- How do I find out what the library has in stock?
You can access the catalogue online. It also provides a gateway to online resources such as databases and online journals. The library catalogue covers the site libraries, the Women’s’ Library and the TUC Collections.
- Why aren’t my books all in one place?
The library uses the Dewey Decimal classification scheme to organise the books on the shelves. The scheme groups subjects together in first broad then specific categories and places those books in sequence. Your books will have been classified according to the main subjects covered in the text.
- How do I order an item to add to the library’s stock?
Contact your subject librarian; you should supply details of the item that you want: author, title, publisher ISBN and date or year of publication if possible. For some items a supplier’s address would be useful.
- How long do items take to arrive?
On average it takes about 6 weeks, but items can sometimes take longer for various reasons.
- There aren’t enough copies of key texts for my students, what do I do?
Keep your Subject Librarian informed. They can look into getting more copies depending on student numbers, price and available budget. We will investigate the purchase of an e-book if multiple copies are required.
- Should I prioritise my reading list?
It will help the library to purchase the right number of copies if you let them know which titles are essential reading and which are background.
- I will be starting a new course, what do I do?
Alert the library in plenty of time - three months before the start of the course, if possible. You will be expected to do this as part of the course validation process. Remember to let the library have your final reading lists once the new course has been validated.
- What does the library do with my reading list?
The library will check your list for items already in stock and will buy copies of items not in stock, if available.
- How can I arrange for a Subject Librarian to deliver a session on using the library for my students?
Contact your subject librarian to arrange a session about using the library, it can be general or about a specific resource. Please give your subject librarian as much information about the students’ needs as possible and plenty of time to prepare.
- What is a course pack?
A course pack consists of a range of journal articles, chapters from books and other material held in print by the library. It could also include your lecture notes.
Further information can be found on the Copyright Webpages or ask your Subject Librarian for advice on course packs.
- How can I request a new journal or database?
The library needs to maintain a balance between journal and database subscriptions and book purchasing so please speak to your Subject Librarian for advice if you have a request. It is the library’s policy to purchase online only subscriptions where available and appropriate. As journal and database subscriptions are not one-off purchases the library will need to consider costs in the light of budgets.
- Can the library obtain copies of journal articles?
The library can obtain copies of articles not held in stock at any of the University's libraries from the British Library. You can ask for personal copies for your research or the library can order a copyright-cleared copy for library stock. Please check the library catalogue before requesting a journal article from the British Library, and then fill out the Interlibrary Loan request form.
- Can I access the library catalogue and its resources from anywhere?
Yes, you can look at the library catalogue from anywhere with the internet, go to: http://catalogue.londonmet.ac.uk/ You will be asked log in to use the electronic resources.
- What is an e-journal?
This is a journal that is available online, sometimes replacing the print copy of the journal, sometimes as an extra.
- What is an e-book?
This is the electronic version of a printed book which is exactly the same as the printed version, only electronic.
- Does the Library have any?
Yes, these can be accessed and searched for through the Library Catalogue. If an E-book is available, there will be a link on the books record, please ask your Subject Librarian for a demonstration.
- Can the library record a television programme for me?
Media Services can make off-air recordings. Ask Media staff or your Subject Librarian about this.
- One of the books I want is out of print; can the library buy it?
Occasionally. However, it would be preferable to recommend books in print so students are able to obtain their own copy if they wish.
- How do I find out about new publications/resources in my subject?
Your subject librarian can recommend both print and electronic resources in the library. It is also possible to set up alerting services with the major publishers and book suppliers, sending you information about new publications electronically.
- Can the library advise on copyright?
Ask your Subject Librarian or see the copyright web pages. If this does not resolve your query, contact the Copyright Coordinator listed on the library web pages.
- Can I have access to the library’s online resources at home or out of library hours?
Yes, online resources can be accessed from home through the library catalogue. You will need to log in with your IT username and password. If you find this does not work, please inform your Subject Librarian.
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What special collections exist in the University?
Library Services includes two internationally acclaimed collections managed by specialist librarians, archivists and museum curators. These are The Trades Union Congress (TUC) Library Collections and The Women’s Library (TWL). In addition there are a number of research collections that can be accessed across the University.
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Can students access this material?
Yes, the TUC and TWL collections are available to London Met students. These collections are not available for loan. Catalogues and other resource guides for the collections are available online.
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How can the special collections support London Met teaching?
Feedback from examiners and tutors has indicated that using special collections can significantly enhance student motivation and achievement. Special collections support teaching on a range of courses with individually taught sessions embedded within modules on a repeat basis - these can include student assignments based upon primary sources found in the collections. Special collections include a range of material much broader than the union and gender focus and provide an opportunity to research original source material across many subjects.
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Where can I find out more about special collections?
Our web pages provide more detailed information on all aspects of TWL and TUC collections and services, including online catalogues, subject guides and resource packs.
The Women’s Library
The Trades Union Congress Library Collections
Union History Online
- How do I find out what’s in other libraries?
Look at the Library Services website for links to other library catalogues via the British Library, Copac and Inform25 for university libraries in and around London.
- Can I borrow from other libraries?
Yes, through the SCONUL Access. This is a scheme that allows academic and research staff and research-only postgraduates to register without charge at over 125 Higher Education institutions.
- Can my students visit or borrow from another library?
A number of national schemes allow reference use or limited borrowing from other libraries for registered staff and students.
SCONUL Access allows distance, part-time, placement and full time postgraduate students to borrow from participating libraries and allows all registered students reference use of other libraries.
- I’ve got a disabled student, what can the library do to assist ?
See your Learning Resources Manager or subject librarian for help. The university also offers support through its Disabilities and Dyslexia Service.
- How do I report comments or complaints about the library services and environment?
If you have any comments or complaints about the library, please contact the Learning Resources Manager at that site. If there is a problem in the library whilst you are there, please speak to a member of staff immediately.
Acknowledgements
Library Services wish to thank The Higher Education Academy - English Subject Centre (http://www.english.heacademy.ac.uk/index.php) for permission to reproduce selected contents of their Guide for English Lecturers.
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