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Library Guides

School of Arts Library Guide: Home

About this guide

This is the Library guide for the School of Arts.  It has lots of general information about research and referencing.  For more information about resources see one of the following guides:

Academic Engagement Librarian (School of Arts)

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James Thickins
Contact:
I am part of the Academic Engagement and Learning Development team (AELD). Book an appointment with me individually or in groups online or in person to discuss your research needs.

Emails to members of the Academic Engagement and Learning Development team go to an email pool in the first instance:

studentcentre@westminster.ac.uk

Library essentials

This section covers the essentials - it is all you need to get started.

Libguides

There are library guides available for Film, Fashion Design, Fashion Business, Music, and one for Photography, fine art, and Contemporary Media Practice. See libguides.westminster.ac.uk

Library Search

Library Search lists all books and DVDs available across all four sites as well as all ebooks and online journal and magazine articles.  You can also review your loans, and request items not available online from any site to be held for you using Library Search.  There is a search box embedded below.  See www.westminster.ac.uk/librarysearch

Quick tips

1. Sign-in for the best experience

2. Select 'Books, journals & more' if you are looking for books, otherwise what you want may be lost among the journal articles

3. Remember the easy url: www.westminster.ac.uk/librarysearch

See: Search our collections for more information.


Reading lists

Most modules have online reading lists which link to essential reading for the module, and provide suggestions for further reading.  These are a useful starting point for researching assignments.  Some students ignore the reading list entirely and miss important sources that would help them tackle the assignment.  My advice is - read some of the books and articles recommended by your lecturers.  There is a search box embedded below - you can search by module title or code.

Search for reading lists by module code or name


Ebooks and Ejournals

Ebooks are listed on Library Search alongside the print collection.  We source ebooks from a number of suppliers, and they are all hosted externally, which means that you will come across a variety of platforms and ebook models.  Some you can download, some you can't; some have limitations on printing, etc.

On Library Search you will also come across journal articles - there are far more of these than books, so if you are looking for books you should limit your search to books.

Other online sources

The library subscribes to a wide range electronic sources some of which are related to books or journals, and some of which provide access to other sources of information.  These are highlighted on the subject-specific guides (see above).  You might want to start using LinkedIn Learning and Box of Broadcasts straight away. 

Most of the content of most databases is listed on Library Search, but sometimes it is preferable to search the 'native' interface.  This gives you access to additional content, plus advanced search options. 

Note that the contents of Box of Broadcasts is not listed on Library Search.

Help with logging in

You don't need to sign-in to most online resources on campus, but if if accessing off campus, you should look for a sign-in option such as ‘Where are you from’ or ‘Shibboleth’. Some resources (e.g. Box of Broadcasts) require registration, or offer additional functionality if you register.  More advice about logging in to online resources is available.


Borrowing books and DVDs

You can borrow up to fifteen items.  If the item you want is on loan or only available at another site, you can request it to be either held for you or transferred across sites using Library Search (you will need to sign in).  You can request up to five items at a time.  

Joining the library

Registration with the library happens automatically within 24 hours of enrolment.  Your university ID card will work on the self-service machines in the library.  Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.  


Printing

Your ID card works with the printers/photocopiers.  Use the Print Portal to add credit, and to use WebPrint (equivalent to wireless printing).  Note: within the first four weeks of each academic year, you will be credited with £15 print credit (£7.50 for part-time students).


Free software / IT discounts

Free access to Office 365, plus other deals on software/hardware can be found on the Managing your money section of the student hub.


Library and Academic skills training

There are also a range of workshops, one-to-one support, and resources on study skills more generally - details on the Academic Skills Library Guide.  You can also book an appointment with the School of Arts librarian for additional help with research and there is a chat service called Ask Us for basic help with accessing resources.


Disability Services & Digital Accessibility

There is a postal service for book loans, and other services available for students registered with Disability Learning Support.

Information and advice about digital accessibility is available on this guide:  Digital Accessibility.  This includes a link to Sensus Access which allows you to automatically convert documents into a range of alternate media including audio books (MP3 and DAISY), e-books (EPUB, EPUB3 and Mobi) and digital Braille.