Distance learners
If you are a distance learning student with Brunel University, the Library has provided the following additional services for you:
Book fetching service
You may submit requests for books to be collected from the shelves for you. Requests received before 12.00 (midday) will be available from 12.00 the following day, excluding weekends. We can fetch and hold up to six items at one time, but please ensure that you are able to collect all requested items in one visit. Satisfying these requests depends on the availability of the book(s) in the Library at that time.
Requested books can only be collected from the Help Desk during core hours.
Request this service online (you will need to login using your Brunel network username and password)
Telephone +44 (0) 1895 266141
Visit the Help Desk in person
http://www.brunel.ac.uk/services/library/learning/specialist-support/distance-learners
Using Other Libraries
Universities
You may find it more convenient to use the library of a university close to where you live. There is a specialist scheme for distance learners, called SCONUL Access [replacing the earlier UKLibrariesPlus]. This scheme enables you to borrow from participating UK university libraries.
You will need to get a special card from Brunel Library before you can visit another library. We can send these cards by post (e-mail library@brunel.ac.uk if you would like this). Details of the SCONUL Access scheme are available here.
UK Public Libraries
Local public libraries offer access to a wide range of facilities and services, including: good printed reference material, Internet access and access to some electronic resources. They also offer an interlibrary loans service so you can get access to printed material held elsewhere.
Libraries Outside the UK
If you are based outside the UK you may be able to use the national, academic, public or professional bodies’ libraries in your host country. The British Council has a large network of libraries. Useful websites for locating information on such libraries are:
- Library of Congress gateway (access to LC's catalog and those at many other institutions)
- European Documentation Centres Worldwide
- Libdex: the Library Index (Libdex is a worldwide directory of library websites, web-based catalogues and other information)
- Libweb (currently lists over 8000 pages from libraries in 146 countries)
Accessing Journals
Electronic journals
Many journals are available in full text electronically. You can search for journal titles using the E-Journals A to Z or Summon. Many electronic journals are available off campus. You should have a Brunel network username and will need it to use this system. If you don’t yet have one, please contact the administrator in your academic school, who can arrange for you to be sent one.
All our databases can be accessed from the Library subject pages and from the Databases A-Z listing. Most can be accessed from outside the Brunel network, using the e-Library validation system. You should log in from the Library home page and then follow links to the resources. A few of our electronic resources require a separate username and password kept on our secure intranet and indicated by a note against such items. If you are off campus and have difficulty signing in via the e-Library you may need to use the AnyConnect VPN Universal service package available from the Connect portal.
Paper journals
Some journals are only available in paper. To help distance and research postgraduates to access these journals the Library has developed a photocopying service. To use this service, print off and complete the Request Form, enclose your payment of £3.00 per article and send it to the following address:
Photocopying requests
Brunel Library
Kingston Lane
Uxbridge
UB8 3PH
The Library, on receipt of your request will photocopy the journal article (within copyright law) and send the photocopy to your requested address.
Journals not held by Brunel
If you need a copy of a journal article that is not held by Brunel Library, you could use another library (see above). However, most libraries will only allow you to use their paper journals - not those they have electronically.
Alternatively, you can use the document delivery service. A fee is charged for each application. Forms can be supplied by post and returned in the post for this service. You will need to send a cheque (payable to Brunel University) for the appropriate amount with your returned form. Journal articles and photocopies from conference proceedings are sent via the postal system to users. Books and other material have to be collected from the Library. Your local public library may also be able to offer document delivery services.
Accessing Electronic Resources
Library Databases
The Library has a number of electronic databases which contain records giving details of publications including books, journal articles, conference papers and proceedings. You can use these databases to search for useful references on specific subjects.
These electronic databases are available through the Subject Pages - select your subject, then follow the link to 'Databases'.
Web Resources
Most subject areas now have government funded 'subject hubs' or gateways on the web, made available through Intute [formerly the Resource Discovery Network]. Gateways are more subject and academically focussed, providing more than just links. Some include e-mail lists, current awareness services, bibliographic databases and online training tips.
Intute is divided into four main areas:
Other general gateways include:
- Librarians Index Multi-disciplinary US based
- Pinakes A 'subject launchpad' for other gateways
- Voice of the Shuttle Humanities US based
Mailing lists and newsgroups
Sometimes you come up against a difficulty you would like to discuss with other students. One way of doing this is to participate in a newsgroup, or to join an electronic mailing list. You can find details of such lists and groups using the web links above or, for a listing of academic related electronic mailing lists, you could try
www.jiscmail.ac.uk
Who can I speak to for more help in accessing resources?
Further help in finding resources to support your studies is available from the help desk. You also have a dedicated librarian for your subject area and they can, via email or phone, guide you through the resources available to you and help with any research query you have. Contact them by e-mail
