Getting Ready to Learn

The Library Service

The USW Library Service is both physical and online and we have lots of resources to help support your studies.

Getting Ready to Learn
Two students picking out books from a bookshelf in the library.

Activities

With so much information available, it is sometimes difficult to know where to start. Complete each activity in this section to discover the location of our libraries, how to access our online and print resources, and the support available during your studies. If you are a returning student, you will already be aware of some of the information in this section. We recommend you explore this section to ensure you are up-to-date.

This activity will help you discover the basics about using our libraries and the services and facilities that we offer.

Open our Getting started guide to the library and make a note of your answer to the following question - how many campus libraries do we have at USW?

One of the first things that you will need to do when you start to study your modules is to find a book or eBook in the library.  We use an online tool called FINDit to locate the library’s print and eBooks. 

Open the Getting started guide to the library - basics and make a note of your answer to the following question - how many print books can you borrow?

The majority of your modules will have an online reading list that has all the core reading, along with additional resources suggested or recommended by your tutor. They could include books, eBooks, films, or websites.

Explore the sample reading list Getting started at the library which has lots of useful books about getting started to study at university.

The library staff are here to help and support you during your time at USW. There are lots of ways to contact us if you need help, assistance or just some advice. You will have your own Faculty librarian that you can contact for subject specific questions. So don’t be shy, if you need help ask!

Open our Contact us page on the library website and make a note of your answer to the following questions:

  1. How many hours a day is our online library chat service available?
  1. Who is your faculty librarian? (Hint: open the "Faculty librarians" box.)

student-25

Library FAQs

The Library Service has a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Note: if the existing FAQs don't answer any question you might have during your time at USW, you can ask your own question by typing in the "LibAnswers" box at the top of the LibAnswers page.