Study skills part three: getting the most from the library
Published on 16 May 13
We’ve put together a few essential services, advice and guidance about how to make the most of the library
Which best describes you?
- I’m in my first year and still finding my way around the library
- I’m using the library during revision time
- I’m about to graduate
- I’m a postgraduate student
I’m in my first year and still finding my way around the library
The Main library is a fantastic resource but it can be quite daunting to find your way around at first. Find out the different locations and opening times of the different libraries around campus.
The library’s how to use the library for new students explains how to do everything from borrowing book, keeping track of your account, renewing your loans, photocopying, finding books and much more.
http://umassmanchester.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/getting-to-know-your-library/
http://www.library.manchester.ac.uk/searchresources/
I’m using the library during revision time
Here are the library’s 12 top tips for getting the most from the library during revision time:
- Check out PC availability remotely through the My Manchester app before coming into the library. There may be other PCs available on campus
- Remember to book your group study rooms in the library and Learning Commons with plenty of notice.
- Other site libraries have extended opening hours during this busy period. You can use any library on campus including The John Rylands Library on Deansgate for your studies. Check the website for all the extended opening hours.
- You can search the entire library catalogue or use library search (databases, e-journals and e-books) for what you need
- If you can’t find a copy of the text you need on the shelf check the library catalogue – there might be a High Demand copy available for a few hours or it may be available as an e-book
- Quick access to your library account and library service is via MyManchester
- You don’t have to be in Manchester to access books and journals – many are available online, simply log in with your University username and password
- Use our reading list service to access your reading lists online. Each course list contains links to the important books, journal articles and other resources your tutor expects you to stud
- Get help with electronic resources from our E-Resources Support team – www.manchester.ac.uk/library/searchresources
- Find specialist resources for your discipline by viewing subject information pages
- Nearly finished your assignment? Find out about referencing
- Don't forget, if you have a question about anything library related drop in to one of our Skills Clinics on Wed and Fri between 1-2pm in the Blue 4 Teaching Suite. Check the online training calendar for all courses to help with your studies!
I’m about to graduate
If you have a dissertation that still needs binding, you can get them done at the Bindary@TheLibrary at the Joule Library.
Library fines need to be paid before you can graduate so make sure you don’t have any unpaid fines on your account. You can pay your fines online or in the library.
Using the library as a graduate
Once you’ve graduated, you can still access library services. Take a look online to find out how to set up a graduate library account.
I’m a postgraduate student
The library offers academic support specific to researchers; from citation analysis, copyright information, special collections and much more.
The library also provides various services tailored for researchers such as Business Data Service, Manchester eScholar, Open Access at Manchester and much more.