A-Z of UWTSD libraries...

Well, after a five month journey, we’re finally at the end of our UWTSD library A-Z! We hope you’ve found it interesting and that you’ve discovered lots of new things about your library service. Make sure you pop in next time you’re passing and discover something new for yourself. In the meantime, let’s finish the alphabet...

All images courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

X is for:

eXpertise (OK, so we cheated a bit! Let us know if you can think of something beginning with X!!) – Your librarians have a wealth of knowledge and expertise! If you’re struggling to find information for your projects and assignments, come and speak to us, we can help! We can show you the quickest and best ways to search for up-to-date and relevant subject related information. All you have to do is ask!

Y is for:

‘You said, we did’ – We do our best to take on board all your comments and suggestions and to make improvements to the library service wherever possible. This year, at your request; we introduced laptop loans, we increased the number of e-resources, we improved our library website, and we introduced the ‘suggest a book’ online request form for you to request new titles to be considered for purchase. Thanks for all your feedback!

Z is for:

Zones – We try and offer study space to suit all requirements, that’s why we divide our libraries into appropriate zones wherever possible. We provide quiet study space, groups study space, IT zones and seminar rooms for private group work and presentations. Please respect those around you and select the appropriate zone for your needs.

A-Z of UWTSD libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

Well, this is our penultimate entry in the UWTSD library A-Z...and it’s a double whammy! We’re focusing on letters V and W this week...

V is for:

Value – Your UWTSD libraries can save you a huge amount of money, we’ve done the maths! An average academic textbook costs somewhere in the region of £45...multiply that by 15 (the number of books an undergraduate student can borrow at any one time) and that amounts to £675 worth of books...if you borrowed just 15 books per term, that equals £2025 per year...do that for the duration of your 3 year degree course and that’s £6075 that we’ve saved you! That’s without all the journals, newspapers and e-books that we give you free access to...and then there’s the free WiFi...the expert advice etc...you can’t afford NOT to use the library!

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

W is for:

WiFi – All our libraries are WiFi hotspots, so bring along your laptops, tablets and smartphones and you’ll have wireless internet access, completely free of charge! All you need to know is your UWTSD student ID and password. If you have any problems connecting to the WiFi network we have plenty of IT staff available to help.

Website – Our library website contains all the information you need to know about the library, from opening hours and contact details, to subject guides and inter-library loans. Plus, it acts as a portal to all the electronic content in our Online Library, such as; ebooks, ejournals, newspapers and market reports. So, add the library website to your bookmarks/favourites...you’ll be glad you did!

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

Only a few more installments of our of our UWTSD library A-Z left now! But there's still a few highlights to mention before we reach the end! This week we've reached the letter U...

U is for: Using other libraries!

Students and staff of the University may be able to use selected other libraries across the United Kingdom through one of the following schemes...

• Libraries Together Passport

Students and staff can use public libraries and many other university and college libraries in South and Mid Wales through the Libraries Together Passport scheme. Please ask at your nearest UWTSD library / public library for further information and to collect a Passport, or download and print the passport here: Libraries Together Passport 

• SCONUL Access

SCONUL Access is a reciprocal service supported by most of the higher education libraries of the UK and Ireland, and provides borrowing privileges for most:

 academic staff on open or fixed term contracts

postgraduate research students registered for a PhD, MPhil or similar qualification

part-time, distance learning and placement students

full-time postgraduates

SCONUL Access also provides for a reference only service for most:

full-time undergraduate students

staff of a few higher education libraries not participating in the reciprocal borrowing arrangements

Membership of SCONUL Access is open to all full SCONUL members and most of the publicly funded higher education libraries in the UK and Ireland are now members. Please note that some libraries do not offer borrowing to all the types of user listed above. Please consult the list of participating libraries before you travel. Computer access is available at some institutions.

To apply for membership visit the SCONUL Access website and complete an application form.

Further details:
Carmarthen / Lampeter students and staff: sconul@tsd.ac.uk
Swansea campus students and staff: helen.beale@sm.uwtsd.ac.uk 

• National Library of Wales

Anyone with a home address in Wales can apply online for a reader ticket to access the collections of the National Library of Wales. Visit the National Library of Wales website for further details.

• British Library

Anyone can apply for a reader pass to access the reading rooms of the British Library. Please visit the British Library website for further details.

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

Hot on the heels of UWTSD Swansea Libraries recent accolade at the Student Led Teaching Awards (“Best Non-Academic Department”), it’s time to highlight some more great things we have to offer! Our library A-Z has reached the letter R this week...

R is for:

·         Research – Make the library your first port of call when beginning your research for assignments, presentations, group work and dissertations. We can provide you with access to a vast selection of up-to-date, relevant, peer reviewed information, both in print and online. We also have Subject Librarians at hand to help if you get stuck! Think of us as one big friendly search engine! Who needs Google when you’ve got us at your disposal?!

·         Reading Lists – Don’t panic! There’s no need to buy everything on your course reading lists, come and borrow the required textbooks from us...free of charge! You can save your bank balance and the environment at the same time! We should have most, if not all, of the items you require.

·         Reference Material – Some of the items in our libraries are marked ‘Reference Only’, this means you can’t borrow them. Why is this a good thing?? It means that we will always have copies of the most essential and in demand texts available for you to use in the library...even when all other copies are out on loan.  

·         Relaxation – Libraries are a great place to relax and enjoy some quiet time in between lectures. Whether you just want to check your emails, read a novel, or catch 40 winks in a comfy chair (yes, we’ve spotted you snoozing in the corner!) libraries are the perfect place to unwind.

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

Time to return to our A-Z journey through the highlights of UWTSD libraries…we’ve reached the letter N!

N is for:

·         Newspapers – Bring your assignments bang up to date by including some relevant news articles! You’ll find print copies of a selection of national and regional newspapers in most of our libraries and we also keep a limited amount of back issues, should you require them. You can also access newspaper articles via some of the databases in our online library.

·         Noise – Our libraries are divided into zones, quiet ones and noisy ones! We make provision for group study, individual study and silent study. Please work in the appropriate area and respect the needs of those who are sharing the library space with you.

·         Novels – If you need a break from all the hard core academic textbooks…why not borrow a novel from us? We stock a vast collection of classic and modern fiction within our library service! Take a look at our library catalogue or speak to a librarian if you need help locating anything.

·         National Libraries Day – It’s true, we’re so fantastic we have our own special day! At the start of February every year we have a national day dedicated to celebrating libraries and reading. So, remember to pop along to your local library next time, to see what events are going on and to show your support!

A-Z of UWTSD Libraries...

Image courtesy of: Josh Filhol / Library A-Z

We’re officially at the halfway point in our library A-Z! You’ll have learnt a lot about us by now…but there’s still lots more to say! Let’s continue with the letter M…

M is for:

·         My Account – With your student ID and PIN number you can access your library account to view a list of books you have on loan, when they are due back and any fines owed. Your account also enables you to place reservations and to renew your library loans yourself. So, next time you realise your library books are due but the library is closed, remember to use your online account!

·         Market research – If you’re looking for industry reports, company information or SWOT analysis that’s relevant to a particular topic why not try one of our online databases such as Marketline. We can show you how to use it and take some of the stress out of your research!

·         Meeting place – The library is a social place…so, whether you want to get together with friends to work on a joint presentation or assignment or if you just need somewhere to pass the time while you’re between lectures, the library offers plenty of comfortable seating/study/discussion space. Make it a habit to pop in and make use these facilities, we’d love to see you!

·         Money saving – Have you thought about how much money your library can save you? Instead of paying a fortune to buy all the books on your course reading lists come and borrow them from us. We also pay for expensive subscriptions to journals, newspapers and full-text online databases and make them all available to you free of charge. Not to mention all the expert advice we are able to offer at no extra cost. So, next time you’re passing one of our libraries, why not pop in and save yourself a few quid at the same time?!

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! 

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

Time to continue with our A-Z of UWTSD libraries, we’re almost a third of the way through already! Today we move on to the letter G…

G is for:

·    Group Study – We try and divide our libraries into zones, so there are dedicated quiet areas and also spaces where you can get together and work as a group. In our group study areas you can chat as you work and be safe in the knowledge that you aren’t breaking any rules - nobody is going to shush you! Several of our libraries also have bookable seminar rooms where you can practice your presentations as a group. Libraries aren’t just about silent study these days!

·        Green – Let’s face it, libraries have been at the forefront of recycling and all things green for centuries! Whether it’s books and journals about the environment that you’re interested in, or just doing your bit for the environment by borrowing books instead of buying them, your UWTSD library has got it covered. We’re even taking part in the Green Impact project to find ways of making our service even more environmentally friendly in the future. 

·  Geographical Information – Whether you’re looking for an atlas, Ordinance Survey maps, Lonely Planet travel guides or in-depth country reports you’ll find something to suit all your needs at one of our UWTSD libraries!

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

How much do you actually know about your UWTSD libraries? Our A-Z series aims to highlight some of our best features and raise awareness about all the services we provide! Today we continue with the letter D…

D is for:

·         Dewey: The Dewey Decimal system is the numerical order that UWTSD libraries use to keep all our stock grouped together appropriately by subject. Use the library catalogue to find books on a particular topic and it will tell you the corresponding number at which they can be found. Library staff will be happy to help!    

·         Databases: Visit our Online Library to access a vast range of subject related databases that will give you access to thousands of journal and newspaper articles. They are completely free to use, they can be accessed on and off campus from any internet enabled device and can save you a lot of time when researching topics for projects and assignments.

·         DigitalLibrary: This is an integrated search engine that gives quick and easy access to relevant academic material available through the library. It searches our catalogue, ebooks and most of our journal and newspaper databases in one single search (think of it as the library equivalent of CompareTheMarket.com!). If you are struggling to know which databases are relevant and don’t know where to begin, give this a try.

·         Digitisation: The University’s CLA license permits staff to make digital copies of extracts from books, journals and magazines and supply them to students enrolled on a course of study via a secure network e.g. Blackboard / Moodle. The license facilitates scanning from UK publications only, and the material must be held by the Library. Academic staff must submit all requests to the appropriate library representative to be processed. Carmarthen and Lampeter staff can use the online request form – Swansea staff should contact caroline.mitchell@uwtsd.ac.uk

·         DVDs: All our libraries have a vast collection of DVDs for loan, ranging from feature films, television series, educational programmes and foreign language materials. 

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?! ;-)