Let it snow....

We will be closing for Christmas on Friday 21st December and re-opening in the New Year on the Thursday 3rd January.

Please remember to renew your books online via the 'My account' area in Library Search.

All 3-week loans issued on 30th November or later will not be due back till after the New Year, and any 1-week loans issued on 14th December or later will similarly not be due back till the New Year.

 

If you want to borrow a laptop over the Christmas holidays please borrow it on the 21st and return on the 3rd January.

 

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas!

Build up your library strengths

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/government_press_office/

We will be running the following drop-in sessions in the Library training room (the North Area) giving advice and tips on using referencing software, locating articles for your subject and using online maps:

RefWorks - Monday 26th Nov 12-1pm

Finding articles Monday 26th Nov 2-3pm

RefWorks – Thursday 29th Nov 12-1pm

Finding articles Thursday 29th Nov 2-3pm

Mapping tools – Monday 3rd Dec 12-1pm

Mapping tools – Thursday 6th Dec 12-1pm

To book in advance you can either sign up using the sign-up sheets held at the library counter or online here


Feel free to drop-in too if you haven't got around to booking.

£100 Amazon vouchers could be yours...

Photo credit Digital design: Light painting by vancouverfilmschool

The University is undertaking some work to explore digital literacy skills and employability and we need your views. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and have the chance to be entered into a prize draw for £100 Amazon vouchers.




Go to the survey https://westminsterpsych.qualtrics.com/SE/SID=SV_8kT05HcIoWH5dY1

How to research your assignment

Having trouble researching your assignment, take a look at this helpful multimedia guide produced by some library colleagues.

It breaks up doing your research into three stages, advising on keyword selection, where to look for the information and useful search techniques to try out.

You will find lots of books in the library and online which will help with doing your research too, try looking on Library Search for topics on research and library skills, critical thinking and study skills.

Accessing other libraries

Search25, a service that searches academic library collections in London and the South east, was launched this week.

If you want to search collections beyond London, you can use COPAC.


The Library offers an Inter-Document Delivery (IDD) service, which you can use to order books and journal articles not available in our collections.

You may wish to apply for a SCONUL card, which allows you to use other university libraries. Just ask at your library counter for more information.

Don't forget the RIBA Library which is just around the corner on Portland Place, photographic proof of identity is required for non members.

NBS TV Video

A new development ready for the academic year is that NBS (National Building Specifications), have made NBS TV free to air for the rest of the year!

It may be a good source for background research before delving into journals and books; it is an innovative way of research from reliable sources.

Click below for an example of the type of programmes available:

BIM and construction law - NBS TV video

Welcome

Come and check out our welcome area on the 1st floor of the library, you can find information about training available, how to make contact with us and maybe even pick up some freebies...