Browse the list or jump to a section:

 

General help and support

How can I get Library help?

Talk to staff in the Library or contact us by phone or email.

 

How can I get IT help?

Talk to staff in the Library or contact us by phone or email.

 

Who do I ask if I need help with a Library printer/copier?

Please talk to staff at the desk on Level 3 of the Library for help with printing and copying.

 

Who is my Faculty Librarian and what kind of help can they provide?

Visit our Faculty Librarians page for more information.

 

Are there any guides to help me find and use Library resources in my subject area?

Our Faculty Librarians have created subject-specific LibGuides to help you find and use resources.

 

Where can I get support with my research?

See our Research Support LibGuide to get started. 

 

Where can I get help with managing my references?

See our referencing LibGuide to get started.

 

Where can I find a dictionary of library terminology?

Our glossary explains some of the words you might hear while you're in the University Library.

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Library building

Where is the University (Andersonian) Library?

Visit our 'Find the library' page for maps and more information.

 

When is the Library open?

Visit our opening hours page.

 

Can I eat and drink in the Library?

Yes, you can drink in most parts of the Library, and eat in some of them. Visit our eating in the Library page for more information.

 

Where are the toilets?

There are male, female and gender-neutral accessible toilets on every floor of the Library. Follow the signs or ask staff for directions.

 

Can I use my mobile phone in the Library?

In some areas, yes. Visit our 'study zones' page for details.

 

What should I do if I lose something in the Library?

Ask at the Enquiry desk on Level 3 or contact us by phone or email.

 

What should I do if I find someone else's belongings in the Library?

Please tell a member of Library staff.

You should not attemt to remove any suspicious looking packages yourself. Tell a member of Library staff if you see something you're worried about.

 

How can I get to the University of Strathclyde?

See our Find the Library page.

 

Where can I find a campus map?

See the campus maps or download the Strathclyde app.

 

Where are the silent and quiet study zones in the Library?

Please see our 'Find a place to study' page for details.

 

Where are the group study zones in the Library?

Please see our group study page for details.

 

Can I book any of the study places in the Library?

There are several rooms available to book in the Library. See our 'book a group room' page for more information.

 

Where are the computers in the Library?

There are computers on every floor of the Library. Visit our 'Find a computer' page for more details.

 

Are there DVD viewing facilities in the Library?

You can watch DVDs - using headphones - on any of the computers in the Library. You can borrow headphones from the Short Loan Services desk on Level 3, or buy them from the Library Shop on Level 2.

Groups can watch DVDs in any of the four bookable rooms on Level 2.

 

What can I buy at the Library Shop?

See the Library Shop webpage.

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Using the Library and Library resources

How do I join the Library?

See our membership information page.

 

How can I search the Library's collections?

You can search our collections with SUPrimo Library search.

You may also want to explore our collections.

 

Where can I get help with using the Library's SUPrimo search service?

Help is available from staff in the Library during staffed hours. You can also contact us by phone or email.

You may want to visit our search tips page or our How to... LibGuides.

 

Where can I find a plan of the Library layout?

Our bookshelf locations page explains where to find different resources in the Library.

The find a place to study page explains where to find silent and group study areas, plus the Education Resources Centre, Archives & Special Collections, and bookable group rooms.

 

How are the books arranged in the Library?

The three main open access sections, arranged in Dewey Decimal Classification order, are:

  • Lending Books (Standard Loan + One Week Loan copies)
  • Short Loan Collection (1 Day Loan copies)
  • Reference Books (use in Library only)

See our bookshelf locations page for more details.

 

Which print and electronic journals does the Library hold?

Go to our serials page for details.

 

What can I borrow from the Library?

Check our 'borrow, renew, reserve and return books' page for the latest information.

 

How long can I have Library items out on loan?

See our 'borrow, renew, reserve and return books' page.

 

Where do I borrow and return Library material?

See our 'borrow, renew, reserve and return books' page.

 

Can I renew my loans online and reserve items which are already on loan?

In most cases, your standard and one week loans will renew automatically. You do not need to renew these loans yourself.

You must bring Short Loan items to the Library if you wish to renew them.

Check our '' page for more information.

Log in to your Library account online or in the app to check your items on loan and place reservations.

 

Where are the journals shelved in the Library?

See our bookshelf locations.

 

How can I access the Library's Company Reports Collection?

See our Company Reports Collection page.

 

How do I apply for visitor access to the Library's print collections?

See our visitor's pass page.

 

Where do I borrow and return Library material?

See our 'borrow, renew, reserve and return books' page for details.

 

How many Library items can Strathclyde students borrow?

Check our 'borrow, renew, reserve and return books' page for borrowing limits.

 

Can I borrow journals?

No. Print journals are for reference use only. You can access electronic journals online 24/7.

 

How can I check my book's due date for return?

Check your Library account online or in the Strathclyde app.

 

What will I be charged for overdue Library items?

Yes. See the fines page for details.

 

How can I request a book which is in the Library store?

See 'store request' information on the reservations page.

 

How can I consult/borrow a Strathclyde thesis?

See our theses page for information.

 

How can I reserve an item that is currently out on loan?

Yes. See how to reserve a book.

 

How are the books arranged on the shelves within a section?

Our books are numbered using the Dewey Decimal Classification System.

 

How can I tell if a book in the Lending section is a Standard Loan or a 1 Week Loan copy?

  • Standard Loan copies have only the shelf number on their spines.
  • 1 Week Loan copies have a red sticker above the shelf number.

 

How can I search for past exam papers?

See our exam papers page.

 

Which theses does the Library hold and how can I search for them?

See our theses page.

 

What are the Library regulations?

The Library regulations are the rules or terms of use for the Library.

 

Can I donate my textbooks to the Library now that I no longer need them?

Please refer to the Donate to the Library page for more information.

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Electronic (online) resources

Which full-text/abstracting databases are available via the Library and how can they be accessed?

To access individual databases:

  • Go to our A-Z of databases LibGuide.
  • Search SUPrimo using the ‘Library Collections’ tab. Search by the database name to display its SUPrimo record. If you retrieve several results, use the 'Publication type' limit option on the left hand side of the screen to restrict your results to databases only. Click on the ‘Electronic resource’ link on the SUPrimo record to access the database.

To cross-search selected databases:

  • Search SUPrimo using the 'Articles + databases' tab. You can either choose to search a pre-determined subject grouping of databases from the drop-down menu next to the search box, or you can create your own group by clicking on the 'Find Databases' link along the top of the window and selecting databases of your own choice.

For technical reasons, not all of the databases to which the Library subscribes can be searched via the 'SUPrimo: Articles + databases' route.

If you have any problems with access to any of the Library's electronic resources, please contact us.

 

Can I access the Library's databases, ejournals and ebooks when I'm off campus?

 Yes, you can use the majority of the Library's electronic resources when you're off campus.

 

Why doesn't the link I'm using to access one of the Library's electronic resources work?

You may be using an out-of-date link. It's essential to link to the Library's electronic resources using the URLs provided in SUPrimo.

If you have any difficulty accessing any of our electronic resources, please contact us for help.

 

How can I access the Beilstein and Gmelin databases?

You can access these databases via Reaxys. 

 

Can visitors access the Library's electronic services (databases, ebooks, ejournals)?

Visitors do not have access to electronic services. Some types of membership allow for walk-in access to electronic resources.

 

Why doesn't my login work when I try to access and electronic resource?

There can be several reasons for this:

  • There may be a problem with your DS username and password. Can you use it to log in to other services, such as your email? If not, you may need to reset your password.
  • Your browser may have cached information which is no longer valid. Clear your cache and cookies, restart your browser and try again.

If you still can't access the resources, please contact us for help.

 

Where can I get help if I have a problem accessing an electronic book?

Try our eBooks LibGuide, ask a member of staff in the Library, or contact us by phone or email.

 

What is my Library account and how do I login?

Your Library account is a record of your Library activity, including books on loan, fines, and reservations.

You can log in to your Library account in the Strathclyde app or through SUPrimo.

 

How do I find and use journals?

See our LibGuides for journals and electronic journals.

 

How do I find and use databases?

See our A-Z of databases, or our databases LibGuide. 

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Using other Libraries

Can I use other libraries?

Yes, you can visit other libraries.

 

What is the Inter-Library Service?

You can use the Inter-Library Service to get books, journal articles and book chapters from other libraries.

 

Can I get access to material not held in the University of Strathclyde Library?

See how to get resources we don't have at Strathclyde.

 

Which other libraries can Strathclyde students access?

See visit other libraries.

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IT access

Where can I find an overview of computing facilities for students at Strathclyde?

Browse the IT homepage, search the Service Catalgoue, or see your copy of the Information Services student guide.

 

How do I get my University DS username and password?

  • Staff: Please see our Service Catalogue for details.
  • Students: We will send details of your DS account to your personal email address before your first day at Strathclyde. If you haven't got this email, please bring your student card to the enquiry desk on Level 3 of the Library so that we can help you.

 

What do I do if I forget my University DS username or password?

You can reset your password yourself, even if you have forgotten your DS username.

 

How do I connect to the University Wi-Fi/eduroam?

Visit our Wi-Fi page for instructions.

 

How do I access my University email account?

Go to our email page for details.

 

What software is available for free download or purchase?

Browse or search our list of available software.

 

What do I do if there is a fault with my computer?

Please contact us with details.

 

I bring my own device to campus. Can you help me with it?

We offer some support to users who choose to bring their own device to campus. For full details of what services we are able to offer, please see our  guide.

 

What is PEGASUS and how do I access it?

PEGASUS stands for Portal Engine Giving Access to Strathclyde University Systems. PEGASUS provides a way in to a range of online services for staff, students and applicants.

Login using your DS username and password at pegasus.strath.ac.uk

 

How do I create an email list?

Visit the Dynamic Distribution Lists page to get started.

 

How do I access SharePoint and find out more about it?

Find out more about SharePoint.

 

Can visitors get temporary IT access to the University network?

See our temporary IT access page.

 

What wireless/Wi-Fi options are available to visitors who do not have a temporary Strathclyde DS username/password?

Please see our Wi-Fi page.

 

Which Library computers can visitors use?

If you have a temporary or limited access IT account, you can use any of the Library computers.

If you do not have a temporary or limited access account, you can use any of our small number of visitor access computers. Please note, these computers aren't connected to the internet or the University's printer network.

Staff can show you where the visitor access computers are.

 

How can I find out which computers on campus are currently available?

See our computer availability checker online or in the Strathclyde app. This information is also displayed on large screens at the main entrance to the Library.

 

How can Undergraduate students access their email?

See our email page for details.

 

How can Postgraduate Taught students access their email?

See our email page for details.

 

How can Postgraduate Research students access their email?

See our email page for details.

 

How do I logon to the computers?

Use your DS username and password to log on to University computers. You can reset your DS password if you forget it.

 

How can I set up email on my mobile device?

Visit our mobile email setup page for instructions.

 

How do I access video streaming?

The University has its own video streaming service. This service is available to all with a DS username and password. 

 

Where can I check if there are any current problems with University IT systems?

Visit the IT Service Status page.

 

How do I redirect my email from my Office365 account?

See our email help page for instructions.

 

How should I work with email attachments?

'Save as' the attachment somewhere on your computer or on the network before you work on it. Be sure to save your changes as you work.

 

Where can I use my laptop in the Library?

  • Wi-Fi is available throughout the Library.
  • The majority of plug sockets are on Level 1.

 

What is the Strathclyde mobile app and what does it enable me to do?

Find out more about the Strathclyde app.

 

Can I download Microsoft Office onto my personal devices free of charge?

Yes. Search 'office' on our software page to get started.

 

What computing facilities are available in the Halls of Residence?

Wi-Fi is available in shared areas in student residences. See the accommodation pages for more information.

 

What is my H: drive/home directory?

Visit the H: and i: network drives page to learn more about this.

 

How can I use the I: drive to provide shared filestores for groups?

Teams and groups can access shared folders in the i: drive. Visit our network drives page to learn more about the i: drive.

 

How do I work remotely?

Find out more about working off-campus.

 

Where are the computer teaching rooms/labs across the campus?

See our full list of computer rooms and suites on campus.

 

What software is available in the computer suites?

See our full list of software available in our computer suites.

 

How can I get access to the non-Library computer teaching rooms/labs outwith normal hours?

You can request a Red Card from your department, normally from the secretary or course administrator.

Please note that the Library's computer suites are not included within this arrangement. Having a Red Card will not allow you to access the Library or its computers outside of opening hours.

 

Where can I find training/development resources (courses, online materials, guides etc)?

Login to the Development and Training Gateway (DAT) for self-study material, video tutorials and a link to the online booking system for available tutor-led courses.

 

Where can I find out about assistive technology support?

Find out about support for students with disabilities.

 

Where can I get help with enhanced website design?

The University's Enhanced Web Development Service (EWDS) delivers corporate applications commissioned by the University's Inforation Strategy Committee. It also offers bespoke websites for externally-funded projects, research groups and conferences.

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Myplace

What is Myplace and how do I use it?

Myplace is the University of Strathclyde's virtual learning environmnet (VLE).

Go to the Myplace homepage and login using your University DS username and password. More help is available via the 'Help' link in the menu bar.

 

What Myplace/VLE support can the Library provide?

Please see our elearning and Digital Library Support and Virtual Learning pages.

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Printing, copying and scanning

How can I print or photocopy in the Library and computer suites?

Visit our printing page for details, instructions and charges.

 

Can visitors print, photocopy or scan in the Library?

If you do not have a DS account, temporary account or limited access account, you can create a guest account for printing, copying and scanning.

See our printing page for more information. Go to the print kiosk on Level 3 to set up your guest printing account. Please ask staff if you need help.

 

Who do I ask if I need help with printing, copying or scanning?

Ask at any of the Enquiry desks (Levels 3, 4 and 5) if you need help using University printers/copiers/scanners.

 

How can I get posters printed?

Visit our printing page.

 

Can I print from a visitor access (non-password) Library computer?

No. Visitor access computers are not connected to the printer network.

 

Where are the scanners located in the Library?

The large printers/copiers in the Library can also scan. Ask a member of staff or visit our print, scan or copy page for more information.

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Researchers

Where can I find out about Research Data Management?

Visit our Research Data Management pages.

 

Where should I store research data during research?

Visit our Research Data Management pages for more information.

 

Where should I store data after research?

Visit our Research Data Management pages for more information.

 

Where can I find out about Open Access?

Visit the Open Access webpages.

 

What is the name of Strathclyde's institutional repository?

Strathprints is our institutional repository.

 

How do I get an ISBN for my publication?

Visit our ISBN information page.

 

How do I find digital repositories?

 

Where can I get my project or thesis bound?

The Library Shop offers soft binding services.

For hardback binding (required for postgraduate dissertations and theses) please see our thesis binders page.

 

Where can I find guidance on copyright and the re-use of material?

Visit our Copyright and Information Governance and Compliance pages.

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Teaching staff

How can I arrange a Library induction or a research support session for my students?

Please contact your Faculty Librarian to talk about your requirements.

 

Where can I find out about ordering books for the Library?

Visit our 'request new books' page to get started.

 

Who should I contact in the Library about my reading lists?

Find out about our reading list service.

 

How do I apply to get an item scanned for teaching purposes?

Strathclyde teaching staff who wish to request a scan/scans should submit an request form for each item to the Digitisation service. Staff will then check for compliance with the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) Photocopying and scanning Higher Education Licence, and either arrange for the scan/scans to be made available, or advise if there are any problems.

 

How do I submit a photocopy to the Library's Short Loan Collection?

Photocopies of book and journal extracts may be placed in the Short Loan Collection and made available for loan, subject to certain conditions.

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Teaching rooms

How can I book a teaching room to match my layout/equipment/software requirements?

Please see Estates Services' room booking page to get started.

You may also want to:

 

How do I report an IT problem in one of the Central Pool Teaching rooms?

Please contact the learning space support team.

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Business

Is there a specific Library guide available for MBA students?

Yes. Please see our MBA LibGuide. 

 

Where can I find company reports and accounts?

Please see our company reports collection. 

 

Does the Library have market research reports?

Yes. Please see our Marketing LibGuide.

 

Does the Library have the Financial Times online?

Yes. Visit our newspapers page to get started.

 

Where can I find out about industrial and economic activities classification schemes?

Visit the Industrial and Economic Activities Classification Codes LibGuide.

 

Where can I find socio-economic/OECD publications?

See our Country information: data LibGuide.

 

Where can I find a list of Initial Public Offerings in the UK?

An IPO or Initial Public Offering is the first sale of equity by a private company to the public.

  • The Stock Exchange Yearbook (RD 332.642 STO) provides a list of “New Issues” for the most recent 2-3 years.
  • The London Stock Exchange:
  • The Nexis database can be a source of information for the most recent IPO announcements made to the public.
  • Those in the Accounting and Finance department have access to the Thomson ONE Banker database, which provides historic data on both UK and non-UK IPOs.

 

How do I research mergers and acquisitions activity?

See the Mergers and Acquisitions LibGuide.

 

Where can I find inflation rates?

See the Bank of England's Inflation Reports service.

 

Where can I find employment statistics?

See the UK Statistics LibGuide.

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Health and Social Science

Education

Where do I find addresses of schools and local education authorities (LEAs)?

Print sources available in the Reference section of the Library include the following:

  • Lists of secondary schools (and details of Education Authorities) are given in Education Yearbook (RD 370.5 EDU)
  • Primary schools are listed in The UK Primary Education Directory (RD 372.025 UKP)
  • Schools for Special Needs (RD 371.9025 SCH) and Independent Schools Yearbook (RD 370.5 IND) may also be useful

 

Where do I find school inspection reports?

See our Education LibGuide. 

 

Where can I find education and social work legislation?

See our Legislation LibGuide. 

 

What is the National Curriculum?

See the gov.uk website for details. 

 

Can I use other libraries when I am on placement?

If you are on placement for six weeks or more, then you can borrow from other libraries under the SCONUL Access scheme.

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Law

Where can I find the law collection in the Library?

See our bookshelf locations page.

 

Where can I find sources of legal information online?

For information about legal databases and internet sources, please see our Law LibGuide.

 

Where can I find guidance on using sources of legal information?

See our Law LibGuide. 

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English and foreign languages

Where can I find dictionaries?

Search SUPrimo for details.

 

How can I find literary criticism in the Library?

See our English Studies LibGuide. 

 

Where can I find foreign language newspapers/magazines?

See our newspapers page for more information.

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Politics/government

Where can I find UK election manifestos?

  • Printed copies of UK election manifestos 1900-1997 are available at D 329.0109 BRI
  • Reference copies are available at RD 329.0109 BRI
  • UK election manifestos 1945- are also available electronically.

 

Where can I find European election results?

See Parties and Elections in Europe.

 

Where can I find Government Publications?

See our Government Publications page for details.

 

How can I find material related to the Scottish Parliament?

See our Government Publications page for details.

 

Where can I find boundary maps for UK constituencies and local authorities?

The Ordnance Survey Election Maps site includes UK constituency and local authority maps.

 

I have found a reference to a report marked Cm e.g. Cm 962 - what does this mean?

This is a Command Paper, so called because it is presented "by command of Her Majesty" to Parliament. See our Official Publications LibGuide for more information.

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Science and Engineering

Where can I search for older engineering articles and conference materials on my research topic?

You may want to try:

  • Compendex (1884 onwards). Covers more than 5000 engineering journals across a range of engineering disciplines
  • Inspec (1898 onwards). Covers electronics and electrical engineering, computer and control systems, and physics

You can search by author's name or by subject keyword.

 

How can I get access to IEEE and IET documents?

Try IEEE Xplore.

 

Does the Library have British Standards?

Yes. See our Standards and Patents LibGuide.

 

Where can I find out about Eurocodes?

Full text Eurocodes are available online through British Standards Online (BSOL). 

 

How do I find information on ISO International Standards?

Please see our Standards and Patents LibGuide.

 

How can I find out if an ISO has a British Standard equivalent?

Please see our Standards and Patents LibGuide.

 

Does the Library keep ASTM Standards?

Yes. Please see our Standards and Patents LibGuide. 

 

Does the Library offer access to IEEE Standards?

Yes. Please see our Standards and Patents LibGuide.

 

Does the Library keep patents?

Yes. Please see our Standards and Patents LibGuide

 

Where can I find information about a chemical or chemical process?

 

How can I find out how to design a chemical process to manufacture a particular chemical?

The Encyclopedia of Chemical Processing and Design (RD 660.28003 ENC), located in the Reference book section, is a good place to start.

 

How can I find out which plants contain a particular chemical?

Use the Phytochemical Dictionary (RD 581.19203 PHY), located in the Reference book section

 

Where can I find out about the toxicity of a chemical?

The TOXNET collection of databases from the US National Library of Medicine cover toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health, and toxic releases.

Also try:

  • the Dictionary of Substances and Their Effects (RD 615.902 DIC) 
  • Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials (RD 604.7 SAX)

Both of these books are located in the Reference book section.

 

Where can I find science or engineering numerical data?

You may want to try the following from the Reference section of the Library:

  • CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (RD 540 HAN)
  • International Critical Tables (RD 530.8 INT)

 

Where can I find mathematical tables?

You may want to try the following from the Reference section:

  • Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulae (CRC) at RD 510.212 CRC

Lending copies of mathematical tables can be found in the Level 4 Lending book section at D 510.212 CRC.

 

Where can I find statistical tables?

There are several copies of statistical tables in the Library, in:

  • the Lending book section on Level 4 at D 519.5021, and 
  • in the Reference book section on Level 1 at RD 519.5021.

 

What is Strathclyde's Maths Skills Support Centre and what help can it provide?

The Maths Skills Support Centre provides support to all students with the mathematics they encounter in their course. 

 

Where can I find the melting points of compounds and substances?

There are a variety of reference books you can use to check the physical properties and other attributes of compounds and substances. Some substances are fairly easy to find, while information about less common substances may be more difficult to track down. You could try looking in:

  • The CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (RD 540 HAN) or the International Critical Tables (RD 530.8 INT), which are good starting points and are located in the Reference book section
  • The Reaxys database, which covers organic, organometallic and inorganic chemistry
  • The WebElements web page, which also has information on the physical properties, thermal properties and other chemical and biological data on the elements of the Periodic Table

 

Where can I find biographical information about a scientist?

Biographical encyclopaedias and dictionaries are available in the Reference book section on Level 1 of the Library at RD 509.22

  • Dictionary of scientific biography (RD 509.22 DIC)
  • Who's who in science and engineering (RD 509.22 WHO)

You may also want to try:

 

Where can I find information about engineering companies?

See our Engineering LibGuide to get started.

 

Where can I find contact information for manufacturers and suppliers of engineering products?

See our Engineering LibGuide to get started. 

 

Where can I find details about the design and dimensions of recently built ships?

See the box titled 'Significant Ships' on the Naval Archivecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering LibGuide.

 

How can I find out about an architect and his/her work?

Visit our Architecture LibGuide.

 

Where can I find information on engineering failures/disasters?

See the LibGuide 'Researching engineering failures or disasters'.

 

Where can I find 'Where do I start?' science-related guides to using the Library?

Visit our Science LibGuides or try: