ACADEMIC RESOURCES
During your time in University of Galway, you’ll use the Library for a range of services. You can study there, borrow course material, search the internet, consult archives, and do other things like photocopying and use computers. You can bring in your laptop as the building offers full wireless access. However, the core aim of the Library is to provide a welcoming and student-centred environment whether you come in physically to the building, or use it virtually over the University’s network. The following is a brief overview of some of the services you will find useful – but there is a lot more information on the Library website at www.library.universityofgalway.ie
Library Collections
The Library collections are spread over three floors with a Nursing and Midwifery Library extension to the rear of the Main Library. In general they consist of books, journals, newspapers, microfilm, special collections, archives, videos/DVDs, maps, and more. Most of the books can be borrowed. Some material is for reference and can only be used in the Library. Much of the material is available in electronic form – so you can use the Library from anywhere on campus, or from home, or student accommodation. To find out what the Library has – you can check the online catalogue – the OPAC – and search in a variety of ways. It will tell you where the item is located, and whether it is on loan or on the shelves. If the Library doesn’t hold a copy of something you need – it will usually purchase it for you or borrow it from another library.
Using the Library
Your student ID card is your library card, so you can start using the Library immediately you are registered with the University. Full-time undergraduate students can borrow up to five items for seven days. Part-time undergrads can borrow the same number of items, but for up to two weeks. Remember to have your student ID card with you at all times. The Desk Reserve collection contains books and journal articles, which have been placed here because of heavy demand. It is beside the Customer Services Desk – this material can only be borrowed for 3 or 24 hours, ensuring that every student has an opportunity to consult it – but all you need to know about borrowing is detailed on the Library website at www.library.universityofgalway.ie.
Fines
Nobody likes paying fines but their purpose is to ensure the speedy return of books so that other students can avail of them. If you owe more than €5 fines a block will be placed on your account so you’ll be unable to borrow another item until you clear the fine. It’s easier on yourself and on your fellow students if you return material in time.
The Electronic Library
The Library has a huge range of international databases and has approximately 30,000 electronic journal titles in full text, and about 350,000 electronic books. These are listed on the Library Catalogue, but the Library’s eKnowledge portal which is accessible through the Library’s website is the best access route to all of these. It is possible to search multiple electronic resources at once and allows personalised search results to be saved. You will need to log in with your student ID and your Library PIN number to use the service, but it is easy – full details on retrieving your PIN are available on the library website. If you need help in using the electronic services, just ask staff at the main Customer Services desk in the foyer, they’ll be happy to help. There is also a neat little online tutorial on using the Library called LARK Online – again find it through the Library website.
SFX
Sometimes when you search a database, you’ll see an icon for SFX. When you click on the icon, you can find more information about what you’re looking for. For example, if you’ve found a reference to an article in a database, you can click the SFX button to see if it can bring you to the full article in a different database. It’s easy – just push the button!
Off-Campus Access
If you want to access the databases or e-journals from outside the University you can use the off-campus access service. It is quick and easy once you have your ID and Campus Account Password. For just checking the catalogue or looking at the website – you don’t need to use your ID and PIN – you just need these for accessing e-resources.
Please note that if you are accessing the library’s resources from work, or from within another local area network, you may encounter problems. Security restrictions from your work PC for example might cause problems .If this happens, contact your I. T. department or email the library – info@library.universityofgalway.ie
Other Library Services
Photocopying – Black/white copiers are located on every floor of the Library. A colour copier is located at the back of the Library on the ground floor. You can buy a card with printing credits on every floor of the Library; the card is then used in the credit reader beside every copier to tell you how many units you have left. The cards are €3 for 40 units, €5 for 70 units, and €10 for 165 units. These cards cannot be used in the Students’ Union copiers in the Library basement.
Library Training – If you want to use the Library’s resources effectively, you’ll benefit from training sessions offered by Subject and Research Librarians. There is a wide range of course throughout each semester, covering topics such as Literature searching and managing your references.
Library Tours – You’ll gain by taking a Library tour, during which Library staff will introduce you to the Library’s services. You’ll find life a lot easier with a little know-how. You can also take a self-guided tour – just pick up and electronic wand at the Customer Services Desk.
Opening Hours – During semesters, the Library is open 08:30 – 22:00, Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 17:30 Saturday and 10:00 – 17:30 Sunday. Times are fully detailed on the Library website at www.library.universityofgalway.ie
Finally – The Library isn’t only about serious study – there is a quiet area on the ground floor with a collection of modern fiction, popular journals and newspapers, and located here as well is the Mind, Body and Soul collection – and remember – Library staff are there to help you – all you need to do is ask.
‘Students with disabilities’ refers to students who have any disability whether physical, sensorial, developmental, psychological or hidden (such as diabetes, asthma and/or cystic fibrosis). It is important that we realise that the demands of people with disabilities are not about exceptions or special treatment, but about the fulfilment of rights, especially the right to fully participate.
The right to participate has been denied to many students with disabilities through the lack of facilities available in many 3rd level colleges. Fortunately colleges, including University of Galway, are becoming more aware of their obligations towards students with disabilities and are taking steps to make colleges more accessible.
If you are a student with a disability and would like to find out more about the facilities available, or let us know what facilities should be made available in this college that would be of benefit to you and other students with disabilities, please contact one of the following.
For more information, contact the Disability office here.
Here are some handy tips for getting the best use out of the computer facilities in University of Galway. If you have any problems, check out the Computer Services website or contact the User Support Centre. You can drop over to the Library & IT Service Desk, in the foyer of the James Hardiman Library, phone 091 495777, email to servicesdesk@universityofgalwayie or report a problem using the ISS Service Desk Ticketing System at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/information-solutions-services/
Lost Passwords
You will receive details of your Campus Account at registration. If you’ve lost or forgotten your password, please contact the ISS service desk here
To access Student E-mail
You must activate your campus account first at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/information-solutions-services/services-for-students/ Login with your username (i.e. student ID number) and password.
Printing
You first need to add print credit to your account. You can purchase print credit online at// printcredit@nuigalway.ie“> // printcredit@nuigalway.ie“>http:// printcredit@nuigalway.ie . You can also purchase print credit at the print kiosk, located in the Print Release Room 125A (Near Arts and Science PC suite), in the front foyer of the Cairnes building and in the James Hardiman Library.
Getting help
For some of the smaller problems you may be having with software, etc., check out the ISS website for simple guides. If this isn’t sufficient, you should consider taking the ‘Introduction to PC Suites’ course, which is available free of charge. The one-hour course covers logging in and logging out, file management, printing and StudentMail. Call into the ISS Service Desk to register.
Reporting broken PCs
If ISS are unaware that a PC is broken, they cannot fix it. Please report all faults at http://servicedesk.universityofgalway.ie or contact the ISS Service Desk
Mobile computing
The Eduroam service is available for students with their own laptop. All computers that connect to the campus network (includes WiFi) must have anti-virus software installed. Anti-virus software is available from the ISS website.
PC Suite opening hours
Public access PC suites are open from 08:30 – 22:00 (Monday – Friday). Some suites are also open at weekends and over holiday periods. Full details are available on the ISS website
Importance of backing up stuff
You are responsible for your own files, whether they are stored on the network or on removable media. Remember to always keep more than one copy of your work. Use memory sticks or CDs/DVDs to back-up important work. Another tip is name your USB/Memory stick not with your name but with your mobile phone number, that way if it gets lost whoever finds it can call you!
Software
Not all software is available in all PC suites. Standard software e.g. Microsoft Internet Explorer,Word, SPSS and EndNote are available in all PC Suites, while subject-specific software is only available in certain suites. Full details are available here
ISS Service Desk
Location: Foyer of James Hardiman Library
Telephone: ext. 5777 or 091 495777
Email: servicedesk@universityofgalway.ie
Website: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/information-solutions-services/
See https://www.universityofgalway.ie/information-solutions-services/services-for-students/ or the for further information.
The mission of the Career Development Centre team is to provide a quality career guidance and information service focused on facilitating and empowering students of University of Galway to manage their own career development.
Visit the Careers Development Centre Information Room or website and let’s work together through your career questions.
Visit the Career Development Centre
- Browse the Careers Library
- You don’t need an appointment to get information – just one in and ask
- Pick up your copy of our events list
- Read information on postgraduate study, working abroad, employer profiles, funding and much more.
- Browse in our comfy research area with computers, photocopier and printer (no card needed)
Visit their website
Attend career events
Please check the Career Development Centre website for upcoming events.
How can I find out more about my chosen career, subjects or options?
- Check the entry routes, requirements and descriptions for thousands of jobs, read career profiles, books or job descriptions in the Information Room.
- Attend a seminar where you will hear all about the career from professionals working in the career area. Check details on Careers Connect online or call to the Career Development Centre and pick up a copy of our events schedule for the semester.
- For information anywhere, anytime log on to www.universityofgalway.ie/careers and click ‘I am a student’.
How can I choose my next career step?
- Try an online psychometric test – call in to the Career Development Centre for more details.
- Attend a careers education module as part of your degree programme – if there isn’t one, ask your department(s) / class representative to organise one.
- Still unsure? Make a 15 minute appointment, via Careers Connect, with one of the Careers Team.
Where can I do a postgrad and how will I pay for it?
- Use our comfortable research area with photocopy and printing facilities (no card needed!) – read prospectuses, calendars and grant directories.
- Visit our Postgraduate Fair, held on-campus, in February.
- See “Scholarships and Funding” on the University Website.
How can I get a job and make a good impression when I apply?
- Hundreds of jobs are advertised on the Career Development Centre website during the year – remember, many graduate programmes are filled by Christmas, so act quickly. Check the Career Development Centre website for more details.
- CV and Interview sessions facilitated by external professionals. Get tips from those ‘in the know’. First come, first served – secure a place by signing up on line for these weekly seminars during term.
- Get sample CV’s, interview questions, aptitude test questions, cover letters – all available in the Information room.
- Talk directly to representatives from the company at company presentations arranged for you by the Career Development Centre (see list online at www.universityofgalway.ie/careers via Careers Connect).
Going Abroad? How can I find out more?
- Visit the Career Development Centre Information Room to access information on working or studying in the EU, USA/Canada or further afield.
- Check the website for worldwide links available online at www.universityofgalway.ie/careers.
Can you tell me more about potential employers?
Pick up free employer directories or read files on companies in the Information Room. Hundreds of links to potential employers on our website. Attend presentations by employers on campus throughout the year.
Who are the staff of the Career Development Centre?
- For more information on the Staff of the Career Development Centre please click here
How can I make an appointment?
15 minute appointments are available daily online through Careers Connect
These are open to:
- All University of Galway students.
- Graduates of University of Galway (up to 3 years after graduation) outside term only.
11am to 12pm and 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Outside term there may be limited availability.
Bookable up to 36 hours in advance via Careers Connect.
CONNECT with the Career Development Centre
On their website log into Careers Connect and you can:
- Book appointments
- Book your place at events
- Search our job vacancy database
- Edit your profile to filter jobs and events specific to you
Career Development Centre
Arts/Science Building (above ISS)
Open Monday – Thursday, 9am – 5pm, Friday 11am – 5pm
Tel: 091 493589
Email: Careers@universityofgalway.ie
www.universityofgalway.ie/careers
CÉIM is an academic peer learning scheme for 1st year Engineering, Geography, BA Law, and Political Science and Sociology students. Based on the well-evidenced Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) model used in over 30 countries, CÉIM was initiated by NUI Galway Students’ Union in 2013 and is run as a partnership with students and academic staff. For more information click here
Looking for Grinds? Check here
Student Connect Mentoring is available to all first year students in the Colleges of Arts, Science and MNHS. The aim of Student Connect is to provide a friendly and caring introduction to University of Galway for first-year students through the facilitation of student-to-student help and encouragement. The benefits of the programme are two- fold: Students have an experienced student to contact if they encounter any difficulties and first year students meet a new group of friends. Your mentor is a 2nd or 3rd year students who has been in the same position as you and can answer any queries you have in relation to starting your new life in University. Social engagement within the University is key to a successful student experience. Each first year is pre-allocated a mentor so you can contact them the week prior to coming to University with any queries you may have.
For more info contact una.mcdermott@universityofgalway.ie
SUMS is a FREE drop-in Mathematics and Statistics support centre for all University of Galway undergraduate students. The primary purpose of SUMS is to assist students with any aspect of Mathematics or Mathematics related subjects. SUMS is open to all University of Galway students, not just those studying for Mathematics Degrees. SUMS provides a comfortable, informal environment where students can come and study at their own pace. During drop-in service hours expert tutors are on hand to offer individual help as required. Outside these hours, SUMS is available for students as study space. SUMS (Support for Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics) is located in room ADB-GO23 on the ground floor of Áras de Brún. Further information, including opening hours is available at: http://www.universityofgalway.ie/public-sites/s-u-m-s/
The Academic Writing Centre (AWC) provides free one-on-one tutorials on essay writing. All students are most welcome, regardless of discipline, year, or grade average.
The AWC is located on the second floor of the James Hardiman Library. During term time, you can drop in at any time during their opening hours or make an appointment on their website: www.library.universityofgalway.ie/awc/
ComputerDISC (Computer Programming Drop-In Support Centre) is a free resource for all University of Galway students that are enrolled in computer programming or software development courses. The purpose of the centre is to provide support to students with their self-directed learning in computing topics at all years and levels. It is designed to complement the lectures, tutorials, labs and other supports that are available to students. ComputerDISC is located in room 205 on the first floor of the Information Technology building. Students can drop in at any time during the opening hours as no appointments are necessary. Further information can be found on www.computerdisc.it.universityofgalway.ie
Twitter @ComputerDISC
Facebook www.facebook.com/ComputerDISC
Be proactive about your study and your results! Taking good notes is a simple first step to success in exams and assessments. For tips on this and many other key academic skills, check out the online Academic Skills Hub at www.universityofgalway.ie/academic-skills
