Category Archives: Welcome information

Support from your Library beyond Welcome Week

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Hands hold our map infront of library entrance gates

Take a tiny self-guided tour to find out where everything is on the Library’s newly refurbished Ground and 1st Floors.

Welcome Week may now be over but there is still plenty of support available, online and in person, to help you make the most of the Library.

Library tours

Library tours continue to run throughout week 1 at 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00 each day. You can book onto a tour on RISIS, or just turn up five minutes before the start time.

If you don’t have time for an escorted tour, you can also pick up a self-guided tour in the Library. This will allow you to look around the Library at your own pace, guiding you through all the information you’ll need to make full use of the services and facilities.

You can also take a look at our YouTube channel for quick videos on how to use the Library such as finding a book, using the self-service points and how to print, scan and copy.

Who can you ask for help?

Academic Liaison librarians

There is a dedicated academic liaison librarian for every subject at the University. Your liaison librarian can support your studies by:

• showing you how to use information resources effectively – your librarian can offer training sessions for your School/Department and online library guides for your subject
• showing you how to save time by making the most of all our Library services
• giving you individual help with research – your librarian can offer in depth one-to-one help in finding information, including identifying the most relevant e-resources for you to use

Contact your academic liaison librarian to arrange a meeting.

Pick up a free year planner, as well as information, study and maths advice, from the Study Advice Desk!

Study Advice and Maths Support Desk

The Study Advice and Maths Support Desk is staffed 10:00-16:00 every weekday. You can drop in here with quick queries for Study Advice, Maths Support and Academic Liaison Librarians or to book longer appointments with staff from any of these teams. You can also pick up a free Study Advice year planner, perfect for helping you organise your studies for the coming year.

Chairs in front of a long enquiry counter where on the other sides a librarian sits talking on phone. Two people are talking across the far end of the counter.

Ask general enquiries at the Welcome Desk.

Welcome Desk

You can ask at the Welcome Desk for help with most general enquiries including:

  • finding your way around
  • your Library account and membership
  • loans, renewals and holds
  • inter-library loans

Our friendly staff will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

Further information

To keep up to date with the latest Library news, visit this Library blog and our social media channels.

Katie Winter, Academic Liaison Support Librarian

Remember your Campus Card

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Remember your Campus Card – you need it every time you visit the Library to enter through our new entrance gates.

Library user tapping campus card to enter library through security gates

Tap your Campus Card to enter and exit the Library

The gates are to increase your security and prioritise study space for University members.

Library members: you can enter and exit just by tapping your Campus Card (the same one you use to borrow) at the gates …. so there’s nothing you need to do other than carry it with you. If you forget your card, speak to staff at the Welcome Desk who can grant you temporary access on a limited number of occasions.

Members of the public over 18: You are welcome to use and copy Library printed materials Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00. Please bring phographic proof of ID with you when you visit and speak to staff at the Welcome Desk who will ask for your ID, gather some information about you, and ask you to abide by the Library rules. You need to book ahead to gain access evenings and weekends. Please email library@reading.ac.uk telling us when you want to visit and we will arrange for Security staff to give you entrance: if you have not contacted the Library beforehand you will not be admitted.

Everyone can still use the Library Café and Ground Floor toilets, which you will find before you reach the barriers.

Natalie Guest, Document Delivery Co-ordinator / Academic Liaison Librarian

Events welcoming you to your University Library

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We’re really excited to welcome all new students starting next week here at the Library. Find out about the events we have planned to welcome you and everything else we’ll be doing in Welcome Week and beyond!

Library welcome events

Every day during Welcome Week we’re putting on events to introduce you to the Library, and to give you some time to relax in your busy week.

Escape box challenge – Monday 23 and Thursday 26 September, 13:00-15:00 

Think escape room but on a slightly smaller scale. Turn up any time during the two hours to have a go at figuring out our puzzles and finding the Library secret! Compete with other student groups – the quickest will win a prize.

Special Collections – Tuesday 24 September, 14:00-16:00 

Our Special Collections team, based at The MERL next to our London Road campus, will be coming to the Library to give you a taste of their amazing collections. You can also make your own badges and books!

Summon speed searching – Wednesday 25 September, 13:00-15:00 

Have a go at our speed searching challenge to get to know our main search engine for articles, Summon. If you’re quick enough to reach the top of our leader board then you’ll leave with a prize!

Library leisure time – Friday 27 September, 13:00-15:00 

You might already know that you can find your course text books at the Library, but did you know that we have fiction too? Come along to make your own origami bookmark, read book reviews from our staff and borrow one of our mystery books!

Library stand at Module Information Fair

The Library team will have a stand at the Module Information Fair in the marquee by the Students’ Union on Tuesday 24 September, 12:00-16:00. Come and chat with our friendly staff if you have an questions about the Library, and to find out about everything else we’re doing during Welcome Week.

You can also pick up some freebies including a Study Advice year planner and take a picture with our selfie frame while you’re there.

Library tours

If you’d like to have a look around our newly refurbished Library then come along to one of our tours which are running throughout Welcome Week and week one. During Welcome Week tours will run at 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00 and 15:30 every day. There are fewer tours during week one, running at 11:00, 12:00 and 14:00 each day.

You can book on RISIS via the ‘Library course bookings’ link in the ‘Actions’ tab, or just turn up at the Library and meet by our display in the foyer. We’ll guide you round the building and tell you everything you need to know about using the Library. If you’re a Postgraduate student, come along to our Tuesday tour!

More information

We’ll be posting about what we’re up to throughout the week so check Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for further updates. You can have a look at our YouTube channel to find out more about using the Library too.

You can also ask for help at the Welcome Desk on the Ground Floor of the Library, or speak to one of our roving members of staff.

Katie Winter, Academic Liaison Support Librarian

Welcome Back Week in the Library

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Welcome Back Week starts on Monday 21 January and we’re getting involved at the Library!

University Services Fair

The Library team will have a stand at the University Services Fair in RUSU Upper 3Sixty on Monday and Tuesday next week. Come and chat with our friendly staff if you have an questions about the Library.

You can also have a go at our Summon Speed Search! It only takes a couple of minutes and you’ll be in with the chance of winning a prize. Can you make it to the top of our leaderboard? Visit our stand to see if you can win.

Library tours

If you’ve not yet had a chance to look around the Library, come along to one of our tours which are running every day next week. Tours start at 13:10 and will last 20-30 minutes. No need to book – just turn up at the Library and meet by our display in the foyer. We’ll guide you round the building and tell you everything you need to know about using the Library. If you’re a Postgraduate student, come along to our Wednesday tour!

More information

We’ll be posting about what we’re up to throughout the week so check Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for further updates.

As always, you can also ask for help at an Information Desk. Go to the URS Ground Floor Information Desk for general enquiries. Go to the Library Building, 2nd or 3rd Floor Desks for help finding books.

Katie Winter, Trainee Liaison Librarian

Making the most of your Library – info tip

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You don’t need to visit the Library to discover the range of resources we provide!

  • Need to know how to find things in the Library?
  • Unsure how to search for books and journals on Enterprise?
  • Need to find books on your subject which aren’t on your reading lists?

Try LibLearn!

LibLearn is an online course that you can do when you have time and at your own pace. It is available 24/7 via Blackboard, the University’s online learning system. Divided into three sections, LibLearn includes documents to read, and quizzes to test yourself on how much you’ve learnt and to provide more tips.

New to the University?

Then LibLearn One is for you. It will help you to:

  • find your way around the Library
  • search for books on your reading lists on Enterprise
  • locate books in the Library

Been at the University for a while or doing a Masters or PhD?

LibLearn Two and LibLearn Three will help you to:

  • find and access journals in the Library
  • find material on a subject using Enterprise and Summon
  • find academically reliable material on the web
  • evaluate what you find
  • understand the principles of copyright and referencing
  • develop effective search strategies
  • search databases for information, particularly journal articles

How do you access LibLearn?

  1. Go to the LibLearn course in Blackboard
  2. Click on the Enrol button on the left-hand-side of the screen
  3. Click on the submit button on the Self Enrolment screen and OK at the bottom of the next screen

You will now be taken to the course pages. Next time you log on to Blackboard the course will be in your list of  Courses in My modules.

Or watch one of our videos!

If you were unable to come to one of our ‘Finding your way’ workshops for new students, or just want to find out more about the Library and what we do, then check out our series of introductory videos.

Some of the videos currently available are:

Library staff…happy to help!

Although there is a wealth of information and help on our website, Library staff are here to help you, so please ask if you have any questions. You can always contact your subject liaison librarian for guidance on locating resources in your subject.

This is one of a series of tips to help save you time and effort finding or using information

This tip was written by Learning Support Co-ordinator Sally Smith.

Finding your way beyond Welcome Week

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Our finding your way sessions have now ended but there is still plenty of support available, online and in person, to help you make the most of the Library.

#FYWTips

We’ll be posting ‘Finding Your Way’ tips each week throughout the autumn term on all our social media channels. These tips will highlight ways to make the most of the Library and all the services we offer. We’ve already posted about finding a book and placing a hold – head to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for more information. Watch out for our new tip next week!

Who can you ask for help?

Liaison librarians

There is a dedicated liaison librarian for every subject at the University. Your liaison librarian can support your studies by:

• showing you how to use information resources effectively – your librarian can offer training sessions for your School/Department and online library guides for your subject
• showing you how to save time by making the most of all our Library services
• giving you individual help with research – your librarian can offer in depth one-to-one help in finding information, including identifying the most relevant e-resources for you to use

Contact your subject liaison librarian to arrange a meeting.

Other help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help at an Information Desk! Go to the URS Ground Floor Information Desk for general enquiries. Go to the Library Building, 2nd or 3rd Floor Desks for help finding books.

Further information

To keep up to date with the latest Library news, visit this Library blog and our social media channels.

Katie Moore, Trainee Liaison Librarian

‘Finding your way’ sessions continue this week

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Not sure how to use the LibrStudent finding a bookary? Don’t panic! There are still places available on our one-hour ‘Finding your way’ sessions. They will continue to run during Week 1 of Term (1 October – 5 October).

Sessions cover:

  • what’s where in the Library and URS buildings
  • going to the shelves to find a book
  • borrowing and returning books
  • plus other tips on making the most of your Library

Take the opportunity to find your way to the books you need before your reading starts to pile up!

Book your place via the ‘Library course bookings’ link, located in the ‘Actions’ tab on the RISISweb Portal.

Sally Smith, Learning Support Co-ordinator

New student? Make the most of your Library – info tip

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Welcome to University of Reading Library!

We are here to support your studies, providing you with access to information – online, multimedia or printed – and the skills to make the most of it.

What you need to know

For a general intro, check out our guide for new students.

This year Library services are operating from two buildings. Study space and services are in the Library@URS Building, whilst printed materials are still available to borrow from the main Library building next door. The Library building also has some study space.Two students using laptops in the study space in the URS Building

Come to a ‘Finding your way’ session

Our interactive workshops run throughout Welcome Week and Week 1. Discover how to find books in the Library and borrow them, and have a tour of the services and facilities in the Library@URS Building. Each session lasts around one hour, but could save you a lot more time in the long run!

Visit our website to find out more and book your place.

Explore in Welcome Week

We are open through Welcome Week, so why not explore before all the other students return? Between 09:00 and 17:00 you can:Students outside the URS Building

  • Visit the Library to find resources for your subject – pick up a guide to your subject there and pick up some freebies.
  • Pop in to the Library@URS next door to discover your favourite study areas on the 2nd Floor and the largest PC facility in the University on the Ground Floor (along with IT help from the Service Desk).
  • Meet Study Advice and Maths Support on the Ground Floor of the Library@URS and pick up a free planner to organise your new University life!

Visit us in the Marquee

On Tuesday 25 September, Library staff and the Study Advice and Maths Support teams will be in the Marquee for the Academic Success Fair. Please pop in and have a chat with us about how we can support your studies. We’ll have freebies and a photo booth too!

Explore our online help

We’ve got lots of resources on our website to support your studies and develop your skills.

Get individual help

Liaison librariansYour friendly subject liaison librarian will be happy to give you individual help with any subject-related enquiries, or questions about the Library. You might also see yours as part of a Library session organised by your Department.

For one-to-one help with study skills contact the Study Advice Team.

Prepare yourself for life at university

Have you completed the Study Smart online course? This short course has been designed to help you make a smooth transition to University learning. It covers academic integrity, communicating at University and being an independent learner. Why not find time in Welcome Week to complete the course if you haven’t already done so? You should have received an e-mail with instructions on signing up – if not, contact Study Advice.

Find us on social media

Look out for our Finding Your Way tips throughout the Autumn Term on how to make the most of your Library. You’ll find them all on social media under the hashtag #FYWTips – feel free to add your own! We’re active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – we’d love for you to share how you’re getting on, and you can ask us questions there too!

This is one of a series of tips to help save you time and effort finding or using information

This tip was written by Learning Support Co-ordinator Sally Smith.

New student? Make the most of your Library – info tip

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Students studying in the URS Building

Group study space in the URS Building

Welcome!

We are here to support your studies, providing you with access to information – online, multimedia or printed – and the skills to make the most of it.

For a general intro…

Learning how to use the Library

A large academic library can be confusing and hard to find your way around. This year Library services are also operating from two buildings: study space and services are located in the URS Building, whilst printed materials are still available to borrow from the adjacent Library building.

Come to a ‘Finding your way in the Library’ session

Our interactive sessions run throughout Welcome Week and Week 1. Discover how to find books in the Library and borrow them, and have a tour of the services and facilities in the URS Building. Each session lasts around one hour, but could save you a lot more time in the long run!

To find out more and book your place see – Finding your way workshops.

Students outside the URS Building

The URS Building

Explore your Library & the URS Building in Welcome Week

We are open through Welcome Week, so why not explore before all the other students return? Between 09:00 and 17:00 you can:

  • Collect a self-guided Library tour leaflet to follow – stop off at whatever is relevant to you.
  • Visit the Library to find resources for your subject – pick up a guide to your subject there and pick-up a freebie from one of our information suppliers.
  • Pop in to the URS Building next door to discover your favourite study areas on the 2nd Floor (we’ve got silent, quiet and group spaces) and the largest PC facility in the University on the Ground Floor (along with IT help from the Service Desk).
  • Also meet Study Advice and Maths Support on the Ground Floor of the URS Building and pick up a free planner to organise your new University life!

Visit us in the Marquee

On Tuesday 19 September, Library staff and the Study Advice Team will be in the Marquee for ‘Academic success and module selection day’. Please pop in and have a chat with us about how we can support your studies.

Explore our online help

We’ve got lots of resources on our website to support your studies and develop your skills.

  • Try one of our LibLearn Tutorials to find out how to use the Library, search the catalogue, and more. Available 24/7 on Blackboard, the University’s online learning system.
  • Watch our videos – these cover a variety of topics ranging from placing holds on books, to doing your literature search.
  • Take a look at your subject guide, to discover key resources relevant to your studies.
  • Develop your study skills by exploring the wide range of guides and videos provided by our in-house Study Advice Team.

Our friendly subject liaison librariansGet individual help

Your friendly subject liaison librarian will be happy to give you individual help with any subject-related enquiries, or questions about the Library. You might also see yours as part of a Library session organised by your Department.

For one-to-one help with study skills contact the Study Advice Team.

Prepare yourself for life at University

Have you completed the Study Smart online course? This short course has been designed to help you make a smooth transition to University learning. It covers academic integrity, communicating at University and being an independent learner. Why not find time in Welcome Week to complete the course if you haven’t already done so?

For more information…

For extra guidance see Information for new Library users on our website.

This is one of a series of tips to help save you time and effort finding or using information

This tip was written by Learning Support Co-ordinator Sally Smith and Library Web Manager Jackie Skinner.