New library users guide
What does the Swinburne Library provide?
While you're studying at Swinburne, the library should be your first stop for assistance with research and finding information.
- The library website is your gateway to the library's online resources, and you can access it both while you are on campus and on your home computer. It provides access to the library catalogue, online journals, tutorials and more.
- Search the catalogue to discover our great range of print books and journals, or browse our extensive collection of online journals.
We want you to feel comfortable in the library, so feel free to eat and drink in the library, but please don't bring alcohol or hot food. Please show respect for other students by placing your rubbish in the bin.
How do I borrow from the library?
Your student (or staff) card also acts as your library borrowing card, so make sure you always carry it with you when you're on campus. When you find books, CDs or DVDs you'd like to borrow, take them to a self-service checkout machine (pictured) and follow the prompts on the screen.
- If you have any problems, or you'd like to borrow electronic equipment, magnetic tapes or software, please visit the service desk at your library.
- Keep the printed receipt, as it tells you when your items are due back.
For more information on borrowing, see our Borrowing section on the website.
What if I need the book for longer?
In most cases, you can renew your book online or by telephone.
How do I borrow books from other Swinburne campuses?
You are still welcome to borrow a book even if it's located at another campus. Just place a hold on the item and we'll arrange for it to be sent to your campus.
- We'll notify you by email or SMS when it arrives, so you know to come and collect it.
- Use the self-service checkout machines to borrow the book.
- Maximum loan periods at the other campus may be different from those at your campus.
What if none of the Swinburne Library campuses have the book I need?
Try searching Libraries Australia to see if any other Victorian university libraries hold a copy. We have a reciprocal borrowing scheme with other university libraries, which means that you may be able to borrow the book directly from the other library using a CAVAL card.
How do I use computers, photocopiers or other equipment?
There are desktop computers available at each campus library. A limited number of wireless laptops can also be borrowed from the Service Desk at your campus library.
- You'll need a SIMS username to use the computers. Follow the on-screen instructions or contact the ITS Service Desk for assistance.
- Each campus library has printers, scanners and photocopiers you can use. You'll need your student card to access these.
- You may also be able to borrow other equipment such as data projectors and headphones.
Find out what equipment is available at your campus library.
What is online reserve?
Your teacher may have placed scanned copies of book chapters or relevant journal articles online for you, for items which may be in high demand at the library.
You can find this material by visiting Online reserve on our website.
My teacher gave me a research project. Where do I start?
The Research help section of the website contains information and tutorials to help you get started.
A great place to find general information on your area of study is also our Subject starter guides. Here, you'll find links to resources, from journal articles and e-books to websites and newspaper articles. Simply go to the subject starter guides on our website and find your subject area.
The library also runs free training workshops throughout the year to help you gain research skills you'll need as a student. You'll learn how to find journal articles, how to do referencing and citations, and you'll find out what makes a resource trustworthy.
I need to find 'scholarly resources' for my assignment. What are these?
Your teachers will prefer that you refer to scholarly resources in your assignments, for best results. Early in your studies, you'll need to learn how to tell the difference between information that is acceptable as a scholarly resource, and information from other sources whose authority is unclear.
Articles which are published in academic journals have usually been 'peer-reviewed' or 'refereed'. This indicates that other experts in the same field have read the material and checked its quality as an authoritative academic resources before it has been allowed to be published.
A librarian will be happy to show you how to use our databases to find journal articles from a number of academic journals.
How do I do referencing or citations for an assignment?
It is important that you reference all of the ideas and information you have gained from other material in your assignments. This demonstrates that you have read and understand prior related research, but it is also essential to avoid accusations of plagiarism, a serious and punishable offence in any university.
Assignments submitted for assessment at Swinburne should use the Swinburne Harvard referencing styles.
For more advice on how to avoid plagiarism, read Guide for students on avoiding plagiarism (PDF).
How can I get help preparing for exams?
We provide a selection of past exam papers on our website.
- Not all courses offered at Swinburne provide past exam papers for you to see.
- You will need to know your course code in order to gain access to the past exam papers.
There are many ways you can contact us.
- Feel free to approach the staff at your campus library for any question or to get help with your research. If you want further assistance with researching you can arrange an appointment with a liaison librarian.
- You can contact us online.
- You can phone us on 9214 8330, or by SMS on 0427 841 787.
You might also find the information you're looking for in Research help on our website or one of our many guides and tutorials.
How do I know what's happening at the library?
We regularly publish library related news and changes to opening hours on the library website.
- Subscribe to the library blog or keep checking the website front page for information about new services and tips for getting the most out of the library at specific times of the academic year.
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