Library FAQ
Where is the library?
The Main Library is in the heart of the Garnethill Campus on the corner of Scott St and Renfrew St.
When are you open?
The main Library and Computer Centre are open Term time: 9am - 8pm Monday to Thursday, 9am - 5pm Friday, 12pm - 4pm Saturday. Vacation: 9.15am - 4.45pm Monday to Friday. The Mackintosh Library is open 11am to 12pm, Monday to Friday, term only.
Where can I get help?
The Service Desk is situated just inside the library entrance. This is where you can borrow and return books and enquire about all library services.
How do I find out what you've got?
The Library Online catalogue gives full details of all the books, DVDs, CD-Roms, journals and dissertations available in the library.
What journals do you have?
We currently subscribe to over 300 journals. Current journals are located on the first floor of the library and past issues are located on the stage at the the back of the ground floor. All journals are for reference only.
What if you don't have the information I need?
The library provides an Inter-Library Loan service which allows us worldwide access to books, journals, theses and conference proceedings, which will help you in completing your research for your degree. Request forms are available from the Service Desk and can also be completed online.
How do I look for an item?
The first step in locating an item is to check the library online catalogue. This can be done at one of the computer terminals located throughout the Library or via the website. You can search for an item using Author, Title and Keyword searches. Item records will tell you all the details of the item i.e. Look for the shelfmark and where the item is locaed eg Main Library, Bookstore and whether it is available to borrow.
What next?
The shelfmakr details all the information you need to find items in the Library. All Lending items are located in the Main Library. For all other items eg reading list, bookstoreetc, you must enquire at the Service Desk. All shelfmark details should be written down and passed to a member of staff in order to access the material. For dissertations and bookstore items, the correct form will need to be completed.
How do I find an item in the Library?
Once you have noted down the shelfmark details and the item is Lending, go to the floor plans located around the Library and identify the area where the item is shelved. Check the guides at the end of each bay to find the matching number. If you have problems finding items, come to the Service Desk for assistance.
How can I borrow / return items?
You must have your matriculation card in order to borrow Library items. Items are borrowed and returned at the Service Desk. Items can also be returned in the red book drop situated between the entrance doors to the Library between 8.30am and 10am.
How many items can I borrow
This depends on your membership status. For example, undergraduates can borrow a maximum of 12 books. Generally loan periods are: 3 weeks for books and cd-roms, a week for videos and DVDs. Please note all periodicals are reference only. Please check out our Borrowing FAQ for more information.
Can I get an item if someone else has borrowed it?
Yes. You can recall a book from another borrower. Once you have searched the Library catalogue for the item, click on the "Place Request" tab at the top of the screen and follow the instructions. You will received an email telling you to collect the book from the Service Desk once it has been returned.
Recall notices
You will receive recall notices and overdue notices via your Art school email email account. Please make sure you check your email account frequently.
Items returned late
Remember to bring back items on time as fines will be due on everything returned late. Other useres may need the material and will therefore be inconvenienced by the late return of stock.
Where do I find reading list books?
Reading list books can be accessed via the Service Desk. You should have the title and shelfmark of the items you require written down in order to pass to staff who will then fetch the items for you. A maximum of 2 items can be borrowed at a time and can only be read in the Library.
Online Resources?
The Library subscribes to a growing number of online resources. Many of theser require an ATHENS password. You can get one either by emailing 'athens@gsa.ac.uk' or by asking Computer Centre staff. Once you have your ATHENS password, you can see all the resources available to you by selecting "My ATHENS" at http://www.athens.ac.uk.
What are your Photocopying facilities?
We have 5 colour photocopiers in the library. 4 of them are situated in front of the Service Desk on the ground floor of the Library. The other colour photocopier is near the printers in the Computer Centre. You need to add money to your account, which can be done at the Pcounter machine near the turnstiles.
Where is the Computer Centre?
The Computer Centre is located on he first floor of the Library. This centre has facilities for word processing, email and Internet access, graphic manipulation, desktop publishing, web development and also scanning.
The Centre has a selection of both PC and Mac computers with printing facilities (these are situated in the reading area), a large training room, a scanning room and a small training suite.
How do I get access to the Computer Centre?
Access to the Computer Centre is restricted to the staff and students of Glasgow School of Art. External members are not entitled to use the centre.
Is there technical assistance?
The area has two members of staff available to give advice and support. The technical support staff are available Monday - Friday 9.am - 7pm.