Welcome to Royal Holloway Library

This information is intended to help you get started using the three campus libraries.

• Registration for SWan students
• The three campus libraries
• Library opening hours
• Getting help
• Students with special needs
• Getting the most out of the Library
• Finding materials online
• Computers
• Study facilities

Library registration for SWan students

Once you have registered onto a SWan course, you should receive an email containing a Royal Holloway network username, password and (library) barcode number.

You will then need to retrieve your Library PIN by logging on with your network username and password to the College portal CampusConnect and then selecting the Library tab. Alternatively, you can ask at one of the library helpdesks (see Getting help).

Your Library barcode and PIN are the keys needed to obtain online access to Royal Holloway resources (see Finding materials online).

The three campus libraries

There are three libraries dedicated to different subject areas:

Bedford library - sciences, social sciences, management and history

Founder's library - arts, literature, languages and humanities

Music library - music

Library opening hours

From 21 September 2009 we move to our longer term-time opening hours.

Getting help

The best place to start is the Library website. Here you will find information about our library collections and how many items you can borrow.

Helpdesks are available in all three libraries. Staff there will help you with any library enquiries you may have. Please do not worry if you think your question is too basic; the staff are there to help you. You can also phone: 01784 443823 or email any enquiries to: library@rhul.ac.uk

Each academic department has a designated Information Consultant. They can help with more specialist subject enquiries and provide training in how to use resources in your area of interest. You can email subject-related enquiries to your Information Consultant or make an appointment to see them: libraryliaison@rhul.ac.uk

Students with special needs

Please contact Carol Sadlowski, Customer Services Team Co-ordinator (telephone 01784 414640 or email c.sadlowski@rhul.ac.uk) to discuss what additional support we can provide.

Getting the most out of the library

Make sure you get the most out of the library's resources and services. Information Consultants offer training in the following areas:

• Using online books and journals effectively
• Using academic databases and developing successful search and retrieval techniques
• Effective referencing of materials used in your assignments, using RefWorks

Finding materials you need online - MetaLib

The Library has an extensive book collection which you can search using our catalogue.

Many of our other library resources are available online. MetaLib is your gateway to online journals and databases at Royal Holloway Library.

Using MetaLib you can find:

• Academic databases for your subject area
• Online journals
• Recommended internet resources

N.B. Owing to third-party license restrictions, we are currently unable to offer SWan users off-campus access to all of our Library e-resources. We are working on improving this with our SWan partner institutions and suppliers. In the meantime, we have created a special SWan list of e-resources in Metalib so that you can see at a glance what you can access.

Alternatively, you can always visit our campus in person to access our resources from any of our public-access PCs across campus.

Computers

All three libraries have PC suites for Internet access, email, use of Microsoft Office software and other applications.

Bedford and Founder’s Libraries have extensive wireless networks, so you can make yourself comfortable with your laptop almost anywhere.

In Bedford Library you can also borrow laptops and mobile data projectors for use in the library from the helpdesk.

During term-time the helpdesk at TLC in Bedford Library provides help with standard IT and library enquiries. Staff are there to help and if you need more detailed specialist support, they will guide you to the next point of contact. You can also contact the IT service desk online, phone 01784 414321 or email ITServiceDesk@rhul.ac.uk

Study facilities

• Bedford and Founder's Libraries have areas for both group study and individual study. Bedford Library also has a study café, called TLC.
• Printers and photocopiers are available in all three libraries. You can top up your printing account at kiosks in Bedford Library and in the Computer Centre.
• DVD and video viewing rooms are available in Founder's Library.