An orientation: Library Service and Academic Learning Development: CMP, FAMM, Fashion, Film, Photography: Library tour

You will need your student ID card to borrow items. There is no need to register with the library.

To borrow or return items, take them to the ground floor and follow the instructions on the self-service machines.

• All items are lent for seven days on the first instance and renewed automatically each day.
• If other users request items, they will not be renewed, and you will be advised by email to return them.
• You can borrow up to twenty-five items at a time.
• When returning items, please use the self-service machines so they are taken off your account.
• There are no library fines, but if you fail to return items when asked, your library account will be blocked for as many days as they are overdue.

NB: If using books in the library without borrowing them, we like it if you leave them on the tables for library staff to re-shelve. This helps us monitor what books are being used.

Items not already in stock

Can be requested using the Can't find what you need?' service.

• Please use this FREE service - it helps us build the library collections. 
• Delivery times are much better than the 'up to six weeks' advertised.

Items in the collection at Westminster

Can be requested if the item is on loan to another user or at a site other than the one where you want to collect it

• You will find the request option in the item record once you have signed into Library Search. 
• Books normally take 3-4 days to get to you (depending on how quickly they are returned).

The Harrow library is just past 'the forum' (Northwick Park entrance) on the right. 

On the ground floor, you will find:

• the library and Student Centre Help Desk
• the library search terminals
• the self-service machines for borrowing and returning books or DVDs 
• the book reservations shelves

The library collections are on the first and second floors,accessed via the pink stairs.

Harrow is one of three libraries in the university, each with long opening hours extending into the weekends.

There are some key section numbers below and more guidance on the numbering system in the library guides:

First Floor

DOCUMENTARY
070.18 Documentary films

305.235* OR 306.1 Youth Culture / Subculture
338.4768 Fashion industry

FASHION (history, culture)
391.009 Historical or geographical treatment of fashion
391.1 Menswear

ART
709.05* Art after 2000
709.2 Artists A-Z 

Second Floor

FASHION (design)
741.672  Fashion illustration
746.2092 Fashion Designers A-Z

ART (painting)
750.92 Painters A-Z

PHOTOGRAPHY
779.092 Photographers A-Z
779.9391* OR 779.974692* Fashion Photography

FILM
791.4301 Film Theory by author
791.43092 Film Directors A-Z
791.436* Film by genre

Find the current magazines in the library on the second floor near the entrance. Take note of any titles relevant to your discipline.

Notes:

We also have many magazine titles online

Back copies of print magazines and journals are located at the end of the second floor. This collection includes titles to which we no longer have current subscriptions, including many rare items, some of which are unavailable in any other library.

Use the Library Search terminals on the ground floor to search for a print book relevant to you. 

Alternatively:

• Use www.westminster.ac.uk/librarysearch to search or
• Browse recent acquisitions or
• Browse the librarian's suggested reading list

Take note of the location number of one item (e.g. 779.329772 JOS), which you will need to locate the book in the library (the next task).

Download a copy of the LibrarySearch Quick Guide for an easy introduction to Library Search.

To search for DVDs on Library Search, add the term 'DVD' (e.g. Kusama DVD)

See Research Tips for advanced tips on using Library Search.

Find the item you have identified using the location number.

• First floor: 001 to 741.8
• Second floor: 741.9 - 999 and DVD collection (on the right as you enter)

The 'shelf locations' of books comprise a whole number followed by a decimal number. 391.109 is before 391.2 because 391.109 is a smaller number than 391.2

DVDs are numbered sequentially according to date of acquisition (i.e. 0001 to 5000+)

Books on the same topic are shelved together, so you can look on either side to find other relevant titles or browse the shelf on Library Search using 'virtual browse.'
 

The sequence runs for one shelf and continues on the shelf below (i.e. A, B, C, D, E as below).

There are printers on every floor, so finding a printer should not be difficult!

Notes:

The university will give full-time students £15 per year and part-time students £7.50 per year towards printing, but this might not be in the first week.

These multi-function devices print, photocopy and scan.   

You can send jobs from any computer on the university's wired network, use a USB stick, or submit jobs via 'Webprint' (https://webprint.westminster.ac.uk/).

Webprint is also where you can view your printer credit, and top up your credit.

A creative space for learning new methods of art-making. 

Comprising the latest facilities to be used and equipment to be borrowed, the EMS is home to the newest technology in 3D printing, mixed reality, electronics and more. Workshops and inductions, both in person and online, are offered to all students.

• EMS Link Hub