Information ServicesStudent Guide 2023 to 2024

Welcome to Information Services

Information Services is at the heart of University activities. We’re responsible for University IT and Library services and we provide support to all staff and students.

This guide tells you more about just some of the things we can do to help you throughout your time at Strathclyde, from your very first days right through to graduation!

Our locations, opening hours and contact details

IT services and information

Strathclyde students have access to a wide range of IT tools and support.

We've put together some links to help you get started with IT at Strathclyde. Remember, you can always contact us if you need help.

Your DS username, email address and password

All students at Strathclyde have their own IT account, called a Directory Services (DS) account.

You have a DS username, university email address, and password. Most services require you to log in using your university email address and DS password. Some services, including campus computers, printers, and StrathApp, require you to use your DS username and password.

  • Your DS username looks like: abc12345
  • Your University email address looks like: firstname.lastname.year@uni.strath.ac.uk
  • You can choose your password yourself when you set up your account.

Your DS account gives you access to many University computer systems. Never share your DS password with anyone else.

We will send your DS account details to your personal email address before your first day at Strathclyde. If you haven’t received this email please bring your student card to the Information Services enquiries desk on Level 3 of the Library and our friendly staff will help you.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

The University uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for access to University services off-campus. You will most likely be prompted to sign up for MFA right away when accessing your account for the first time.

Change your password

You can change or reset your DS password yourself online.

Connect to Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi network provided by the University is called eduroam. Go to our Wi-Fi page for step-by-step instructions for setting up eduroam on your laptop and mobile devices.

Check your email

You can check your Strathclyde email wherever you have internet access.

StrathApp

StrathApp provides real-time information to support you during your time with us.

Cyber Security

Our firewalls work constantly to protect the University community from online attacks. But, we still need you to help keep our defences strong. Complete our online Cyber Security training now in Myplace.

Myplace

Myplace is Strathclyde’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Myplace delivers online resources and activities designed to enhance your learning. The pages may include assessments, online discussion, learning materials and class news. All classes that you are registered for will automatically appear on Myplace once your lecturers make them visible, and links to online Zoom or Team classes will appear here.

Log in to Myplace using your Strathclyde email address and password.

Pegasus

You can access most University systems online through Pegasus, our web-based communications service. Pegasus gives you access to key services including registration, class/exam results, your personal details and Myplace, the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE).

Saving and sharing files

Our file saving and sharing solutions mean you can access your University work wherever you have an internet connection.

 

University computers

There are almost 1500 computers in centrally-managed suites across campus. Our computer availability checker can help you find an available computer. This service is also available in StrathApp.

Using your own device

Wi-Fi and power sockets are available theroughout the Library building for those who wish to use their own laptop or mobile device.

Buying your own device

If you decide you would like to buy your own device, you may want to look at:

  • The University's Digital Inclusion Programme. This is a grant scheme for students who reside in the UK and do not have access to an appropriate computer or laptop to support their learning.
  • Our recommended minumum hardware specification for students of each discipline.

Download software

You can download software including Microsoft Office and anti-virus free of charge for use during your time at Strathclyde.

We have packages for Windows, Mac and Linux.

You must check the licensing terms and conditions of each software package before downloading.

Software on campus

We can help you find a computer on campus that has the software you need.

Do-it-yourself printing

Printing, scanning and photocopying facilities are available in the Library and across campus. You can print from University computers or your own laptop or mobile device. Printing and copying starts from 5p per A4 page. Scanning is free of charge.

Full details are on our print, scan and copy page.

Printing services

The University's Print Services offer high volume printing services for class notes, dissertations, thesis and folios. All copying and binding is carried out on site by Print Services staff.

Visit Print Services for details and prices.

Our file saving and sharing solutions mean you can access your University work wherever you have an internet connection.

You can access most University services online, meaning you can work wherever you have an internet connection.

Most services require you to log in using your DS username and password. Remember to keep your password secure.

Video conferencing

Video conferencing for teaching is facilitated through Myplace. All other video conferencing at the University is conducted through Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Our work off-campus page has more information about video conferencing at the University.

Virtual desktop service

Use the virtual desktop to access most of the software available in campus computer suites from your home device.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Our Virtual Private Network (VPN) service enables you to access some protected on-campus resources from elsewhere. You may need to use the VPN to access some software packages from home.

You can study for your International Certification of Digital Literacy (ICDL) at the A-rated ICDL test centre inside the Library. Whether you’re learning the basics or building on existing skills, you’ll be working towards an internationally-recognised IT user qualification. Charges apply.

 

Library services and information

Every student is welcome in the University’s Library, the Andersonian.

Spread over 5 floors, the Library has more than 2000 study spaces, 800 computers, and extensive Wi-Fi coverage.

We’re open from 07:00 to midnight on weekdays during semesters, and 24/7 before and during exam periods.

Library & Information Resources is a Customer Service Excellence (CSE) Accredited service.

The Andersonian Library is in the Curran Building on Cathedral Street.

Find us on the campus map, also available in StrathApp.

Remember to check library opening hours before making a journey.

Printed materials

Use your student card or student card in StrathApp to enter the Library and borrow books and other materials. 

We also offer a postal loan service to some users.

Online resources

Your DS username gives you access to online resources including journal articles, eBooks, newspaper archives and more.

Library account

You have an online Library account so that you can keep track of what you’ve borrowed and pay any outstanding fines. You can also request items which are on loan to other students.

Check your account by logging in to StrathApp or by following the links in SUPrimo.

Our 'Meet the Library' module on Myplace is an online introduction to our services. Work through all the classes, or just dip in and out. Log in to Myplace to access this class.

We run Library tours on different dates throughout the year. These short, friendly tours are designed to:

  • show you some of the features of the Library building, such as study areas and computer suites;
  • explain how to find, borrow and return materials;
  • give you an idea of some of the ways in which Information Services can help and support you during your time at Strathclyde.

You can also take an interactive virtual tour of the Library.

All students are welcome to study in the Library.

Our choice of study areas, computer suites and bookable group rooms make it easy to find the perfect study environment. The colour of the walls and pillars show what type of zone each Level is. You will also see colour-coded signs in the staircases.

Level 1

Level 1 is great for those who want to work in a peaceful environment. Each desk is equipped with a power socket for charging your laptop or mobile device. There is also moving shelving containing our reference collection, print copies of journals, government publications and some Special Collections.

Level 2

Level 2 is the main hub for group meetings and lively discussion. There are nine bookable discussion rooms and 12 first-come, first-served group study pods, each equipped with a widescreen monitor for your laptop. You will find the Assistive Technologies Room here, as well as vending machines for snacks and hot drinks.

Level 3

Level 3 is the main entrance floor. Once you pass through the entry gates you’ll see the enquiries desk for Library and IT support, the Short Loan Collection, and self-service kiosks for borrowing and returning items. There are computers and printers near the enquiries desk. Alternatively, turn right after the entry gates to find more group study rooms and booths, open study space, our Family Study Room and three large computer suites.

Level 4

Level 4 is a silent study floor with separate group discussion area and five small bookable discussion rooms. Level 4 contains Business, Education, Engineering, Languages, Science and Social Sciences resources. Staff on the enquiry point here will be happy to help with any queries. 

Level 5

Level 5 is a silent study floor with separate group discussion area and five small bookable discussion rooms. Level 5 contains resources to support Architecture, Arts, Humanities and Law and also contains the Children’s & Media Collections, Archives & Special Collections and Maps & Atlases. Staff on the enquiry point here will be happy to help with any queries.

There are 19 bookable group discussion rooms in the Library. There are:

  • Five small group discussion rooms on Level 2;
  • Four large group discussion rooms on Level 2;
  • Five small group discussion rooms on Level 4;
  • Five small group discussion rooms on Level 5.

There are also three large group discussion rooms on Level 3 which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can book a room up to 2 weeks in advance in StrathApp, online or by using the keypads at the doors to each room.

The Family Study Room is part of the redeveloped area on Level 3 of the Library. It’s a dedicated area for the sole use of students who want to study on their own or work on group assignments whilst also needing to supervise a child aged 0–12.

You are welcome to eat and drink in the Library: vending machines selling snacks and drinks are on Levels 2 and 3. Free water dispensers are available on all floors. Remember to bring your own reusable bottle as we don’t provide disposable cups. Some things to remember:

  • Please do not bring hot food in to the Library;
  • Drink only non-alcoholic drinks from containers with lids (such as bottles, travel mugs or paper cups with lids);
  • You are welcome to eat confectionery/small snacks on all levels of the Library but we ask that you eat larger items—such as sandwiches and salads—on Level 2 only.

 

Research and revise

The Library provides a wide range of materials and information resources which will help you get the most out of your time as a Strathclyde student.

We hold more than one million print volumes and provide access to hundreds of thousands of electronic books and journals that you can use whenever and wherever you can get online.

The Andersonian Library has rich teaching collections in both print and electronic formats to support you in your studies.

Electronic resources include eBooks, newspaper archives, digitised collections of exam papers and other learning materials, alongside electronic databases such as Nexis® and Web of Science. These databases provide a gateway to prime online resources for students and researchers.

The Library’s one million print volumes include important collections of Theses, Government Publications and UK company reports. The Library is also responsible for the historical Archives of the University and contains Special Collections of rare books and other materials.

Explore our Collections and find out more about the different resources available to you.

SUPrimo is the Library’s online search tool. Use it to find books, journals, theses, exam papers and student reading lists. You can also use SUPrimo to search millions of online journals and other electronic resources, Strathclyde research papers, and Archives & Special Collections. Look out for Skills Boost sessions that show you how to get the best results from SUPrimo.

Find SUPrimo in StrathApp, on the Library homepage or by searching online for 'strath suprimo’.

All Strathclyde students are also automatically made members of the University Library. You do not need to join separately.

See our borrow, renew, reserve and return page to learn more about borriwng items from the Library.

As of August 2023, we are only charging fines on reserved items, at a rate of £1 per day.

If fines on your account total more than £10 you won't be able to borrow anything else until you have made a payment, and your items on loan won't automatically renew.

You can pay fines online or with a credit/debit card at the self-service kiosks on Level 3 of the Library.

Strathclyde staff and students may visit other university libraries in Glasgow and further afield.

If you can’t find what you need in Strathclyde's Library or in our online collections, we can help you find resources in other libraries.

Our friendly, expert staff are here to help you find and use the wide variety of resources we offer and make the most of the University Library.

General help with the Library and IT services

Our Enquiries team is here to help with all your Library and IT questions.

Help with research and assignments

Our team of library assistants and Faculty Librarians can help with:

  • Devising a search strategy;
  • Conducting a comprehensive literature search;
  • Using a particular resource;
  • Tracking down publications;
  • Managing your references;
  • Evaluating resources;

Ask at the enquiries desk or see our Faculty Librarians page for more details.

LibGuides

Our library assistants and Faculty Librarians have put together online guides to help you with your assignments, projects, dissertations and research.

It is important for all students to consider the rules and regulations surrounding plagiarism and copyright.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is when you use material by another author without proper acknowledgement and pass it off as your own work, whether this is accidental or intentional. Plagiarism is taken very seriously within the University and can result in a loss of marks, the need to resubmit work and can affect the outcome of your degree.

Copyright

Under UK Copyright laws, original works such as books, journals, articles, images or films are protected by copyright. This means that they cannot be reproduced, on paper or electronically, unless covered by a licence, permitted by statutory exceptions or legal defences or where permission is granted or has been gained from the copyright holder.

Visit our Copyright and Licensing Compliance pages to learn more.

Check your work with TurnItIn

TurnItIn is an originality checking and plagiarism software package used by the University to assist staff and students to prevent and detect plagiarism. It is the decision of individual academics whether or not it is used for their classes. If you wish to use TurnItIn you can do so through your Myplace account.

 

General information

We provide a range of services to support people with additional needs, including:

  • Screen reader software on all centrally-managed computers on campus;
  • An Assistive Technologies room on Level 2 of the Library;
  • Extended loan periods for Short Loan items;
  • A 'Fetch and Carry' book collection service.

If you need any help using Library or IT services at Strathclyde, please search our website or contact us.

We are committed to providing a high quality and accessible, people-oriented service, befitting a leading international technological University.

Developing your Library and IT skills