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International Students

Finding what you need in the Library can be daunting sometimes, especially when you’re using a second language. In the Library we aim to make things as easy and painless as possible for you.

Academic Liaison Librarians

Whether you're studying Architecture, Design or Fine Art, our Subject Librarians can provide expert advice on our collections and on print and electronic resources in your discipline. You can also contact our Academic Liaison Librarians about accessing resources elsewhere, both virtually or in other libraries, or request book purchases if we do not have what you are looking for.

The Academic Liaison Librarians' office is located on the upper level of the Main Library. You can usually pop in to see them during normal working hours. Alternatively, use the contact details below.

English Grammar and Use

We stock a number of books on English language, use and grammar within the Library, along with books and cassettes on how to learn other languages. Full details can be found in the Library Catalogue.

Dictionaries

Most of our foreign language dictionaries are shelved at 413 in the Research Support Collection.

Books

Because of the nature of the subjects taught at GSA, a large number of books within the Library are visual in nature. Many predominantly feature images rather than text. If you would like help in browsing for these kinds of book, contact your Academic Liaison Librarian.

Much of the Library's book stock is international in focus, with many books written in other languages with or without a parallel English text. Where a book is written in other languages, the Library Catalogue will generally inform you of this, though some older records may not include this information.

We have also made the collecting of books on non-Western art a priority area in recent years, to reflect the international make-up of the GSA. If you know of books that would help us develop this area of our collection, please contact your Academic Liaison Librarian.

Alliance Francaise Library

All GSA staff and students have borrowing access to over 9,000 French-language books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and videos in the Alliance Francaise Library in Glasgow. Simply take your GSA matriculation card along to the Library.

arrow icon Alliance Francaise Library Website

Goethe Institut Library

All GSA staff and students have borrowing access to German-language books, reference works, CD-ROMs, magazines, audio books, videos and DVDs in the Goethe Institut Library in Glasgow. Simply take your GSA matriculation card along to the Library.

arrow icon Goethe Institut Library Website

Glasgow Public Libraries

Many public libraries in Glasgow have foreign language collections. Anyone who lives, works or studies in Glasgow can join Glasgow Libraries. Click below for information on how to join.

Click below for a full list of which languages are available at each public library. Full contact details, directions and opening hours are also provided.

arrow icon How to Join Glasgow Public Libraries

Glasgow Public Libraries Online Resources

Membership of Glasgow public libraries also gets you access to their online resources. You can access these resources from anywhere with an Internet connection.

arrow icon Glasgow Public Libraries Online Resources

Group Study Area

A small group study area is available to all GSA staff and students to the rear of the grpund floor of the Main Library. If you wish to book this area, simply write your name in your desired slot on the whiteboard outside.

This area is particularly useful if you would like to work as a group and discuss things, or even practice your English together.

Websites

See our online resources section for links to foreign language resources.

Internet Searching

Intute's Virtual Training Suite provides an easy-to-follow interactive tutorial for students whose first language is not English. The tutorials help you to use the Internet in English effectively and to discover resources for the learning of language. Google also provides several language tools.

Assistive Software

If you find reading and concentrating on large pieces of English text difficult, some of the assistive software available in the Computer Centre may be of help. Contact ICT support if you want to learn how to use this software.

arrow icon Assistive Software in the Computer Centre

Student Services

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