Introduction
Welcome to the Library's essentials page. Here you will find an introduction to the various services that the Library offers as well as a series of videos and guides to show you the basics of conducting research online using the Library's ebooks and resources.
Academic Writing Support
The Academic Writing Service (AWS) is available to all CU Coventry students and staff and focuses on writing and studying at university.
We aim to provide students with individualised advice and guidance on:
-
writing assignments such as essays, reports and final projects​
-
how to incorporate sources in writing writing critically and analytically
-
Writing critically and analytically
Quick links
|
Locate can be used to access ebooks and find print books in the Library. |
|
Access core textbooks and search through hundreds of e-books on BibliU. |
|
Referencing help and support. |
|
Reading lists- view essential and recommended reading for each module on your course. |
Covid-19 Library information
Services
CU Coventry Library provides access to all of the essential and required reading for your course. In addition it also includes:
- Hundreds of thousands of e-books and millions of e-articles from over 180,000 journals all accessible from home.
- The University aims to provide students with copies of a selection of core textbooks for each course that are theirs to keep and download. These books are available on BibliU.
- Free access to subscription only databases as well as guides on how to best use them.
- Subject specific resource guides: The Library has developed Subject Support Guides which provide advice on books, journals and databases to help students find the most relevant material.
- Specialist guidance and help. We have qualified staff available to support you to find and use high-quality information, with help available online.
Borrowing:
- Books are issued for 1 week or 3 weeks depending on the book.
- Book renewals are automatic unless a reservation has been made or there is a block on your library account.
- Laptops are issued for 4 hours and cannot be renewed.
- Borrowing is free, but for the late return of books that cannot be renewed there is a charge. There is also a charge of £1 per hour for late laptops.
- For more information see the borrowing and renewals guide.
We provide assistance with:
- Using the Library
- Referencing- APA, CU Harvard and Oscola
- Research- finding books, ebooks, journal articles and using databases
- Academic Writing- the Academic Writing Service is based in the Library
You can book one to one or small group sessions with library staff and members of the Academic Writing Service (AWS) for in-depth help and support.
Phone: 02477 659639
Email: library@cuc.coventry.ac.uk
The Library's study facilities include:
- A Silent study area where you can focus and work in peace.
- Computers with access to printers and software to help with writing assignments including Inspiration and Read & Write.
- Loanable laptops for use within the Library.
- Printing services and guides for operating the printers.
- Support from the Academic Writing Service.
- Support from library staff.
Essential Information
Library ebooks are accessed through Locate – when you search for books, the majority of results are usually ebooks. Ebooks can also be accessed via BibliU.
Using Bibliu, you can:
- Search both for book titles and within the text of the book (as well as searching for figures and diagrams).
- ‘Favourite’ books to make them appear on your home screen (like the watchlist on Netflix)
- Change the appearance of book pages, including the size of text and colour of the text and background
- Highlight and make notes in the text, as well as a text-to-speech option for highlighted blocks of text and a ‘speed-reader’ feature
- Download copies of books on your phone or tablet to use offline (your core reading will stay downloaded forever, other titles vary)
You can use BibliU via an app on your mobile device (iOS/Android) as well as through a standard internet browser.
The video below provide's an introduction to accessing and using BibliU.
The books are arranged on the shelves by subject according to the Dewey Decimal Classification system. Each book is given a shelf number, which consists of numbers and letters, this can be found on the spine of every Library book. When you search for books on Locate, this number is what you will need to find the book on the shelf.
Locate is the Library's catalogue. All of the library's electronic books, journals and articles can be accessed here, it can also be used to find print books in the Library.
Its' features include:
-
Simple search function similar to a Google search.
-
Advanced search features such as restricting searches by subject, resource type (e.g. book or article etc.) and whether the results are peer reviewed.
-
Ability to favorite results and save searches.
- Check print stock and availability and reserve books.
You can check your Library account by clicking here
You can also check your account from anywhere in Locate by selecting 'Login' (in the top right corner) then click on your name and select 'My Account'
Using the my account feature you can:
- View current Loans and due dates
- Renew books online
- Check fines and fees