International Students Library Orientation 2012 Welcome to Library & Information Services

Introducing your Information Specialists

Studying in the Library Study areas 3 rd floor silent study only 2 nd floor flexible study area – silent study during exam periods Ground floor flexible group study Student lift available Toilets on every floor Please help us keep the Library a clean and tidy environment for all by using the bins provided throughout the building

Using academic libraries in the UK ►In a UK library the emphasis is on independent learning ►You are expected to search for books yourself using the and then find them on the shelves and take them out using a Self Service machine ►Books are available to loan for a set period of time and returning the books on time is very important ►Books can be borrowed for free – there is no charge

Using academic libraries in the UK ►There are different spaces to study in depending on how you like to learn or what sort of assignment you are working on ►Group study rooms for practicing presentations ►Social study space with whiteboards ►Individual silent study spaces

Using information in the UK ►Copyright Law is very important and you must adhere throughout your time in the UK ►You are permitted to print or photocopy one chapter of a book or one article per issue of a journal

Acknowledge your information sources ►If you use information from sources such as books, journals, newspapers or the Internet you must acknowledge them and reference them in the appropriate way – if you don’t acknowledge sources you will be guilty of plagiarism ►Learning Development Centre (1 st floor of the Library) can help you with referencing different sources and there are lots of books in the Library which show how to reference

Computer facilities in the Library Computers in the Library ►All computers are on a first come, first served basis ►Use your Aston username and password to login ►Wireless is available throughout building ►Laptops available to borrow from the Ground Floor ►Assistive Technology (DANU)

Printing at Aston University ►To credit your account you need a £5 note – other notes are not accepted in the machine and staff the Library can not change money or credit your card for you ►Re-crediting machines are available on the Ground, 2 nd and 3 rd floors of the Library as well as MB477 ISA Help Desk

Printing at Aston University ►You can also credit your printing account online by using a debit or credit card. Debit cards must be from a UK bank account. ►To put credit on you account log on to a university PC and click on the Follow Me icon ►Demonstrations of how to credit your account and use the printing system during your Library Matters Live session ►Library staff are always available to help – please just ask

Further help for International Students ►Lots of information is can be found at students/ students/ ►Library Jargon will explain what key Library terminology means ►Access to International newspapers so you can keep up to date with what is happening at home ►Click on Contact Us to find out who your Information Specialist is and how to contact them

Further support for International Students ►For books on study skills for International Students Search ►Visit the Library Help Desk on the Ground Floor if you need help with searching for books, printing, finding information for assignment or have any other questions ►If you have any comments or suggestions for how we can improve our support for International Students contact Clare Langman

The Learning Development Centre: Who are we? ► A central service that can help you develop study strategies ► Available to all students, we offer a free 1-1 advice service and workshop programmes ► Where are we? – First floor of the library ► Visit our blackboard module, website and pre-entry website for further resources:

What we offer Learning Development Centre Maths Support Student Writing Mentors Study guides and online resources Academic Writing Development Workshops Study skills advice: 1-1/ group tutorials Group study and presentation facilities

Workshop Programme: ►Study Skills for University with a focus on English for Academic Purposes: Academic Writing Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism Presentation Skills And many more

Workshop Programme Postgraduate workshop programme: preparing you succeed at each stage of your research Planning your research How to write a literature review Statistics – and more For more information (dates/times and how to book); visit our website: or visit the centre and pick up a leaflet

Library & Information Services look forward to helping you during your time at Aston!

What’s Next? ►Look out on your timetable during the next 2 weeks to see when your Library Matters Live Welcome Session is scheduled ►Come along with the students from your course to find out how to find the best quality resources for your subject and how to use our services and facilities ►There will be a goody bag for everyone who attends plus the chance to win £150 book voucher, £100 Bullring Gift card and other prizes