Library news

November 2009

Scheduled IT Maintenance: Saturday 21 November, 6am – 6pm

Maintenance planned by ITS will affect all IT services on campus, as well as off-campus access to online Library services. The following will be unavailable:

  • access to the Library website from off-campus
  • links to databases on Library website both on-campus and off-campus
  • access to catalogue from off-campus
  • ability to check and renew borrowed items from off-campus
  • access to Document Delivery service from off-campus
  • access to study room booking system from off-campus
  • access to Resources for Assignments from on-campus
  • access to some Resources by Topic pages from on-campus
  • access to Email-a-Librarian and the Feedback system from off-campus
  • access to BlackBoard Vista
  • access to Webmail

On-campus, clients will be able to search the catalogue, borrow and renew items but will not be able to access any resources outside the University.

Please ask our friendly staff if you have any questions. We apologise for any inconvenience. Check the ITS website.

October 2009

Exam support: past papers, exam help and more ...

Take the stress out of preparing for your exams by using the Library’s wide range of exam resources.

Past exam papers

Find out how to access released exam papers from the past three years. All exam papers we hold are now online and are accessible through the catalogue.

Exam guides and study resources

We have a wide range of resources in our collection to assist you with studying for exams or upgrading your general study skills. Use the Catalogue and try searching with the terms ‘examinations study guides’ or ‘study skills’.

Expert research help

Visit Research Help in the Main Library foyer. Our friendly staff are available to help with all your study questions. Alternatively you can Email a Librarian for help with your research questions for a response within 24 hours or just give us a call on 02 4221 3548. Visit the Ask Us page for more details.

Excellent workspaces

The Library is a haven for quiet study, with access to computers, individual study spaces, powered desks and group study rooms. Don’t forget that Level 1 is a designated quiet zone and is the best place to stay on track with your study. For more details on Library learning spaces visit the Using Library learning spaces page.

Open Access Week

Open Access Week banner

The University is supporting Open Access Week from 19 – 23 October. Open Access Week promotes the use of online digital repositories such as UOW’s Research Online and Open Access Journals. 

Last month, Research Online recorded its 1 millionth download, delivering on its promise to increase the visibility, retrievability and impact of UOW research. 

Find out what Open Access actually means, why it’s important, and how researchers at UOW and worldwide are using Open Access to their advantage.

Visit: http://uow.libguides.com/openaccess

Extended opening hours

To support study for exams, the Library will be open longer on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during week 12, week 13, study recess and exam week 1 (October 19 – November 15).

Fridays: 8.00am - 10.00pm
Saturdays & Sundays: 10.00am - 6.00pm

Full opening hours information

September 2009

Interruptions to UOW internet access (on & off campus)

6pm Friday 25 September – 9am Saturday 26 September

There will be several short periods between 6pm Friday 25 September – 9am Saturday 26 September where the following services will be down, due to ITS maintenance works.

Services affected:
  • On campus: Access to websites outside UOW domain, including Library databases, e-books and Resources for Assignments
  • Off campus: Access to UOW websites, including Library subscription databases which require a EZproxy username and password

"Did you find it?" Survey prize draw

Sam Wiaczek (Did you find it survey 2009 prize winner)All students who completed the Library’s ‘Did you find it?’ Survey entered the draw to win a $100 UniCentre voucher, as well as receiving a chocolate for their time. The prize was drawn on Wednesday 16 September.

Sam Wiaczek was the lucky winner. When Sam came into the Library to collect his prize, he said he was happy to complete the survey but the prize was an added bonus!

Thank you to all clients who took the time to complete the survey. Results will be published in the coming weeks.

Use our print-only laptops for fast printing, with no queues.

Where are they? In the Main Library:

  • Three near the Library entrance, behind Stair East, Ground Floor
  • One opposite Group Study room 2 (GS2), Ground Floor South

These are ideal for printing assignments and other urgent documents.

Please note: There is no Internet access on print-only laptops, print documents from USB key only.

Get the most from Library computers

Life on campus is getting busy and parking isn’t the only thing that’s in demand. As use of the Library increases, you may find it harder to access a computer when you need one. Use the following tips to ensure that you’re not caught short.

  • Check all floors for access to more than 300 computers
  • Consider visiting outside of peak hours (11am to 2pm)
  • Borrow a laptop from Short Loans
  • Bring your own laptop and use the many powered desks located throughout the building
  • Use the Link on Level 1 and walk straight through to the Student Central Computing Laboratories
  • Use the dedicated print-only computers for quick printing

August 2009

Did you find it?

Are you looking for a book, DVD, journal or any other physical item in the Library?

If so, we would like you to complete a quick survey on whether you found the item. You will receive a chocolate and an entry into the draw to win a $100 UniCentre voucher for your effort!

The survey will be run at the Wollongong and Shoalhaven campuses 10.00am - 2.00pm from 31 August to 11 September. Collect the survey at the entrance and place your completed survey in the box at the exit to receive your chocolate.

The survey will be used to assess whether the collection meets your needs.

Have you tried Article Finder?

Searching for information across the Library’s vast array of electronic resources has just been made a whole lot easier. The Library’s new search engine, Article Finder, allows you to simultaneously search across a wide range of databases.

For a more intensive searching, click Advanced Subject Search. Article Finder saves valuable time by identifying databases and resources relevant to a particular area of study or research. Tick your topic area, enter several keywords and click Search.

Article Finder is “Google like” as it is easy to use, but unlike Google, the results will include high quality scholarly sources suitable for academic assignments and research.

www.library.uow.edu.au > Catalogue > Article Finder tab

or

www.library.uow.edu.au > Databases

If you require any assistance, please ask our friendly staff, online or in-person.

July 2009

Printing update

You can now collect your print job and photocopy at any* of the printer/copiers in the Main Library. The new printing process means you can choose a free printer/copier – no more queues!

Printing: Once you have selected “Print” on your computer [Printer: Follow Me Library], walk up to any available printer/copier and follow the instructions to release your print job(s).

Some things to remember:

  • You will need to collect your printing within 3 hours.
  • Your document will print double-sided by default, so if you need to print single-sided you will need to change the printing properties on the computer.
  • If you normally print from your wireless-enabled laptop, you will need to print using the old system. Choose either First Floor printer, Second Floor printer or Media Room Printer and collect your job at these print stations.

* There are three print stations that are for wireless-enabled laptop users only.

Read full printing instructions and other hints and tips.

The Library Search page has had a makeover! You can now use the various Search box tabs to search across an unprecedented range of information resources.

The different search options:

  • Search Guru: Use this search option when you are looking for books, e-books and other materials on a certain topic. Refine your search by selecting a material type, location, publication year. You can also refine by topic using the tags on the right.
  • Subject code: Use this tab when you are looking for e-readings and short loan items your lecturer has made available for you to download or borrow.
  • Classic catalogue: Use the different options (Title, Author, Call number, Journal title) to search for specific items; or click Advanced Search for multiple keyword searching and to apply search limits.
  • NEW! Article Finder: Search for journal articles across multiple databases simultaneously. Use the Advanced subject search to search multiple databases more specifically related to your area of study.
  • My Library: Log in to Check your loans record, fines, holds, set up reading history or preferred search tools.

Can you knit or crochet?

Wrap with love

Library staff are supporting Wrap with Love Inc, a non-profit organisation which sends knitted woollen wraps around the world to people in need.

We need your help! Knit or crochet 25cm x 25cm squares using wool and leave them at the collection point, positioned in the Library foyer. Hurry, the collection ends on 31st July 2009. The Library will then forward completed wraps to Wrap with Love Inc.

View instructions on how to create a square, and patterns if you are feeling creative.

June 2009

Don't risk your results being witheld!

REMEMBER: You must complete ILIP and pay outstanding Library fines by Friday 3 July to avoid having your results witheld.

Check your borrowing record to find out if you have fines owing and how to pay them.

Congratulations Library Hunt winners!

Winners of the Library Hunt were extremely pleased with their prize of $100. The winners were:

  • Jane Deeley
  • Matthew Tonini
  • Phillip Wise
  • Steven Barker (Shoalhaven)

The Library Hunt was held in celebration of Libraries and Information Week. Winners searched the catalogue using keywords deduced from the cryptic clues given as part of the hunt and then located the book and found the key inside.

Pictured below: Jane Deeley, Matthew Tonini, Phillip Wise

Library Hunt 2009 winners

May 2009

Exam support: past papers, exam help and more …

Take the stress out of preparing for your exams by using the Library’s wide range of exam resources.

Past exam papers

Find out how to access released exam papers from the past three years. All exam papers we hold are now online and are accessible through the catalogue.

Exam guides and study resources

We have a wide range of resources in our collection to assist you with studying for exams or upgrading your general study skills. Use the Catalogue and try a Subject Heading search with the terms ‘examinations study guides’ or ‘study skills’.

Expert research help

Visit Research Help in the Main Library foyer. Our friendly staff are available to help with all your study questions. Alternatively you can Email a Librarian for help with your research questions for a response within 24 hours or just give us a call on 02 4221 3548. Visit the Ask Us page for more details.

Excellent workspaces

The Library is a haven for quiet study, with access to computers, individual study spaces, powered desks and group study rooms. Don’t forget that Level 1 is a designated quiet zone and is the best place to stay on track with your study. Level 2 will also become a quiet zone when exams commence. For more details on Library learning spaces visit the Using Library learning spaces page.

Extended opening hours

The Library will be open later on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Friday 29 May (Week 12) and Sunday 21 June (Exam week 1) to help with exam and assignment preparation. Staff on the Research Help desk will be available to help until close.

The extended opening hours are:

  • Fridays: 8.00am - 10.00pm
  • Saturdays: 10.00am - 6.00pm
  • Sundays: 10.00am - 6.00pm

Library Hunt

All the keys have been found! Congratulations to all the winners.

Please join us in celebrating Libraries & Information Week: 25 – 31 May.

April 2009

Get the most from Library computers

Life on campus is getting busy, and parking isn’t the only thing that’s in demand. As the Library gets busier, you may find it harder to access a computer when you need one. Use the following tips to ensure that you’re not caught short:

  • check all floors for access to more than 300 computers
  • consider visiting outside of peak hours (10am to 2pm)
  • borrow a laptop from Short Loans
  • bring your own laptop and use the many powerpoints located throughout the building
  • use the Link on Level 1 and walk straight through to the Student Central Computing Laboratories
  • use the dedicated print-only computers at Ground Floor South for quick printing

Postgraduates: get your own space

Did you know that as a postgraduate student you have access to two exclusive rooms situated on the Ground Floor? One room is limited to quiet individual study and has study computer access, while the other one is designed for quiet group work with round tables and comfortable chairs.

Take advantage of your postgraduate status and access these rooms. Visit the Information Desk and ask for the security code. You will need to show your student card. More information …

Easter opening hours

Main Library

Exceptions to Autumn Session opening hours:

Friday April 10 – Sunday April 12: CLOSED

Monday April 13: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Curriculum Resource Centre (CRC)

Exceptions to Autumn Session opening hours:

Friday April 10 – Monday April 13: CLOSED

Tuesday 14 April – Friday April 17: 8.00am – 4.00pm

Shoalhaven Campus Library

Exceptions to Autumn Session opening hours:

Friday April 10: CLOSED

Monday April 13: CLOSED

March 2009

Activate Reading History

We know how frustrating it can be trying to remember the name of a great book that you’ve borrowed in the past.

Reading History is a feature of the catalogue that once activated, records all items you borrow from the Library, even after they are returned. You can then check your Reading History and re-borrow the item, or get the information you need from the catalogue record.

To activate: Log in to your Borrowing Record, click Reading History and then click Opt In. You can opt out at any time.

Please note: Once activated, Reading History will only record new items borrowed, not items already on loan.

New Exhibition: Mary Rosengren

An exhibition of limited edition prints & artists books by Mary Rosengren is on display in the Library, Ground Floor, Panizzi Room.

Taken from the series "The Real Thing", "Fruitingbodies" and "Digitalis", limited edition archival prints and artist’s books combine references and images from botanical history with vivid contemporary visualisations of plant subjects.

These works of visual and textual material are contemporary views of vegetation from western science, and include historical accounts of plant subjects from European artist-scientists of 17th & 19th Centuries. Researched at the British Museum, Natural History Museum London, Herbarium RBG Edinburgh, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong; and on field trips including the Cairngorm Mountains Scotland, Lake Mungo NSW, sub-Antarctic House RBG Hobart and the South Shetlands & Antarctic Peninsula.

Opening: Tuesday 10 March 2008, 12.30pm
All welcome, refreshments available.

Where: Panizzi Room, Ground Floor, Library

Exhibition Dates: Tuesday 10 March – Friday 3 April 2008

February 2009

Photographic Exhibition in the Reading Lounge

Diversity – Images of Nature

The Library is hosting a photographic exhibition until March 6 in the Reading Lounge, Ground Floor.

Diversity - Images of Nature is an exhibition of photographs by four members and associates of the UOW Institute for Conservation Biology (Liz Tasker, Sharon Robinson, Andrew Netherwood and Julie Wright).
While the show is underpinned by scientific research the images also reflect their fascination with how animals and plants manage to survive and flourish in an incredible range of environments around the world.

Come into the Library to view these stunning images.

December 2008

Re-enrol to borrow over summer

Remember that you must be a currently enrolled student to borrow from the Library. If you want to make best use of our resources over summer make sure that you re-enrol.

Relax with a good book

Check out our Leisure Reading Collection to help you relax and unwind. We have a selection of the latest novels available for your summer reading. You can also browse our DVD titles for a great movie or check out our extensive CD Collection. There’s something for everyone!

November 2008

Building works: Ground floor toilets

Toilets on the ground floor will be unavailable from November 24, due to renovations being completed over Summer Session. This includes the Disabled toilet on the ground floor. Additional toilet facilities for disabled clients are available on Level 2.

The toilets on the Level 1 will be available and are located near the Link on the south side of the Library. The toilets on Level 2 are also available for use.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

October 2008

Don’t risk having your results withheld!

REMEMBER: You must complete ILIP and pay outstanding Library fines by Friday 21 November to avoid having your results withheld. All academic and PhD loans must be returned or renewed by 21 November also. Check your borrowing record to find out if you have fines owing and how to pay them.

Exam Support: Past papers, exam help and more…

Take the stress out of preparing for your exams by using the Library’s wide range of exam resources.

Past exam papers

Find out how to access released exam papers from the past three years. All exam papers we hold are now online and are accessible through the catalogue.

Exam guides and study resources

We have a wide range of resources in our collection to assist you with studying for exams or upgrading your general study skills. Use the Catalogue and try a Subject Heading search with the terms ‘examinations study guides’ or ‘study skills’.

Expert research help

Visit Research Help in the Main Library foyer. Our friendly staff are available to help with all your study questions. Alternatively you can Email a Librarian for help with your research questions for a response within 24 hours or just give us a call on 02 4221 3548. Visit the Ask Us page for more details.

Excellent workspaces

The Library is a haven for quiet study, with access to computers, individual study spaces, powered desks and group study rooms. Don’t forget that Level 1 is a designated quiet zone and is the best place to stay on track with your study. Level 2 will also become a quiet zone when exams commence. For more details on Library learning spaces visit the Using Library learning spaces page.

Labour Day long weekend opening hours (October 4 - 6)

The Library will be open between 10.00am and 5.00pm, Saturday 4 October to Monday 6 October.

The Link between the Library and ITS:
Saturday October 4: CLOSED
Sunday October 5: Open 10.00 am - 4.45 pm
Monday October 6th - CLOSED

August 2008

You can borrow more items than ever before

Check out the new borrowing conditions to see how many items you can borrow at one time.

Renew items online

You can now renew items online twice before having to return them.

To renew items online, visit:
Library home page > Borrow > Check your borrowing record

Group Study Rooms

Want a quiet space to discuss your work with others? Book a Group Study Room online.

Book early to get the time you want. If you are an early riser or a night owl, you are virtually guaranteed a room.

Tip: You could also book a laptop from Short Loans to use and access the UOW Wireless Network while working in these rooms.

Book a Group Study Room, visit:
Library Homepage > Using your Library > Group Study Rooms: online bookings

Overnight chute for out of hours returns

Need to return items when the Library is closed? Use the overnight chute adjacent to the western entrance of Building 17, where you can park in the Main car park while you drop the items off.

July 2008

Connect your laptop to the UOW wireless network

The UOW Wireless Network is available within the Library. Make use of our powered desks located on the Level 1 and Level 2.

If you need help connecting:

May 2008

The secret to less stress this exam period … ?

Let the Library help you with end-of-session assessments and exams. We provide expert advice, resources and facilities, including:

  • Expert research help
    Visit Research Help in the Main Library foyer. Our friendly staff are available to help with all your study questions. Alternatively you can Chat to a Librarian, online and in real-time, or Email a Librarian for help with your research questions within two working days.
  • Extensive resources
    We are continuously updating our resources and provide extensive access to print and electronic items. Browse our Catalogue – on-campus or from home – for more information or to access past exam papers, e-books, subject readings, journals and much more online.
  • Excellent workspaces
    The Library is a haven for quiet study, with access to computers, printing and copying, individual and group study spaces.

Make the most of the Library’s services for less stress during exams!

Quiet study time – Levels 1 & 2

Levels 1 and 2 have now been declared quiet study zones in preparation for exams. Please consider other students and keep noise to a minimum on these floors. Group Study Rooms remain available on the Ground Level – book online up to two weeks in advance.

Need to print NOW? Use the print-only computers!

Use the two print-only computers at Ground Floor South, Main Library, for quick access to printing. These are ideal for assignments and other urgent documents. Please consider others by using these computers promptly.

Get the most from Library computers

Life on campus is getting busy and parking isn’t the only thing that’s in demand. As use of the Library increases, you may find it harder to access a computer when you need one. Use the following tips to ensure that you’re not caught short.

  • check all floors for access to more than 300 computers
  • consider visiting outside of peak hours (11am to 2pm)
  • borrow a laptop from Short Loans
  • bring your own laptop and use the many powerpoints located throughout the building
  • use the Link on Level 1 and walk straight through to the Student Central Computing Laboratories
  • use the dedicated print-only computers at Ground Floor South for quick printing

Go green with Library printing and copying

We’re pleased to announce that recycled paper is now in use in all Library printers and copiers!

April 2008

Don’t lose your memory… take your USB with you!

What’s small, valuable and easy to leave behind? Your USB drive!

USB drives (also known as memory sticks and thumb drives) are invaluable for storing your documents and we recommend the use of them. However, they’re also the most common item left behind in the Library. Don’t risk losing all your precious documents… remember to save them to your USB drive and take it with you when you go!

January 2008

After hours returns

Return Library items whenever it suits you. With our new after-hours returns bin you can drop items off straight from the car park! Conveniently located at the rear of Building 17, near the Post Office. This service is available when the Library is closed.

Relax with a good book

The Library isn't all about serious study. Now that the summer break is here, it's time to relax and enjoy the lighter side of your Library! Browse the See the World travel guides collection and plan your next adventure. Borrow a leisure reading title, or a film on video or DVD. Check out the literature section and catch up on a classic. Find what you're after using the Catalogue.

Hidden link to list of Library orphaned pages

Content by Promotion and Partnerships Coordinator

Last reviewed: 17 November, 2009

       

Library sticky region image

Interruptions to UOW IT services (on & off campus)

Maintenance to UOW IT services is planned for Saturday 21 November, 6am – 6pm. On-campus, internet access to websites outside UOW, and access to UOW webpages from off-campus will be affected. More details...