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How to use the Library: Frequently Asked Questions

Our professional team of staff offer a wide range of services to all QMU students, staff and visitors. From help with joining and borrowing; enquiry service, interlibrary loans and photocopying as well as subject support from Liaison Librarians.

How do I borrow books?

We operate a self service system for borrowing books.  When you have found the books you wish to borrow please use our self service machines which are located in front of the Helpdesk.  A member of staff at the desk will be happy to help if you are unsure.


 

How many books can I borrow?

  • Members of staff and research students can borrow 30 books, 5 audio-visual items and interlibrary loans.
  • Taught postgraduate students can borrow 25 books, 5 audio-visual items and interlibrary loans.
  • Undergraduate students can borrow 20 books, 5 audio-visual items and interlibrary loans.
  • SCONUL and other external members members can borrow 6 books, 2 audio-visual items.
  • School pupils can borrow 2 books, 2 audio-visual items

 

How do I locate books on the shelves?

The catalogue is available online on our library webpage. Search the catalogue to find the call number.  Use this number to locate the book on the shelf.  You can then borrow the book using our self service machines.  If you are having trouble locating a book please ask at the Helpdesk.


 

The catalogue says my book is ‘reshelving’. Where will I find it?

Depending when the book was returned it may already be back on the shelf.  If it’s, not please ask at the Helpdesk and we can check if it’s still in our return boxes.


 

 

How do I get a book that QMU library does not have?

If we don’t have the book that you need you have other options. 

Firstly, you can request it via interlibrary loan.  Please see our interlibrary loans page for further details.

Secondly, staff and some students can borrow from other university libraries via the SCONUL access scheme.  Please see our using other libraries page for more information on who is eligible and details on how to apply.

Finally, you could request that a book is purchased for library stock.  Your request will be passed to the relevant Liaison Librarian who will decide whether to purchase or not.  You can do that by filling in our online form.

 

How do I renew my books?

Your 7 and 21 day loan books may renew automatically, provided there are no reservations on them and you account is in good standing (i.e. very overdue books, expired account)  Other items will need to be renewed manually.

If you are on campus you can renew your books at our self service machines.  On or off campus you can renew your books via your online library account.  This can be found by navigating to our catalogue and selecting My Library Account.

How can I reserve a book which is currently on loan?

If all the copies are on loan you can put a hold on by clicking on the Request button on the catalogue.  

I have reserved a book. How will I know when I can collect it?

Once the book has been returned and your hold activated we will send you an email.  Once you have received the email, please collect your book from the hold shelf in front of the Helpdesk in the LRC. Please remember to check this out to your account. 

How can I access e-journals?

If you are looking for a specific journal go to our Ejournals page and type in the title of the journal you are looking for. We also have print journals, you can check our holdings on the library catalogue.

If you are looking for journal articles generally, the best place to start is your subject resources here. Navigate to your subject area and search the databases that your Liaison Librarian has recommended. If you need help to find articles for your subject, please contact your Liaison Librarian. 

Where can I find past dissertations and theses?

You can find past dissertations and theses here http://etheses.qmu.ac.uk/. You can log into eTheses with your usual username and password. We also have a very limited number of older theses in print. These can be found on the catalogue. Please ask for these at the LRC Helpdesk.

How do I connect to the WiFi in the LRC?

Staff and students should use the Eduroam© network to connect to the WiFi.  You will find all the information you need to do this here. Students and staff who are unable to connect to Eduroam© should bring their device to The Helpdesk for further assistance.  

I’m a visitor to the LRC, can I use the WiFi?

Visitors can connect to the WiFi using QM_Guest.  Please select this from your list of networks and then open a browser.  You will be asked to enter your own email address and then you can connect to the network.  If you are a student at another University you should be able to use Eduroam©.  Please make sure that you have set it up and checked it is working at your own institution beforehand.

Can I print, photocopy or scan in the LRC?

There are a number of multi-function devices (MFD’s) in the LRC.  These will allow you to print, photocopy or scan.  If you require any assistance using them please ask a member of staff at The Helpdesk.  We will be happy to help you.

 

How do I print in colour?

Please select either Colour Duplex (for double sided) or Colour Single (for single sided) in the Printer menu drop down list.  Then go to a colour MFD to collect it.  We have 3 in the LRC and they are located as follows:

  • 2 In front of the LRC Helpesk.
  • 1 in the east end of the LRC

Can I print from my laptop?

NEW WEB PRINT OPTION NOW AVAILABLE

No need to logon to a thin client or remote desktop session to simply print a document. You can now print documents from any device by using the new Web Print option.

(Please note - Web Print only works on-campus while connected to the EDUROAM WiFi network).

Instructions on how to use Web Print can be found here.

What is Remote Desktop?

Remote Desktop allows you to access your QM Desktop remotely, via your own laptop or PC.  This will give you seamless access to Library Resources and is the preferred method for accessing our electronic material.

You will find all the information you need to access it here

How do I reset my password?

Once you have matriculated, please make sure you register for the password reset service which you can do here using your QMU email address and current password.

Once you have registered, you can reset your password or unlock your IT account at any time here

 

Where is the LRC?

The Learning Resource Centre is located in the main academic building.  When you walk in past the reception desk you will see the entrance to the LRC on your right hand side.

What are the opening hours?

The LRC is open to staff and students 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Visitors can only visit the LRC during staffed hours.  You will find our current staffed hours here

 

I’m a distance learner. How can the LRC help me?

Please see our distance learner pages to see what is available to you

Who is my Liaison Librarian?

You can find out who your Liaison Librarian is here

How do I book a room in the LRC?

You can book a room from the link on the LRC homepage.  

I want to use another library?

Depending on your status you may be able to access other libraries.  Please see our dedicated page here for more information.