The library is a vital tool for every student, as some may know. Radar is here to explain how it works and how to make the most of it.
The library tower, in the Sir Ian Wood Building, is one of the primary study spots for students. The entrance is on level five and the library spans until level 9.
You may have noticed that there is a machine on your left when you enter and one further away on your right. The one on your left is where you can return any books that you borrowed from the library. You place the books one after another on the platform and they will be sent to the library to be returned. The library’s digital system will automatically update which books you have on loan each time you borrow or return a book. As for borrowing, that’s where the machine on the right comes into play. All you do is to take a book from its shelf, scan your student card and then the book.
If you lose the receipt it gives you, don’t panic! You can always check your library account online and see which books you have on loan. Online, you can also renew your books by yourself. But keep in mind if no-one has reserved the book you are using, the system will renew your loan by itself 7 days before the due date as well.
In case you need to print something, you will need credit on your online account. To add money for printing, all you have to do is to either top up your account online or use a printing kiosk – the closest one to the library is on Level 3 of the Sir Ian Wood Building. You can also top it up in person either at the reception of the library or at the Student Help Point in the Ishbel Gordon Building.
In the library tower, there are 187 PCs, 158 study desks, 4 adjustable desks and 2 group study rooms available to use. The group study rooms are located on Level 9 and must be booked. You can book them up to 3 weeks in advance using their online booking system.
For group work, you can book the following rooms at the Georgina Scott Sutherland Learning Centre using the library’s online booking system:
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1 Seminar Area
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8 Project Pods
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4 Student Project Rooms
Another useful online feature on our library is LibrarySearch. This is a key feature to use when searching for books, journals and more. By searching for a topic e.g. social psychology, you can find a wide range of materials and where to find them. If there is a physical copy of a book, it will tell you exactly which floor and number to find the book you want. If you cannot find the right number to locate the book, there will be library assistants on every floor to help you locate it at their respective help points.
The library’s opening times during the semester are:
The library is also open 24 hours a day during exams time as a result of a collaboration between the Union and the university. The library will let all students know when this period will start in advance.
Finally, the library staff hold drop-in workshops at the Georgina Scott Sutherland Learning Centre. You can contact the library with any queries by email: library@rgu.ac.uk or by phoning them at 01224 263450. If you need help with referencing, LibrarySearch or databases, you can use the same phone number to contact them or use the email: library.support@rgu.ac.uk. They can also be contacted by Facebook Messenger if you prefer to use that.
So, what are you waiting for? Why don’t you utilise your time at RGU to make the most of the library?