Your space Your resources Your library

CityLibrary

Library ServicesA guide for students

www.city.ac.uk/library

2 Library Services: A guide for students

ContentsWelcome ....................................................................................3

Where is the Library? .............................................................4

Finding resources ...................................................................5What can I find in the Library? .....................................................6How do I find the resources I need? ..............................................6Items on my reading list ................................................................6CityLibrary Search ........................................................................6Books ............................................................................................6Print journals ................................................................................7Short loan items ............................................................................7How do I find articles? ..................................................................7What is a database? ......................................................................7

Managing my account ...........................................................8How do I borrow library items? .....................................................8How many books can I borrow? ....................................................8How long can I borrow books for? ................................................8How do I renew items? ..................................................................8How do I return items? ..................................................................8Fines .............................................................................................8What if the book I need has already been borrowed?....................9Email reminders ...........................................................................9

If it isn’t in the Library... .......................................................9Inter-library loans .........................................................................9More Books ...................................................................................9SCONUL?.......................................................................................9

Where do I go for help? .......................................................10Subject Guides ............................................................................11Library Training ..........................................................................11Supporting disability, Dyslexia & Specific Learning Differences .11I’d like to improve my study skills. Can you help? .......................11What is plagiarism? ....................................................................11

Where can I study? ...............................................................12Where can I find computers? ......................................................13How do I print, copy or scan? .....................................................13Do you have wi-fi and how can I connect? ..................................13

Contact us ...............................................................................13

3 Library Services: A guide for students

WelcomeWecome to Library Services at City University London. We are here to support you throughout your studies. Don’t be shy about approaching us or asking for help – that is what we are here for. We hope that this guide answers some of the questions you may have.

4 Library Services: A guide for students

Where is the Library?

There are four libraries at City and you are welcome to use any of them. You just need your University ID card. Opening hours for each of the libraries can be found on our website www.city.ac.uk/library

The Northampton Square Library University Building Northampton Square London EC1V 0HB Tel: +44 (0)20 7040 8191Email: library@city.ac.uk

The City Law School Library (Northampton Square)Innovation CentreWhiskin StreetLondon EC1V 0HB Tel: +44 (0) 20 7040 4204Email: lawlibrary@city.ac.uk

Cass Learning Resources Centre106 Bunhill RowLondon EC1Y 8TZ Tel: +44 (0)20 7040 8787Email: cklib@city.ac.uk

The City Law School Library (Gray’s Inn Place) Gray’s Inn CampusCity University London 4 Gray’s Inn Place London WC1R 5DXTel: +44 (0) 20 7040 0342Email: lawlibrary@cityac.uk

Interactive maps for all sites can be found at www.city.ac.uk/visit

1

2

3

4

5 Library Services: A guide for students

Finding resources

6 Library Services: A guide for students

What can I find in the Library?Our Library collections include a vast range of resources over a breadth of disciplines including print books, audio-visual material, newspapers and journals.

We also have a wide range of online resources such as e-books, e-journals and databases which can help you search over a range of collections. These can be accessed free of charge from anywhere and at any time via the Library Services website, using your University username and password.

How do I find the resources I need?

Items on my reading listIf you want to search for items on your reading list, use Reading Lists Online http://readinglists.city.ac.uk. It is a quick and easy way to access the reading material for your course. You can also access your reading list through your Moodle module page.

Reading Lists Online provides an online version of the reading lists or module outlines put together by your lecturers. Simply search for the relevant module code. It is linked to the Library catalogue so it shows you whether the books on your reading list are available in the Library and where to find them. It also links directly to websites and journal articles (where subscriptions allow). If you cannot find your list contact your lecturer and your Subject Librarian.

The Library should hold copies of the books on your reading list. Make sure you check to see how many copies are available as these books are often in very high demand. Your Subject Librarian works with your department to make sure we have everything you need in the Library for your studies.

If we don’t appear to have something that is on your reading list, let your Subject Librarian know and we will do our best to get hold of it.

CityLibrary SearchTo search for other resources go to the library homepage www.city.ac.uk/library and find resources by entering your search terms (e.g. title, author, keyword). You can do this from any PC, laptop or mobile device.

Your results will be displayed in the centre of the page. Below the item information there is a description of its format, for example print book, e-book, journal article, thesis etc.

You can use various options listed to the left of your results to further refine your search, for example by location, language, date or format. E-journals and e-books can be accessed by selecting the link under the item information and entering your University username and password when prompted.

BooksThe books at each library are available to select from the shelves. This means you can get what you need without having to ask for help from a member of staff. Of course, if you have difficulty finding or retrieving an item we will be glad to help.

For print books, look at the item status. If the book status is ‘available’ you will find it on the shelf – make a note of the Call No. (often called the Classmark or Shelfmark) so you can

7 Library Services: A guide for students

easily locate it.

The Call No. of a book will tell you where it will be on the shelves. A Call No. is made up of a series of numbers and letters that relate to the subject of the book and the first three letters of the author’s surname.

The library shelving starts at 001 and continues through the library in numerical order to 999. To find the book, look at the shelf ends to locate the broad area, then follow the number sequence one digit at a time.

Once you have found the book you were looking for, you can take it off the shelf for use within the library or you can borrow it and use it elsewhere (unless it is marked ‘For Reference Only’, which means it can only be used in the library).

Print journalsPrint journals are for use in the library. They are either available on the shelves at the relevant site or need to be requested to be collected from the store at Northampton Square by a member of staff. Select ‘Show library holdings’ to find out.

Short loan itemsSome essential books can only be borrowed for 24 hours and cannot be renewed – these should be returned to the library from which they were borrowed by the stated due date and time. Fines are charged for the late return of these books, so make sure you bring them back on time.

How do I find articles?You can find journal articles through CityLibrary Search. You will also find many databases which include varied journal articles on your subject. Check your subject guide for lists of databases your Subject Librarian recommends for you http://libguides.city.ac.uk.

What is a database?A database is a collection of items which can be searched online at the same time. A database can hold many different formats: it can be a collection of images, journal articles or even words and their definitions (like an online dictionary). A number of our databases offer help in non-English languages. You will find a link to these on the ‘Library Services for International Students’ section of our website http://libguides.city.ac.uk/international.

The CityLibrary Search results

page.

8 Library Services: A guide for students

Managing my account

How do I borrow library items?If you wish to borrow books to read outside the library, use one of the self-service machines. Make sure you have your ID card with you, as you need this to borrow items. You will get a receipt which will show you the date when you need to return or renew your books.

How many books can I borrow?

Category No. of items

Undergraduate students 20

Postgraduate students 25

Research students 30

How long can I borrow books for?

Loan periods Fines

24 hour 50p per hour

7 day 50p per day

4 week 30p per day

How do I renew items?You can log in to your library account to check which books you have on loan and to renew them if no one else has requested them. To access your library account go to the

Library Services homepage www.city.ac.uk/library and select ‘log in’. You just need your University username and password. You can access your account from anywhere 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can renew items as many times as you need to, unless someone else has reserved them. When it has not been possible to renew, items must be returned by the due date to avoid incurring fines. It is always a good idea to try to renew your books the day before they are due for return. By doing this, you will be made aware of any items that cannot be renewed and you can make arrangements to return them on time.

How do I return items?You can return your books using the self-service machines. When the Library is closed, use the drop box located near the library entrance to return items. (At the Innovation Centre the drop box is located in the Student Common Room). Books can be returned to any City University London library, except for 24 hour loans, these must be returned to the location they were borrowed from.

FinesMake sure you check your library account regularly and renew or return your books on or before the due date to avoid incurring fines. Fines vary according to the loan period of the item. For details see the Library Services website www.city.ac.uk/library

Select request to reserve a book

which is out on loan.

9 Library Services: A guide for students

What if the book I need has already been borrowed?Use the ‘request’ button in CityLibrary Search to reserve a copy. Library Services will send you an email when the book is ready for collection. Don’t forget to check whether we have an online version of the book available.

Email remindersPlease ensure the email address on your library account is correct and remember to check your email regularly for notices from Library Services – it will help you to keep your account up to date and avoid fines.

If it isn’t in the Library...The Library aims to stock all books and journals on your course reading list but material you may need for projects, dissertations or research work may not be available. In these circumstances there are a number of services and options available.

Inter-library loansThe inter-library loan service allows users to request materials that are not held in any library collection at City University London for a small cost.

Books are obtained from the British Library for a specified loan period, usually three to six weeks. Journal articles can be supplied by electronic delivery or as photocopies which you may keep. For details see the Library Services website www.city.ac.uk/library/services/interlibrary-loans.

More BooksIf you would like to suggest a book for Library Services to add to its collection, undergraduates and taught postgraduates can do so via the More Books scheme.

Visit the website for more information and to make your request www.city.ac.uk/library/morebooks

Research students can also suggest titles for Library Services through the Read for Research scheme www.city.ac.uk/library/read-for-research

SCONUL AccessThe SCONUL Access scheme enables City University London students and staff to access other university libraries around the country and, depending on your status, borrow books. You can find out more and register for the scheme by visiting the SCONUL Access website www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access.

Once registered with SCONUL you’ll receive a confirmation email, just take this (either as a print out, or on your device) to your chosen library, along with your City University ID card.

10 Library Services: A guide for students

Where do I go for help?The Library has access to a wide range of resources so it is important that you know how to find what you need. Don’t just rely on internet searches as they will only locate a tiny proportion of what you will find if you carry out a carefully planned search of library resources. Your Subject Librarian can help you to locate the best resource to use for your research.

11 Library Services: A guide for students

Subject LibrariansOur Subject Librarians work with your lecturers to make sure we have the right books, journals and other resources that you will need for your course. Subject Librarians organise inductions and practical research skills workshops to help you find the things you need. You can arrange an individual tutorial with them if you need any extra help.

Subject guidesEach Subject Librarian has created a subject guide http://libguides.city.ac.uk for your subject area. These pages are a great starting point for you to learn about the books, academic journals, databases and recommended websites for your subject. They also provide information about citing and referencing the sources you have used in your studies and how you can use other libraries.

Library trainingThe Library Essentials workshop programme runs each term and is designed to support you in finding and using library resources effectively.

Sessions include:

• Getting to know City Library Services• Finding information for your

assignments• Going beyond CityLibrary Search – the

basics of literature searching• Introduction to referencing and

RefWorks.

Workshops are run on a regular basis throughout each term and are designed so that students from all schools can attend. Visit http://libguides.city.ac.uk/workshops to browse the timetable and book your place.

Supporting disability, Dyslexia and Specific Learning Differences For Library users with a disability or Specific Learning Difference, the Library can support your learning with access to the Assistive

Technology Centre, assistive software, extended loan periods, an alternative formats service and a book collection service. Contact Disability Services or the Dyslexia Support team who will make a referral and provide us with an initial assessment of your requirements. Your local library site representative will then be able to put the necessary arrangements in place for you. http://libguides.city.ac.uk/ additionalneeds

I’d like to improve my study skills. Can you help?There are some really useful guides available through Library Services. We also recommend the online study skills resource www.skills4studycampus.com which includes modules on

• Getting ready for academic study• Time management• Reading and note-making• Critical thinking skills• Writing skills• Groupwork and presentations• Confidence with numbers• Exam skills• Projects, dissertations and reports• Employability and personal development

What is plagiarism?Plagiarism is using the words, work or ideas of others and passing them off as your own. Plagiarism is not only something that is taken seriously at university, but also in the wider world.

For more advice about what plagiarism is and how to avoid it, find the ‘Referencing and understanding plagiarism’ module in Skills4Study www.skills4studycampus.com. For advice on how to cite and reference the materials you are using in your studies search for the print or online versions of Cite Them Right.

12 Library Services: A guide for students

All libraries offer silent study and group study areas so you should be able to find a space that suits your needs. Group study space is often in high demand but you can book it in advance through the Library Services website http://libcal.city.ac.uk.

Where can I study?

13 Library Services: A guide for students

Where can I find computers?Computers are available at all of the libraries. If you cannot find a free computer in a library, there are many computer rooms throughout the University.

Visit www.city.ac.uk/visit/computer-rooms to find locations of computer rooms and availability of computers.

How do I print, copy or scan?Multi-functional devices which allow printing, copying and scanning are available at most libraries. You use your print credit account to pay for printing and copying. You can also scan and send to your City University email address.

To make photocopies you just need to swipe your ID card through the reader on the device.

When you send a document to print the charge will be deducted automatically from your print credit account. You can buy more print credit at a self-service kiosk or online https://intranet.city.ac.uk/print.

For wireless printing from your laptop or device, visit http://wifiprint.city.ac.uk.

Do you have wi-fi and how can I connect?City provides a secure and pervasive wireless network available in all buildings throughout the University. You can connect to the City wi-fi (eduroam) network using your mobile device or laptop and your University username and password. To find out how and where you can connect, visit www.city.ac.uk/wifi or ask at the help desk for instructions to configure your device.

Contact usWe are here to help you with your studies. If you have any questions or are unsure about anything just ask a member of staff, call us, contact us via LibChat from our homepage or send an email to one of the addresses at the beginning of this guide. If you have any suggestions about how we can improve our services please get in touch with us.

We hope you enjoy your time at City University London and wish you the best in your studies.

14 Library Services: A guide for students

My notes:

City University LondonNorthampton SquareLondonEC1V 0HBUnited Kingdom

Follow us onfacebook.com/ cityunilibrary

Follow us ontwitter.com/ cityunilibrary

Find out more, visitwww.city.ac.uk/library

www.city.ac.uk

Email enquirieslibrary@city.ac.uk

Telephone enquiries+44 (0)20 7040 8191