Getting into the library
When is the library open?
The library opening hours vary depending on whether it is vacation time or termtime. All opening hours can be found here|.
During termtime, we are open:
Monday - Thursday 08.30 - 21.00
Friday 08.30 - 18.00
Saturday 10.00 - 16.00
Sunday 12.00 - 18.00 (reference access only)
When is vacation opening?
We have produced a calendar which gives you the term dates and when the library is actually closed. Generally we follow the standard undergraduate term dates (including induction week) which are:
19th September 2011 - 16th December 2011
09th January 2012 - 30th March 2012
16th April 2012 - 22nd June 2012
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Finding the information you need
How do I search the library catalogue?
The UCS Ipswich catalogue| can be searched from any internet connected PC. A guide on how to best search the catalogue and find the information you need has also been written.
Is there one place where I will find everything I need?
Yes - and no!The book collection is organised using standard Dewey Decimal Classification, which is used to bring books together on a similar subject. This means that some of the books for your course will be in the same place on the shelves, but some may be in a different area. You can search the catalogue| to note down the shelfmark before you look at the shelves.
The current journals, and journal archive are arranged by title. The past copies in the journals archive and current journals are also colour coded so you can look for the colour relevant to your course and browse accordingly.
What do I do if all the books I need are on loan?
If the book you need is on loan, you can place a reservation on it from the library catalogue, following the on-screen prompts, or using the library help guide. Once the book is available for you to collect from the Issue Desk, an email will be sent to your UCS email account.
It may also be possible to access a key chapter of the book online through your course module on Wolsey.
Where do I find the e-resources?
The e-resources are accessible the UCS Ipswich Library catalogue|. You can access an A-Z list via the databases and e-resources| link on the homepage, or by searching for databases, e-journals, e-books or websites through the search facility.
If you would like further help or training in using any of the e-resources, you can come make an appointment to talk with you Subject Liaison Librarian|.
Can I get books or journals from other libraries?
Yes, you can. If there is a journal article, book or conference that you need to support your studies or area of research and we don't have access to it at UCS Ipswich there are variety of ways you could access the item.
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Borrowing
Do I need my card to borrow?
Ideally, yes, as you will need your card to access the library building, however we will accept other forms of identification.
What can I borrow?
Loan allowances are different for different levels of study, and for staff. Full details of loan allowances can be found here|.
Do you charge fines?
Yes, we do, and these differ depending on the type of material you have on loan. If it is a key text on a reading list, and on a short or 24 hour loan period, the fine will be higher than a standard loan. The fine rates can be found here|.
To avoid fines - renew your loans!
How will I know if a book is overdue?
We will send you a courtesy reminder email one day before the loan is due back to the library. At this point, you can seek a renewal which will be possible if there are no reservations on it.
Once the item has gone overdue you will start to receive overdue notices to your UCS email address, and letters to your home address.
What happens if I loose a book?
If you lose a book, you need to come and tell us - otherwise the item will go overdue and you will get fines. Once you have told us, we can stop the loan on your account, but you will need to pay the replacement cost - as charged to us by our book supplier, plus an administration fee of £2.50 per item.
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Getting help
Understanding Library jargon
There may be words and phrases which we use in relation to library and information skills, which are new to you. Our library jargon leaflet| may help!
Can someone show me how to use the databases or e-journals?
Yes, of course. If it is a simple question of where to find them and access them, come and ask us at the Helpdesk during the day, or at the Issue Desk if it is in the evening or at the weekend.
If you would like more detailed help, in constructing searches, choosing keywords and selecting results, make an appointment to see your Subject Liaison Librarian|.
How do I make an appointment to see my Subject Liaison Librarian?
There are several ways you can do this. You can ask at the Helpdesk, or ring the library and ask to speak to your Subject Liaison Librarian. Alternatively, you can contact them directly using their contact details|.
What is referencing?
Referencing is used to list journals, books and other source materials that you have used to research and support your piece of work. It is also used to indicate where you have directly quoted from supporting material.
There are many styles of referencing, but the UCS standard is based on the Harvard style.
The Library and Learning Development team have developed a series of leaflets. on referencing which are available in the Library, or through our Study Support| pages.
Referencing training is provided by the Learning Development team.
Can anyone help me check my work, or improve how I write?
Yes, the Learning Development team can work with you on writing, numeracy and IT skills. A weekly timetable of workshops and drop-in sessions is available in the Library.
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