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New Entrants

Making the transition from school to Higher Education can be a daunting experience! In the Library we aim to make at least part of this transition as easy and painless as possible for you. Library staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have, and can show you how to find what you are looking for if you are not sure where to begin. Remember that we all need help to find what we are looking for occasionally, so don't be shy!

Service Desk

Your main point of contact within the Library is the Service Desk. It is located just to the right of the entry barriers as you enter the Main Library.

This is where you should come to borrow and return material, or to ask about our services or collections if you are unsure about anything. Our Library Assistants can explain our procedures to you, or help you search the catalogue and locate any items you are having trouble finding.

At the service desk you can:

Academic Liaison Librarians

Whatever subject you hope to study at GSA, our Academic Liaison Librarians can provide friendly expert advice on our collections and on print and electronic resources in your discipline.

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.

Library Catalogue

The Library Catalogue provides your main point of access to Library stock It gives full details of all the books, journals, slides, and videos and DVDs we hold, and is searchable from anywhere over the Internet.

Don't worry if you've not used a library catalogue before. It's just like an Internet search engine, only rather than searching the Web you are searching the Library's collections. The Library Catalogue is simple to search, but if you need help don't be shy and ask at the Service Desk.

Locating Books in the Library

Once you have found a book in the Library Catalogue, finding it on the library shelves can be a little confusing until you get used to the arrangement of the Library. Don't worry though - remember that you can ask for help at the Service Desk if you are having trouble finding something on the shelves.

Each of our books is given a number on its spine, and it is this number that is shown in the Library Catalogue. Simply make a note of the number, and find it on the library shelves. All books run in numerical order round the library, from 0 to 999.

Don't worry too much about what the number means. It is sufficient just to know that books on the same subject will be given the same number, and so will be shelved together. You'll soon get to know the sections of the Library that are most useful for your subject.

Subject Guides

Our subject guides provide a really useful way of discovering books, journals and online resources in your subject. Our Academic Liaison Librarians have carefully selected resources for you to get you started in your studies. What could be simpler?!

Information Skills

Swamped by information and want to find ways of narrowing your searches? Need to find ways of identifying resources in your subject area, and of assessing the quality of the information you find?

The Library's InfoSmart materials are designed to help you find, evaluate and use information effectively.

Study Skills Books

The transition from school to Higher Education can require a whole new range of study and writing skills, which can be daunting to say the least! But don't despair - the Library stocks a number of books on study skills which will help you develop these skills, from how to write better essays, to how to manage your time better. Details of all our books can be found in the Library Catalogue, but most books are shelved at 001.4 or 371.3 on the library shelves.

Personal Development Books

Moving from school to higher education can be a stressful experience, especially if you have a lot of other things going on in life at the same time. The Library stocks a growing number of books on personal development, which cover a wide range of subjects and issues. From coping with stress or upset, to dealing with body issues, we're sure you'll find something to make everyday life a little easier. Details of all our books can be found in the Library Catalogue, but most books are shelved at 616.852 on the library shelves.

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