Library
resources go through a review process.
Librarians
select books, magazines, journals, databases and even Web sites. This
selection process allows the Library to collect resources considered reliable,
historically relevant, and of high quality.
Library
resources are 'free' or discounted for your use.
Though the items the Library
purchases are not cheap, they are able to purchase one or more copies
which can be shared by many people. Library Web based resources are purchased
for the UNSW community and access is provided via a site license.
Library
resources are organised.
Items in the Library are organised
so you can easily find all the resources on a topic. For example, when
you search for a book in the library catalogue (at UNSW this is called
the LRD), you will get a call number. The call number will direct you
to a specific shelf in the Library. In some libraries shelves are called 'stacks'. The other books near the same call
number should cover a similar topic.
Library
resources are meant to be kept permanently.
One
of the primary functions of a library is to be an organised storehouse
of in-depth information published throughout time. As well as finding
very current information, you can also find books that are no longer
published and older issues of magazines and journals. Increasingly you
can access items through the Library's electronic resources collection
via the Library Web site. At UNSW these resources can be accessed via the LRD and
by using Sirius, the gateway to electronic resources.
Library
resources come with personal assistance.
Unlike the Web which is primarily
do-it-yourself, the Library has staff who are trained to assist you
in sorting through all these information resources. They can help you
learn to use new tools and can answer any questions you have. The UNSW
Library also provides help through its Web site.
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