries…so keep a look out for opportunities with us as well! 

Easter weekend closure

Image courtesy of: jannoon028 / Free Digital Photos

Our four libraries here at UWTSD Swansea will be closed after today for the Easter weekend, and will then re-open on Tuesday 7th April. Wishing you all a Happy Easter!

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

We’re on letter I of our A-Z of UWTSD libraries this week! Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about libraries…

I is for:

·     Internet – All our UWTSD libraries provide you with free internet access, via networked PCs and Wi-Fi. All you need is your university login and password.

·      Inter-Library Loans – If we don’t have the book or journal article you’re looking for, we can borrow it for you from the British Library via our Inter Library Loan scheme. All you need to do is fill in a short form. The service is free of charge and requested items are usually supplied very quickly.

·    InformationLiteracy – Being ‘information literate’ means being able to find, evaluate and use a variety of information sources (both print and online) effectively and ethically. Your library can help! Did you know we offer Online Research sessions to help you understand and use the library’s e-resources more effectively for your studies? We also have Subject Librarians available at all times to help with any aspect of finding relevant information for your projects and assignments. Information literacy is an important life skill, not just for your education but for your future career too, so make use of the experts in your library now!  

·         Inspiration! – If you’re struggling for inspiration for a project, assignment or dissertation topic why not pop in to your nearest UWTSD library and ask for help? We have a wealth of information and expertise to hand! 

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

Time to move on with our A-Z of the highlights of UWTSD libraries - today we’ve reached the letter H…

H is for:

·    Home – You don’t need to come into the library to access our fantastic resources, our online library is accessible from home 24/7. All you need is your university login and password and you’ll be able to access E-books, E-journals, E-newspapers and more without even stepping outside your own front door! Plus our library catalogue is available on our website and expert help from your subject librarian is only a phone call away if needed…so why not let us bring the library to you?!

·  Helpdesk (IT) – If you’re having problems with your university login/password, accessing Moodle, or any other IT related problems feel free to contact the IT Helpdesk for assistance. They can be reached by emailing Helpdesk@uwtsd.ac.uk or by calling (01792) 481134. 

·       Health, History, Heritage & Hospitality! – You’ll find information on a whole host of academic subjects at UWTSD libraries, these are just a few beginning with H!! Don’t forget the databases in our online library too, such as – Hospitality & Tourism Complete or Humanities Source.

·     Happy to Help – Remember, you can always ask a member of the library staff if you have any information related problems or queries…we’re happy to help!

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

We’ve been working our way through the alphabet to highlight some of the great services your UWTSD libraries offer! Today we continue with the letter F…

F is for:

·      Facebook: Like us on Facebook and we’ll keep you up-to-date with all the latest news and developments within your UWTSD library service. If the library has to close at short notice or there are problems with the IT network, you’ll hear it here first…if we’ve got a fab new journal database or some new books have just arrived, we’ll publicise it via Facebook…or if you just want to have a laugh at photos of the library staff in fancy dress for World Book Day (tomorrow!!) this is where you’ll find them!         

·         Fiction: If you want a break from the serious textbooks you have to read for your course, why not borrow a novel from your UWTSD library too? You’ll find plenty of fiction available - take look at our library catalogue to locate something of interest. Swansea students will also find a selection of novels chosen by the librarian on display at each campus library to whet your appetite, plus items can be requested from other sites if required.

·     Films: You’ll find a vast selection of films available for loan from your UWTSD libraries. From mainstream to art-house or foreign language cinema, we have something for everyone! We’ve got all your entertainment needs covered!

·        Free: The best part about our library service is that it’s completely FREE! Free to loan books and other items (including laptops!), free computers, free WI-FI, free scanning, free newspapers, free online library, and free professional advice from your subject librarian! The only thing you’ll ever need to pay for is printing and photocopying…and perhaps the odd fine if you’re late returning your books!

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

Hopefully you’ve been following our A-Z of UWTSD libraries series and discovering that we can offer all sorts of help, information, advice & support! Let’s continue our journey now, with the letter E…

E is for:

• Ebooks – We try to stock as many of the core texts on your module reading lists as we can…and where possible we’ll try and purchase Ebook versions too. The advantage of our Ebooks is that they can have multiple users at any one time, so if a particular book is in high demand and all our print copies are on loan, don’t forget to check the library catalogue or our website for available Ebooks. You can access them 24/7 from anywhere, on any device, so you don’t even need to make a special trip to the library! 
• Enquiry Service – If you’re struggling to find the information you need for a project or assignment, if you’re not sure where to start with our online resources, or if you just can’t find the book you want in the library, our Subject Librarians are always on hand to help. We can often be found on the enquiry desk or you can call into the office, email us, phone us, or contact us via the library social media pages. We’re here to help so don’t be afraid to come and ask us a question.
• Exhibitions – Many of our UWTSD libraries have regular exhibitions and displays. We like to make the library an informative and interesting place to be, whether that’s putting on a World War One family history exhibition, displaying university archive materials and memorabilia or highlighting books and DVDs from our collection in themed displays.
• Escape – Our libraries offer many quiet study areas where you can come and escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of the university campus, so if you need a refuge from the daily grind, pop into your local UWTSD library and find a quiet corner away from it all!

A-Z Of UWTSD Libraries...

Image Courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

We are highlighting the numerous services offered by your UWTSD libraries by working our way through the alphabet…let’s continue our A-Z series with the letter C…

C is for:

• Catalogue: Our library catalogue is web-based so you can search it anywhere, anytime...it’s also mobile compatible so you can access it on the go! Use it to search for titles from our vast range of library stock including; books, journals, DVDs & audio packs etc. The catalogue will tell you how many copies we have and where to find them. Make the library catalogue your first port of call when you receive your course/module reading lists! 
• Computers: All our UWTSD libraries have computers available for you to use. You can log on with your university username and password to access the internet, email, Moodle, Turnitin and various computer software packages that will help with your assignment writing. Many of our libraries also have technicians close by to help with any IT related problems.
•  Copyright: This is an automatic legal right of ownership which allows the creator of a written, artistic or published work to control how it is used.  Copyright lasts for a set period of time and the current UK law on copyright is the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 as amended.  A person may use a copyright protected work only if you have been given permission by the copyright owner or by law. Copyright law provides some exceptions for private study, education and public accessibility and the University also has a range of licenses which allow copyright works to be accessed within certain limits.  For more information, please contact the Library.
• Careers: Many of our libraries display career information and leaflets provided by the UWTSD careers service. We also have vocational books and journals relating to careers in the many subject areas taught within the university.

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z



Our new series A-Z of Libraries highlights the many varied features and services we provide for our users, today we continue with the letter B…

 

B is for:

·       Blog – All our UWTSD libraries have a strong social media presence (you’re probably reading this via one of them!). Our blogs enable us to highlight important events and services, as well as writing features on topical issues relevant to libraries and Higher education. We encourage comments and interaction with our readers…and even invite the occasional guest blogger to add some variety! Take a look at our blogs here – (Swansea)  http://www.uwtsdswansealibraryblog.blogspot.co.uk/  - (Carmarthen/Lampeter/London) http://uwtsdlibraryblog.blogspot.co.uk/

·       Business Information – Our Swansea Business Campus library provides all the business information you could possibly need, from textbooks on strategic management or how to write a business plan, to newspapers such as the Financial Times and company or industry information via online databases such as Marketline. We even have expert Business librarians to help you find exactly what you’re looking for!

·       Books – Obviously! We stock essential and background texts from all your course reading lists, as well as useful reference books such as dictionaries and directories. We also have many e-books available via our online library.

·        Borrowing – You can borrow items from us ranging from as little as 24 hours up to 6 weeks, depending on the loan category. Undergraduates can borrow up to 15 items at any one time (more than enough to keep you busy!) while Postgrads can borrow up to 20 items. Think of all the money you could save borrowing instead of buying!! ;-)

·         Book club – We may have something in the pipeline, so watch this space…!!! J

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries!

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

                                      

Do you realise just how much your UWTSD library service has to offer? We’re not just about books you know!

Over the coming weeks we’ll be highlighting our vast range of services and attributes by working our way through the alphabet - so let’s start at the beginning…

A is for:

·        Access – We are an access point for all the information you could possibly need during your studies – we even provide 24 hour access via our online library.

·        Artefact Collection – Our library on the Carmarthen campus has a vast collection of educational artefacts for loan from Roman coins and a Hanukah lamp through to bee-bots, play parachutes and puppets. It was originally created for those doing teacher training but resources may also be of use to those doing other courses such as Early Childhood Studies and Youth and Community.

·       Advice – We’re here to help! If you’re struggling to find information for an assignment or you’re wading through a lengthy reading list don’t be afraid to come and ask the library staff for help. Do you know who your Subject Librarians are? Find out – they could be your new best friend for the duration of your studies!

·       Answers – There’s a famous quote by Neil Gaiman that says “Google can bring you back 100,000 answers, a librarian can bring you back the right one!” Librarians pre-date Google by many centuries, we’ve been asked loads of questions over the years and are pretty good at what we do – so why not ask us before you resort to asking an internet search engine?! ;-)

Christmas Jumper Day

 

It’s finally here! Those of you who also follow us on Facebook will have noticed that we’ve been looking forward to Christmas Jumper Day for a while now. Today’s the day when we get to show off our seasonal knitwear! Staff at all four UWTSD Swansea libraries will be taking part, so call into your home library to see how festive we all look. While you’re there, take some time to enjoy our book-themed Christmas decorations. We’ve pulled out all the stops this year!

As well as ending the term in style, we’re hoping to do some good with all this high fashion. Save the Children are hoping to ‘bring a bit of jumper joy’ into our lives this Christmas, and raise some money for their good work at the same time. If you’d like to contribute, you’ll find collection pots in all four libraries, or you can be all whizzy and twenty-first century and donate by text – just text TEAMSWANSLIB to 70050 to donate £2. All contributions very gratefully received. Let’s make the world better with a sweater!



Christmas vacation opening hours

The end of term is very nearly upon us! We hope most of you will be taking some time to relax over the vacation, but we also know that a lot of you will have exams to revise for and assignments to prepare (sorry to bring that up!). As such, your UWTSD Swansea libraries are open for part of the Christmas holiday, including Christmas Eve! Please check library opening hours on our website (links below) if you would like to visit us after the 12th December, as our vacation hours do differ from our term-time opening.

Griffith Library, Dynevor

Owen Library, Mount Pleasant

Swansea Business Library

Townhill Library


Please note, in line with the rest of the university, the libraries will close on Christmas Day and reopen for the start of term on the 5th January 2015. Our online resources will of course still be available and are accessible off-campus, so you can settle down to an ebook or journal article wherever you are this vacation! If you prefer something more tangible, any books, DVDs, etc. that you borrow over the holiday period will be issued out until the 16th January 2015, so you'll have plenty of time to get the most out of them.

Nadolig Llawen!

Meet your library elves (aka your subject librarians) - Townhill Library

Time for our final post on this! We hope you’ve enjoyed finding out about our Christmas favourites. Remember, though, our most favourite thing is students who ask for help when the need it, whatever the time of year, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the library or our resources.

Today we’re turning our attention to Townhill Library, where you’ll find librarians Philippa Price and Erica Fothergill.

Philippa supports the education programmes at Townhill, including Educational Studies, PGCEs, Graduate Diplomas and Masters.

Favourite Christmas movie

Miracle on 34^th Street (the 1947 version, though Sir Richard Attenborough was perfect as Kris Kringle in the 1994 version!)

Favourite Christmas book

Philippa and her new pal in Townhill Library

Hmmm, tricky… Can I choose two? Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol are two of my Christmas stalwarts (and the Muppet movie adaptation of A Christmas Carol was a contender for my favourite Christmas movie!).

Favourite Christmas food

Chocolate!

Best thing about Christmas

Having a snooze in front of the TV on Christmas afternoon.
 

And  last but not least, Erica Fothergill can also be found at Townhill Library and supports students of Performing Arts and Psychology & Counselling.

Favourite Christmas movie
My choice for this year is The Snowman, which is based on the book by Raymond Briggs.  It is not a lengthy epic film (it is approximately of 30 minutes duration) but it is certainly viewing that I recommend if you are looking for a short animation with attractive artwork telling a warm, sensitive and seasonal story. 

Favourite Christmas book
Having chosen The Snowman as my choice of favourite film, it seems appropriate to select the book, The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, to accompany the film.

Favourite Christmas food
For me there is no single winner; a meal of turkey, vegetables and cranberry sauce is highly enjoyable, however, I have found that a nut roast with cranberry sauce is a good alternative.  For dessert, it is usually Christmas pudding but alternatives are welcome as I can’t think of a Christmassy dessert I don’t like. (I’m glad tapioca pudding is not a Christmas dish as I don’t like that!)

Best thing about Christmas
Christmas carols and thinking about the celebration of Christ’s birth helps make Christmas special and a way of helping to avoid overdoing the materialism of the Christmas shopping frenzy!

So there you go! Those are a few of our favourite things about Christmas. We’d love to hear what you love about the festive period, so please do let us know in the comments below, or via Facebook and Twitter. If we’ve inspired you with our choices, many of our favourite books are available to borrow on our shelves, so pop in and take a look!