Frequently Asked Questions

Library Facilities

Borrowing

Library Services

Electronic Services

IT

None of the above



Library Facilities

Where is the Library?

The Library is situated to the west of the centre of the University Campus in the West Park . On the University Campus Map, it is building 18. The campus map can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/about/map/pages/map-full.html.

What are the Library opening hours?

The Library is open Mon-Fri 8:30am - midnight, Sat 9am - midnight and Sun 10am - midnight during term time. During vacation, it is open Mondays 9am - 8pm and Tues - Fri 9am - 5.30pm.

Details about the Library's opening hours (both term time and vacation) can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/about/opening_hours.html

Please check this page regularly as opening hours may change - for instance, to open 24/7 during examination periods.

How do I find my way around the Library?

The Library is accommodated on three levels. The entrance to the Library is at Level 3 where the Library Café, group study area, the majority of the open access PCs and the High Demand collection are located. A quiet study environment is provided on both Levels 1 and 2. Level 1 contains the science and technology books and journals whereas arts, humanities, social science and computing is on Level 1.

A copy of the Library map is available at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/about/PDFs/map.pdf.

Books with classification numbers between 500 and 699 are on Level 1 and the rest are on Level 2.

What are the vacation opening hours?

During vacation, the Library is open Mondays 9am - 8pm and Tues - Fri 9am - 5.30pm. We are only open the first and last weekends of the vacation (just after the end of term and before the start of the next term).

Details about the Library's opening hours (both term time and vacation) can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/about/opening_hours.html.

Where can we do group work?

The Library provides various spaces specifically for group study. In the Open3 area on Level 3 of the Library, there are just under 200 seats (nearly 60 of them at PCs) where people can work in groups (see below). The Café 641 provides food and drink if assistance is needed to improve group effectiveness!

For large groups wishing to work in their own room, there are 7 bookable group study rooms distributed throughout the Library. These rooms are each equipped with a white board, a PC and a data projection unit. After booking a room please take up your booking within 15 minutes of the start time, rooms remaining empty after this time will be available to other users.

How do I book a study room?

The group study rooms can be booked in the Library through the following system: Online booking system. You will need your University user name and password to book a group study room.

Are there any quiet study areas in the Library?

Levels 1 and 2 in the Library are intended for quiet study. There are also bookable carrels which can be used by individuals who wish to work quietly. These can be booked through the online booking system.

Is it true that the Library building is sinking?

No it's not.

Many years ago the Students Union magazine (Label) ran an April fools story stating that the Library building was sinking due to the weight of books not being taken into account when the building was designed. This story evolved into an urban myth and the Library is still asked if it is true by new students and their parents.

Borrowing

How do I borrow a book?

You can borrow a book with you staff/student id card. There are self issue machines on all three levels of the Library.

How many books can I borrow?

Staff and researchers can borrow up to 30 books at any time. Post graduate and final year undergraduates can borrow 20 books. First and second year students can borrow 15 books. Alumni can borrow 8 books. External ticket holders can borrow 4 books.

What is a High Demand book?

High Demand books are found in the separate High Demand section on Level 3. These books, available from 2.30 until 2.30 the next day (or 2.30 on Monday, if borrowed on a Friday), are items in high demand on reading lists. They can be booked up to 7 days in advance. Users may borrow two High Demand items as part of their overall allowance. They have an orange label on the spine of the cover.

How do I renew a book?

Books can be renewed online by accessing the "My Library Record" section of the online catalogue, using your registration number and Library pin.

Alternatively, borrowers may bring books to the Issue Desk of the Library, phone the Circulation Team on 01509 222353 or ask us to renew them by emailing circulation@lboro.ac.uk.

How do I request/reserve a book?

Books can be requested via the online catalogue using the request button next to books currently out on loan. To do this you will need your registration number and Library pin.

Why has my book been recalled?

Unfortunately, the Library only has a finite number of books due to financial and space restrictions. As a result of this, any book can be recalled by another user and you will have 7 days to return the book from the date of recall. If it is not returned, you would be fined on a daily basis from the new due date, until the date of return. It is possible to request the book again once it has been returned.

What are the fines for late returns?

Long loan items 50p per day; week loan & manually issued serials 50p per day; High Demand 50p per hour, or part thereof. There are additional £10 administration fees levied for reordering lost/stolen/damaged books and for non response to overdue notices that are passed onto the Finance Department.

Where are the self-issue machines?

There are currently five self issue machines in the Library. Two are located in the foyer on level 3, one is situated in the High Demand section of Level 3 and one at the exit of Levels 1 & 2 by staircase A (opposite the enquiry desks).

How do I use the self-issue machines?

The machines all have on screen instructions on how to use them. If you have any problem or are unsure then ask a member of staff to show you how to use them.

What if the Library doesn't hold the book I want?

Material not in the University Library may be borrowed from other sources, mainly the British Library. We can obtain periodical issues and articles, books, conferences, theses, reports, patents and standards. More information can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/services/ill-use.html.

Can I borrow books from other libraries?

You can only borrow books from other Libraries if you have a Sconul Access card from the Issue Desk on Level 3. This scheme only applies to staff, researchers, part time & distance learners and full time post graduates. Full time undergraduates can only be given reference rights with this card.

Can I take a book out without my student ID card?

No. Books will not be issued without a valid id card (with an up to date sticker on the back). If you do not have your card, we will put the books to one side for 48 hours to allow you to get it.

Library Services

How do I find a book?

The Library Catalogue ( http://opac.lboro.ac.uk/F/ ) should be used to find the details of the book(s) you are looking for. The location number will be needed to identify where the book is in the Library. All High Demand books will be in the High Demand Collection on Level 3. Those books between 001 - 499 and 700 - 999 will be on Level 2 and books numbered 500 - 699 will be on Level 1.

What is the Library Catalogue?

The Library catalogues is a database that will tell you everything (books, journals media) that is purchased by the Library and where you can find them either in the building or available via the web. Help on how to use the catalogue is available from:

http://opac.lboro.ac.uk/F?func=file&file_name=help-1

What is My Library Record?

My Library Record is the section of the catalogue which allows you to access what books you have on loan, your previous library history, what hold requests or advanced bookings you have and what fines (if any) you have on your record.

How do I find printed/electronic journal articles?

If you know what journal you are looking for, use the Library Catalogue to find the location of the print copy in the Library or the link to the electronic copy.
E-journals are clearly marked in the Catalogue as [electronic resource]. Use the Serials collection from the drop-down menu marked Collection to search. The Library Catalogue can be found here: http://opac.lboro.ac.uk/F.

If you do not know what journal to search, use the Library gateway called MetaLib which can found here: http://metalib.lboro.ac.uk/ . MetaLib lists all the databases by subject categories, e.g. Psychology, and by searching these databases using keywords suitable for your search you will be able to find journal articles. You will need to check the availability of these articles in the Library as databases do not just search what is in the Library. Click on the SFX symbol [insert image and you will be taken to the location in the print or electronic collection if the article is available. E-journals are also listed in MetaLib in A-Z order or in subject categories. Use the Find E-journal tab to locate them. For more information on how to use MetaLib please consult the online tutorial, InfoTrail at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/InfoTrail/Mod4/Topic2/p1.html

Some databases and e-journals may require a username and password. A link can be found on MetaLib or from here: https://internal.lboro.ac.uk/diss/lb/uniwide/webpages/passwords.html.

Where are the newspapers kept?

The daily copies of newspapers are kept in a rack next to Cafe 641 on Level 3 of the Library. Past print copies are just around the corner on Level 3, just past the High Demand collection. The Library does not keep an extensive archive collection of paper copies of newspapers. However, many electronic copies from the United Kingdom and abroad are available from the Nexis UK service which can be found by using the Find Database tab on MetaLib here: http://metalib.lboro.ac.uk/.

Does the Library run training courses?

The Library runs a selection of courses that can help you in your studies and research. The Lunchtime in the Library courses http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/skills/lunchtim.html will help you discover how to find different types of material, e.g. books, journal articles and good quality websites. The Study skills courses http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/skills/ssworkshops.htmlprovide practical advice on a range of study skills topics from organising yourself, reading and note taking, through written and oral communication to revision and exam skills.
Database of the Month workshops http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/skills/dbaseofmonth.html focus on how to search specific databases more effectively.

Is there somebody I can contact about a specific subject area?

Staff and students in all departments have an Academic Librarian, who acts as their main contact for Library issues and develops expertise in that subject area. To discover who your Academic Librarian is, and how to contact them, visit the Staff Contacts webpage http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/about/StaffList.html). As well as helping you to find information directly, the Academic Librarians also provide timetabled and optional information literacy sessions (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/skills/workshops.html) to help you develop your own skills.

The Library also has a number of pages of information locate on LEARN see Does the Library have any pages on LEARN? for more about these.

Can I use the Library if I'm not a student?

Anyone can use the Library for reference purposes- all visitors need do is sign in at the Information Desk on Level 3. Borrowing is only available free of charge to people with a valid Sconul Access card. It is possible to buy personal, alumni or school membership for a fee. For more information on this, contact the Customer Services Manager on 01509 222353. No external user has any access to electronic information other than the online catalogue.

How do I use the photocopier?

The University Library offers self-service photocopying facilities on all levels. There are four self-service copiers situated on Level 3. Two copiers are located on Level 2 adjacent to the computer area and one further copier is situated on Level 1 adjacent to the Archives Office. Colour photocopying is available on all the copiers in the Pilkington Library. For more information go to: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/services/AV.html#photo.

Does the Library have any pages on LEARN?

Library has many pages on LEARN which will help you find information on your subject. Some will be units attached to your course modules but others can be found by scanning the contents list of Finding Information Fast. If you need any further help, please contact your Academic Librarian

Electronic Services

What is MetaLib?

MetaLib is the University Library gateway to good quality academic information obtained via library catalogues, databases, and e-journals. The easiest way to access MetaLIb is from the University Library home page: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/

The Quick Start Guide provides more information on how MetaLib can be used. If you need assistance ask at the Enquiry Desk.

What is SFX?

SFX allows the Library user to link directly to the full text of e-journals or to the catalogue record of print journals to which the Library subscribes, either from MetaLib or other databases.

What is ATHENS?

Many electronic databases available to members of Loughborough University now use Athens usernames and passwords for authentication. Off-campus access to the majority of e-journals is also through Athens. The Athens system enables Loughborough University staff and students to have their own individual username and password. All databases which are authenticated by Athens can be accessed from anywhere within the UK and often from outside the UK unless individual publishers and suppliers impose geographical restrictions.

More information about Athens can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/resources/athens.html.

Will ATHENS work outside the UK?

Many databases can be accessed via ATHENS from outside the UK, but individual publishers and suppliers may impose geographical restrictions. Please contact the Library if you would like us to investigate access on your behalf or if you have difficulty accessing ATHENS authenticated products from outside the UK.

Where can I find passwords for e-journals and databases?

Some databases and e-journals may require a username and password. A link can be found on MetaLib or from here: https://internal.lboro.ac.uk/diss/lb/uniwide/webpages/passwords.html.

Can I access databases off campus?

Many internet delivered databases can be accessed off-campus and all databases which are authenticated by ATHENS can be accessed from anywhere within the UK . Some suppliers recognise the difficulty that this creates for off-campus access and provide a username/password for off-campus use. These usernames and passwords can be accessed via a link on MetaLib or from here: https://internal.lboro.ac.uk/diss/lb/uniwide/webpages/passwords.html.

Access to certain databases is restricted by IP address to Loughborough University addresses only; this is indicated on MetaLib. To access these from off campus you will need to login to the Remote Working Portal.

What is my Library PIN?

Your Library pin is the 4 digit number you need to get access to the "My Library Record" section of the online catalogue and to reserve/request books. If you are not sure what your pin is, ask at the Issue Desk on Level 3 of the Library or email the Circulation team circulation@lboro.ac.uk.

Can I access e-journals off-campus?

Nearly all e-journals should now be available off campus by logging in to the Remote Working Portal with your University username and password and following the links to the University Library On-line Resources web page. However, there are still a small number of titles that require a specific username and password for access and these passwords can be found by following this link.

Please note You will no longer need to use your Athens username and password for off campus access to e-journals if you login via the Remote Working Portal

How can I find full text?

Interested in finding full-text? SFX (What is SFX?) allows the Library user to link directly to the full text of e-journals or to the catalogue record of print journals to which the Library subscribes, either from MetaLib or other databases.

Can I access my reading list online?

Students are able to view references cited by lecturers (e.g. books, journal articles, electronic resources, etc.) and link directly to the Library's online catalogue (OPAC) (http://opac.lboro.ac.uk/F) to check the current availability of the material. Access to the reading lists from off-campus requires a University username/password. For further information go to: http://lorls.lboro.ac.uk/.

IT

How do I get printer credits?

Before being able to print you will need to purchase printer credits. You pay for these in advance, currently the charge is 5p per monochrome A4 page, 6p per monochrome A3 page, 15p per colour A4 page and 30p per colour A3. Each printout includes a cover page to identify your work (there is no charge for the banner page). Credits can be bought in the Library at the Information and Enquiries. You can check how many credits you have available by using the Printer Credits program (within the Central Services menu).

More information about printing can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/services/it.html#print .

How do I connect to the wireless network?

The Library has a wireless network throughout the building, enabling users to connect to the University's network from their laptops. For information on how to connect to the wireless network please see: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/it/wireless/connecting.html.

Can I print through the wireless network?

It is currently not possible to print via the wireless network. For more information on printing please go to: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/library/services/it.html#print.

Can I use CAD programs on the PCs in the Library?

AutoCAD is installed on the 12 Lab PCs in Training Room 2 on Level 3 in the Library.