Library - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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How can I find out what is available in the library?

You can search the catalogue in the library or from home using the OPACS (Online Public Accesss Catalogues)

 

How can I find a book in the catalogue?

  • Simple search - type a few words in the keyword field (author’s family name and some words in the title of the book).  A results page will appear.
    • Click on the title to find the bibliographic details of the item.
    • Click on the number in the Available column. The next screen will show you where the books can be found in the library and the loan length, e.g. 1 day loan, Reference, etc.
  • Author search - type author’s family name in the author field. 
    • If you don’t know how to spell the authors surname then just type in the first few letters.
    Click to the left on the Author link and every author in the collection with that name will appear.  Choose which author you require by clicking on the name and then press search.  Tick Multiple selection if you are choosing more than one author and hold down the control key as you select. Click OK then press Enter. All books by that author will appear on the results page.
  • Subject search - type a subject into the subject field; i.e. counselling or education.  Click to the left on the Subject link to find subject headings beginning with that subject.  Select the subject(s) you require, click on search.  Every item in the collection with the subject heading chosen will appear on the results page.
    • Learn to use both broad and narrow keywords in your searching. Your search will only find what is recorded on the catalogue, not what is in the content of the book, journal, database etc.
  • Media search – Click on the Media drop down box, select the media you are searching for, e.g., e-journal, DVD etc. You may need to use a very broad keyword search for some media, e.g., e-journals.
  • Using an asterisk (truncated search)
    • In keyword search - Add an * to the end of a word or part word to find all expressions of that word, e.g. counsel* finds counselling, counsellor, counselled
    • Media search - use an * as your keyword term, click on e.g., e-journal or databases, and the resultant search will find all e-journals we have catalogued

I am an internal student, or an Adelaide metropolitan external student. How do I borrow a book?

Tabor Adelaide Library has a self borrowing system.

  • Scan your barcode on the self loan computer.  Your details will appear on the screen.

  • Scan the library barcode on each book. You will see each title appear on the screen displaying the due date.

When you have finished click on the Next Student button.  This will ensure your record is closed and can’t be accessed by other borrowers.

   

I am an external student living more than 30km from the college. How do I borrow a book?

Distant external students can request items to be posted to them. Click HERE for further information.

 
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How do I return a book?

There is an internal chute @ the Library Service Desk or an external chute on the northern side (Mitchell Street) of the library building.

Returns can also be posted to:

Tabor Adelaide Library
PO Box 1777
Unley SA 5061

 

How do I renew a book?

Loan periods may be renewed twice if the item has not been reserved by another patron

  • Go to the library catalogue and scroll down to My Loans. 
  • Enter your library barcode and your e-library password. You will then see your current loans and can renew them by clicking on the Renew button.
    • Contact the library if you do not know your password
    • Items that have been reserved by another patron will not be renewed
    • Fines will accrue if books are not returned or renewed by the due date.

How can I reserve an item that is currently on loan?

  • Find the item on the catalogue
    • Check the due date, loan length etc. by clicking on the number in the Available column
    • If it is currently on loan you can place a hold on it
  • Click on the title
  • Click on Reserve in the top right-hand of the screen
  • Log in using your barcode and e-library password.
    • Contact the library if you do not know your password
    • A pop-up message will appear telling you where you are placed in the queue for the item
    • We will contact you, usually by sending an SMS or an email, when the item is available for you to collect
  • Please delete any reservations you no longer require by clicking on My Reservations at the bottom of the library catalogue page, log in, and delete the items you no longer need
 

 

How do I write my reference list/bibliography and/or find the Tabor Adelaide Harvard reference guide?

  • This information is detailed in the college handbook -  Click on Handbooks on the college website to find the current version.

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