Monday, September 30, 2013

Arranging library books

Have you ever wondered why the library books are shelved in a certain order?  Or why all of your text books are not located together?

Well, we use the Dewey Decimal Classification System here in ITB.  This system is used in academic and public libraries throughout the world!  The DDC uses numbers and letters to organise materials in a, mostly, logical manner.

When the library receives a new book, we assign it a class number based on the main subject of the book.  Then we attach a class number sticker to the spine of the book.  The books are then shelved in order, according to their class numbers. 


So, how do we decide on the class number of a book?

The Dewey Decimal Classification System divides all of knowledge into ten main classes:
·       000  - 099  Computer science
·       100  - 199  Philosophy and Psychology
·       200  - 299  Religion
·       300  - 399  Social Science
·       400  - 499  Languages
·       500  - 599  Natural Science and Mathematics
·       600  - 699  Technology (Applied Sciences)
·       700  - 799  Arts
·       800  - 899  Literature
·       900  - 999  Geography and History


Each class has ten sub-divisions. These divisions are further divided--and then further divided. Each division becomes more specific. For example the 400’s (Languages) are divided in to sub groups including English (420s), German (430s), French (440s) and Spanish (460s).


As there are so many subject areas to read about, some class numbers are longer than others.  Shorter class numbers tend to be about broad subject areas; longer class numbers tend to be about more specific subject areas.  For instance:
  • 300: Social science
  • 370: Education
  • 378: Higher education 
  • 378.1: Organisations and activities in higher education
  • 378.16: Administration of student academic activities
  • 378.1664: Assessment of higher education activities   

In ITB, the class numbers have letters after the numbers, e.g. 378.16 OMA. The letters represent the first three letters of the author's surname.  Sometimes, a lot of books may have the same class number; this is  because they all share the same subject matter.  Cutters, or 3-letter suffixes, ensure that all the copies of the same book are shelved beside one another.


If you require any help understanding Dewey, or you need assistance finding material in the library, please follow the Class Number Guides on the side of each book shelf or ask one of our library staff to help you.


Finally, this video from the Robert Gordon University may help you to understand the DDC a little bit better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y7HJjkNyrQ

Friday, September 27, 2013

Before you print or photocopy...


Topping up your print / photocopy credit is simple and easy. 



Go to: http://www.itb.ie/cashless/ 
Log in using your student number 
Note your current balance and the option to top up your credit
Use a credit card or laser card to transfer funds onto your account
Top up amounts start at a minimum of €5 and a maximum of €20

When your account is successfully topped up you will receive notification by email

or 
have a look at this short tutorial on Moodle

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Borrowing library books



There is a list of required and additional texts, for each module of your course, in your Student Handbook.  Most of these books will be available to borrow from the library. The number of copies in the library is limited, so early borrowing is a good idea!

Borrowing a Book

What do you need?
You just need your student card.  Your student card is also your library card, and you are automatically a member of ITB Library when you start college. 

Just come to the library desk with your student card and the book you wish to borrow!


How many books can you borrow at a time?
Students can borrow up to 6 books, or items, at a time.  As well as books, you can borrow DVDs, CDs, reports, calculators, headphones etc.


How long can you borrow items for?
Most text books can be borrowed for 2 weeks at a time; these are long loans

In order to make the library books accessible to as many students as possible, some books are short loans.  At the start of each term we ask your lecturers to recommend core texts for short loan.  The first copy of each title is library use only; these books cannot be borrowed but they are always available in the library.  All other copies of the title are short loans; they can be borrowed for 1 week at a time.


What if you want a book for a little longer?
When a book is returned late, or after the due date, there are overdue fines.  Avoid this by renewing your books on or before the day that they are due to be returned.  We will renew your books up to two times so long as no other student has reserved them and they are not late.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Need to print?

There are three printers in the library: Lib_Kopikat 1, 2 and 3.



Kopikat 1 and Kopikat 2
  • black-and-white printer / photocopiers
  • located near the library desk on level 1
  • to print: open your document -- File -- Print -- select either of the following printers: Lib_Kopikat1 or Lib_Kopikat2
  • to collect your document: log into the printer using the touchscreen using your student number and network password

Kopikat 3
  • black-and-white printer / colour printer
  • located near the Journals on level 1
  • to print in black-and-white: open your document -- File -- Print -- select the printer: Library_Kopikat3
  • to print in colour: open your document -- File -- Print -- select the printer: Lib_Colour_Kopikat3
  • to collect your document: no login required

Learn more about topping up your print credit, printing in black-and-white and printing in colour in our short Moodle tutorials.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Finding books in the library

Have your lecturers been giving you booklists and recommended reading?  Do you need help finding these books in the library?  If so, have a look at this short tutorial via Moodle.

You will learn to:
  • search the library catalogue
  • recognise the location, class number and status of a library book
  • locate a library book on the shelf

Monday, September 23, 2013

Welcome to all new apprentices and part time students



A warm welcome is extended to all the new apprentices and part-time students, as well as our returning part time students!  Welcome to the ITB campus.

So here are the basic things you need to know...

Membership: all ITB students are automatically a member of the library.  Your student card is also your library card.  Be sure to bring it with you when you come to the library.

Opening hours: the library is open from 9.15am - 8.00pm, Monday - Thursday and 9.15am - 5.00pm, Friday. 

Accessing books: all of the library's books and other resources are listed on the library catalogue.  The catalogue shows the number of copies held, the availability of the each copy and the location of each book.  Library catalogue: http://www.blanchlib.itb.ie/search

Accessing online databases: the library subscribes to a range of online databases; they include scholarly information from journals, conference proceedings, newspapers etc.  You can access many full-text resources from home.  One Search: http://itb.summon.serialssolutions.com (if you do not know your library PIN, email us at LibraryInfo@itb.ie)

Other library resources: you can find a range of library guides and tutorials on the Library Hub via Moodle (http://moodle.itb.ie/course/view.php?id=996).  You can keep up with the library news on the blog (http://itblibrary.blogspot.ie/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ITBDublinLibrary).

Questions?  Contact us at LibraryInfo@itb.ie

We look forward to seeing you in the library over the coming year!

Friday, September 20, 2013

Opening hours

Late opening hours resume, in the library, from Monday, 23rd Sep. 

The Library and Student Information Desk (SID) are open as follows:


The Computer Services Helpdesk is open as follows:





Thursday, September 19, 2013

Logging into Library PC's

Are you logging on to a library PC for the first time?  Here's a quick guide:


PCs in the group work area (green zone)


Start by clicking Ctrl -- Alt -- Delete
Enter your username as follows: campus\B1111111 i.e. campus backslash your student number
Enter your network password 



PCs in the individual work area (orange zone)


Start by clicking Ctrl -- Alt -- Delete
Your username is your student number, e.g. B11111111
Enter your network password



Remember to always save your work and  log yourself out when you have finished working on any of the PC's on campus.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Accessing ITB's wireless networks

Do you have a laptop, smart phone or other internet-enabled device that you would like to use on campus?  Did you know that you can connect to one of ITB's wireless networks while you are here, on campus? 



This semester there are some changes to how you access the wireless networks on campus.  The ITBWIRELESS network has been discontinued.

You now have a choice between the following wireless networks:
  • Webaccess: an open access network which is only secure for user logon activity and https sites
  • Eduroam: a secure network where staff and students with ITB accounts can log on
Instructional videos and documentation can be found on the Computer Services Intranet page (available on-campus only): http://elan:8888/Student/Pages/Wireless.aspx


Webaccess
  • quicker to set up
  • requires you to log in using your student number and network password
  • enter your student number in the following format: campus\B0000000
  • there is no longer a paper application for this service

Eduroam
  • enter your user name in the following format: B000000@campus.itb.ie
  • there is no longer a paper application for this service


Dont't forget: you can only setup and access our wireless networks while you are on campus!  For full information, see the ITB Student Hub: http://itbstudenthub.ie/?p=1628.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

ITB Library on Moodle



This semester the library has a new Moodle page:


It includes useful introductory guides for using library resources, as well as study and subject guides.  Click here to check it out.  You can login to Moodle using your Student Number and Password.  No enrolement key required!


You can also log into Moodle as follows:
  • Go to the ITB website
  • Select Current Students
  • Select Moodle from the left hand banner 
 
  • Use your ITB student number and password to login 
  • Select Miscellaneous
  • Scroll down to ITB Library
  • Click on Enroll Me

Monday, September 16, 2013

Welcome back!!!



Welcome back all returning students!  It's good to have you back on campus. We look forward to seeing you all in the library and at SID throughout the year. 

You may be trying to catch up with college news.  Some of the recent updates to the ITB Student Hub posts include:
  • the shuttle service
  • the new wireless registration system
  • applications for carrying credits and for repeat & attend
  • the ITB accommodation list
  • the password recovery system

Catch up on the ITB Student Hub now!


Friday, September 13, 2013

Student Information Desk (SID)

 

The Student Information Desk (SID) deals with administrative queries for registered students of ITB.  It is based in the Library (1st floor of Block F) and opened from 9.15am - 5.00pm, Monday-Friday.

Phone no:    01 8851592
Email:   sid@itb.ie
 
The ITB Student Hub contains a lot of administrative information.  Find quick answers to your questions online!

 

 

SID services include:

Forms stamped
 - Children's allowance, Medical card, Grant applications, Travel card
 - Change of address forms
 - Change of name forms

Forms
 - Progression carrying credits
 - Transfer to a different course
 - Withdrawal / temporary withdrawal
 - Student assistance fund
 - Exemption forms
 - Application to view scripts
 - Application for rechecks / reviews
 - Application to retain Honours Award Classification on Exceptional Grounds
 - Application to postpone consideratio of assessment of results
 - Application to repeat and attend classes for a year or module
 - Application for exit award


Letters
 - Student progressing to next year
 - Student eligible for add-on
 - Student finished final year
 - Placement letters
 - Garda vetting letters
 - Academic history letters
 
Examinations
 - Assist students locating exam timetable
 - Assist students accessing exam results
 - Exam result PIN reset
 - Exam paper inspection rechecks
 - Issue permission slips
 - Assist students accessing past exam papers
 
Other
 - Book appointments with Careers Officer / Access Officer
 - Information on contacting Course Co-ordinators
 - Funding / Course information
 - Reset network password
 - Lost and found
 - Student accommodation list
 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Your student card is your library card!

 

Once you are registered as a student at ITB you are automatically a member of the library. Your student card doubles as your library card. It is important that you have your student card with you when borrowing  or renewing books.

There are a number of easy and convenient ways to borrow or renew books. You can also use the self-issue facility.

Just don't forget to carry your student card with you.  Even Batman knows, "look, I'm not going to explain the intricacies of time travel to a man without a library card"!
(Source: Batman: the brave and the bold: menace of the madniks)

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

New Beginnings

A warm welcome is extended to all the first years attending induction over the next three days. We hope to see lots of you on the library tour and look forward to helping you during your time at ITB.

The library is located in the first floor of the F building: this is the building to the right as you come out of the C building where the canteen is located. 



You can also visit the library hub here; it contains relevant information including campus maps, tutorials and study guides.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Welcome to our International Students!


The Library and Student Information Desk (SID) are happy to welcome our new international students to ITB!  We look forward to showing you around the library this afternoon.

If you have some free time, check out the foreign-language magazines and fiction in the library.