What Help Can I Get? - A Guide for Students.

Students come to university with very different experiences of libraries. Some may have used libraries where very little help was available; others may have used libraries where a member of staff would find information for them.

In UK universities in general, and at UWE in particular, the emphasis is on students developing the skills to find information in the Library for themselves. The Library will help you to find information and to develop your own skills in a variety of ways:

  • The Library maintains an extensive website. In particular, the Resources by Subject section will guide you to appropriate resources in your subject area.
  • The Library provides access to a wide range of online guides and tutorials to help you learn how to use Library resources.
  • The Library provides training sessions on finding information, integrated into your programme of study, and organised in cooperation with your faculty. It is essential to attend these sessions.
  • You may be able to find the answer to specific questions in our Frequently Asked Questions section.
  • The Library provides an enquiry service from enquiry points at each campus library, by telephone and remotely by using the online Library enquiries form.  
  • Library staff are available to answer enquiries during opening times of enquiry points at each campus library.
  • Library staff can answer enquiries relating to the Library’s services and facilities straight away.
  • Library staff are available to help you to find information in your subject area. If you have a complex or very specific enquiry, you may be asked to make an appointment with a member of library staff who specialises in your subject area. When helping you with this type of enquiry, Library staff will show you the sources and techniques for finding the information yourself, rather than necessarily presenting you with the specific information you are looking for.