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Distance Learning Support - Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is there anyone in the library to help me? 

Yes. All the library staff are here to help.  Contact the library enquiry service  (+44 (0) 131 451 3582,  email libhelp@hw.ac.uk) for help with finding the information you need. Your Subject Librarian

·       Subject specific enquiries

·        Advice on suitable information sources and how to access them

·        Search tips

·        Any questions and problems

 

Staff at the Service Desk can also help with renewing items you have on loan and any general enquiries (on +44 (0) 131 451 3577 or email ServiceDesk@hw.ac.uk).

 

How can I find out what the library offers me?

An information leaflet summarising our services for distance learners is sent out to you with your School information pack. We also have distance learning support web pages where you can find out more about what’s on offer.

Have a look at our website to get an overview of all of services and resources. 

 

How do I register to use the library?

If you are a matriculated student you are automatically registered to use the library. Your student ID card is also your library card.

 

How do I access my University email account?

You need a Heriot Watt University email username and password.  If you haven't received your e-mail login or information on how to get an email login, please contact the administrator of your course to find out what the arrangements are for getting an email login.   If you have lost or forgotten your email login, please contact IT on +44 (0) 131 4505 or IThelp@hw.ac.uk.

 

 Can I borrow books and journals?

Yes, but only if you can visit the library in person.  Unfortunately, we can’t offer a postal loan service.   However,   we do offer a postal photocopy service for sections from books and journals for some courses. 

 

How do I renew my library books?

You can renew books using the library catalogue using patron functions. You can also call the library service desk on +44 (0) 131 451 3577 or email ServiceDesk@hw.ac.uk. You will need the barcode from your student ID/library card to do this.

 

 Will the library post journal articles to me?

Yes, but only for some courses. 

 

Does the library have electronic journals and how do I access them?

Yes - the library subscribes to thousands of journals in electronic format. You will be prompted to login to access our electronic journals. Login using your Heriot-Watt ID (the username and password you use for Heriot-Watt email or for Vision). For more information on logging in see our blog post. Also see our off-campus access page for more information or, if you have difficulty accessing any resources, please contact your libhelp@hw.ac.uk.

If you haven't received your login or information on how to get your login, please contact the administrator of your course to find out what the arrangements are for getting an email login.   If you have lost or forgotten your email login, please contact IT on +44 (0) 131 4505 or IThelp@hw.ac.uk.

  

Does the library have electronic books (eBooks) and how do I access them?

Yes, the library has a growing collection of eBooks. You can search for them using the library catalogue.  If you type in ebook as search term, you will see a list of results showing only those titles available in electronic format. 

You will be prompted to login to access our electronic books. Login using your Heriot-Watt ID (the username and password you use for Heriot-Watt email or for Vision). For more information on logging in see our blog post. Also see our off-campus access page for more information or, if you have difficulty accessing any resources, please contact your libhelp@hw.ac.uk.

If you haven't received your login or information on how to get your login, please contact the administrator of your course to find out what the arrangements are for getting an email login.   If you have lost or forgotten your email login, please contact IT on +44 (0) 131 4505 or IThelp@hw.ac.uk.  

 

How do I access library databases for literature searching?

The library subscribes to a large number of databases in different subject areas. These are good for finding reading material such as journal articles, book chapters and reports for your course work or dissertation.  You can also use our Discovery service to cross-search the majority of the Library's databases. Access Discovery on the Library homepage.



You will be prompted to login to access our databases and the Discovery service. Login using your Heriot-Watt ID (the username and password you use for Heriot-Watt email or for Vision). For more information on logging in see our blog post. Also see our off-campus access page for more information or, if you have difficulty accessing any resources, please contact your libhelp@hw.ac.uk.

If you haven't received your login or information on how to get your login, please contact the administrator of your course to find out what the arrangements are for getting an email login.   If you have lost or forgotten your email login, please contact IT on +44 (0) 131 4505 or IThelp@hw.ac.uk.  

 

How do I obtain passwords for access to databases and electronic journals?

A Heriot Watt email username and password will let you access most of the library databases, electronic journals and other electronic resources e.g. the Discovery service for cross-searching databases..

You can access these via the Library website, the Library catalogue, A-Z Journals list or databases pages.

You will be prompted to login to access our electronic books, journals, databases and Discovery. Login using your Heriot-Watt ID (the username and password you use for Heriot-Watt email or for Vision). For more information on logging in see our blog post.

See our off-campus access page for more information or, if you have difficulty accessing any resources, please contact your libhelp@hw.ac.uk

Why am I being asked to pay or enter a password for access to library electronic journal articles?

This is probably because the library does not subscribe to the journal or doesn’t subscribe to the particular volume or part.  We may only subscribe to an electronic journal for a certain number of years, e.g. from 1993 onwards. So, while you will be able to get full-text of more recent materials, free access will be denied to articles before 1993.

You can check what years of a journal the library subscribes to by using our A-Z list of journals or catalogue. Against each title, there is a note of the years we subscribe to.

If you can’t access the full-text of something you know or think we should have access to, contact us on libhelp@hw.ac.uk or +44 (0) 131 451 3582.

Should I use Athens?

You no longer need an Athens login to access Library resources. You can access the majority of Library electronic resources using your Heriot-Watt ID (username and password you use for Heriot-Watt email and for Vision. See our Athens no loner needed for off-campus access blog post for more information.

How do I obtain an ATHENS username and password?

You no longer need an Athens login to access Library resources. You can access the majority of Library electronic resources using your Heriot-Watt ID (username and password you use for Heriot-Watt email and for Vision. See our Athens no loner needed for off-campus access blog post for more information.

Can I use the university library near to where I live?

If you are resident in the UK, you can use and borrow from other university libraries if your local university library is a member of the SCONUL Access scheme. 

For libraries which are not part of the SCONUL Access scheme it may still be possible to have reference access without formal arrangement. However, it is always best to check your local library’s website and give them a call before you visit.  If you need a letter of introduction to gain reference access to another library, please contact us (on libhelp@hw.ac.uk or +44 (0) 131 451 3582).  Please note that reference access will not allow you to borrow materials or access databases or electronic journals.


How can I keep up to date with new library services?

Visit InformS our library blog

 

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