Library catalogues
Library Catalogue is an effective search engine that can help you explore your library collections. Every library has a catalogue. A catalogue can help you find:
Textbooks and monographs;
Dissertations;
Some library catalogues can search databases (for journal articles and reports)
QAHE students can use two libraries and their catalogues:
the QAHE campus library;
the library of the university of their study.
Simple search
Simple search is the quickest way to find a range of resources available.
Use the search bar to search by:
Author(s) surname;
Topic or keyword;
Module code (for a full reading list).
Advanced search (Build a search)
The build a search option allows you to be more specific with what you are looking for.
Combine different elements to find specific books (see image below) or refine your search by selecting specific format or publication date.
Keywords
Library catalogues do not do full-text searches inside books. Therefore, they may not be able to identify useful books if you search for the topics covered on a few pages.
For example:
Employee motivation is likely part of work psychology or organisational behaviour textbooks.
The 4P framework is discussed in marketing textbooks.
CSS can be found in books on web design.
You are more likely to find books that you need by searching a wider subject area the topic might belong to.
If unsure what textbooks may be useful to you, ask your lecturer or librarian, see reading lists and use Google Books to do a full-text search inside books.
Understanding library catalogue records
Each book title has its own catalogue record.
Catalogue records contain a variety of information:
Bibliographical information (author, publisher, date and place of publication);
A brief description of the book (via Google Books);
Keywords and reading lists assosiated with the book;
Citation (in classic Harvard style);
The number of copies library owns and where you can find an available copy.
This is what the catalogue record looks like when opened. (Click here to see this example in your browser.)
The top of the page has the title of the book, author, publisher and a brief description.
Many textbooks have multiple editions. Normally a librarian would recommend the latest edition. You can find out if there are other editions of a book that you need either by searching for the author or checking the Related field in the catalogue record.
The middle of the page will have keywords and reading lists associated with this book.
At the bottom of the screen, you can see the number of copies available in 4 campuses.
Logging into the library catalogue
Logging into the library catalogue gives access to a number of catalogue features:
It allows users to view and renew their own library loans;
It enables to reservation feature;
It enables submitting user reviews.
Students
Click on Login button on the right hand corner;
Reader code - your student number as written on your student card;
First time users will need to select ‘Reset Password’ option on the bottom of the page. You will receive an email to your registered email address with a link to set your own password.
If you entered your loggins correctly, you should now see your Name where Login button used to be!
Staff
Click on Login button on the right hand corner;
Reader code - follow this format: name.surname (for example, Stella.Cottrell)
First time users will need to select ‘Reset Password’ option on the bottom of the page. You will receive an email to your registered email address with a link to set your own password.
If you entered your loggins correctly, you should now see your Name where Login button used to be!
Managing your library loans online
Library users receive email reminders about their library loans close to the return due date and after the due date. Users can renew their library loans by emailing or calling the library (see Contacts page for more information). Alternatively, users can renew their library loans using the library catalogue:
Login to the library catalogue;
Click on your name on the right hand corner;
Under Loans tab you should see the list of items you have borrowed;
Tick all the items you would like to renew or click on ‘Select All’ button;
Click 'Renew'.
Reserving books
Students can reserve books using the library catalogue. Note: you can only place reservations on books when no available copies are available at the library. We operate on a first come - first serve basis, meaning reservations cannot be placed on books currently on library shelves.
Login to the library catalogue;
Find a book you would like to reserve;
Click on the Reserve button;
Confirm your reservation by clicking OK.
Alternatively, contact your campus librarian and let them know that you would like to reserve a book and we will happily do it for you!
Rating and reviewing books using the library catalogue
Users can rate and review books they find on the library catalogue.
This is a great way to recommend books you found useful or let others knows some of the benefits/drawbacks you observed in a book.
To rate/review a book on the library catalogue:
Find a catalogue record of a book you would like to review;
Select ‘Rate this...’ or ‘Create review’;
Login to the library catalogue;
Write your review, add a rating and click submit!
Your reviews will be sent to us for approval. Both - positive and negative - reviews are welcome! BUT, we strongly discourage from using offensive language. Once your review is approved you will receive a confirmation email and your review will be visible to other library users.
