Elder Music Library Guide to Services

Locating Material

Items in the Elder Music Library may be found by searching the Library Search facility. Online databases and electronic journals can also be accessed via Library Search, or via the Music Resources Guide (link on the left side-bar). To locate a physical book, journal, score, CD, DVD or LP you must first find the call number of the item.

Collections

Main Collection - Books and journals.

Reference Collection - Dictionaries, encyclopaedias, indexes, abstracts and other reference texts. Reference Collection items are not available for loan.

Performing Scores - Instrumental and vocal scores in a format suitable for performance.

Miniature Scores - Scores with type reduced in size - also known as Study Scores

Monumenta - Multi volume composers' collected works, historical and monumental sets. Only available for loan to academic staff and advanced level students.

Recorded Discs - Analogue discs (LP records) shelved in two sequences in the listening area.

CDs and DVDs - Digital discs - empty cases shelved at the end of the Main Collection. Take the empty case to the Loans Desk to get the disc.

Reserve (High Use) Collection - Books, scores and A/V materials in high demand, normally placed in Reserve at the request of a lecturer. Reserve Collection items are available at the Loans Desk. Two items may be borrowed at a time for three hours to use in the Library. Two Reserve Collection books may be borrowed for overnight use one hour before the Library closes. Items borrowed overnight are due back in the Library immediately on the next day that the Library is open. Never leave a Reserve item unattended in the Library - it remains your responsibility while it is on loan to you.

How to get help

If you have a question about any aspect of the Library and its resources, ask at the Loans Desk. If you have queries related to locating information for essays or assignments ask to speak to one of the librarians

Borrowing

How to Borrow
Take the items you wish to borrow and your University ID Card (or library card) to the Loans Desk. The loan will be recorded and the due date printed on a receipt. Keep the receipt with the item to ensure you return the item at the appropriate time. You must return the item, or extend the loan, on or before the due date. Loans may be extended through MyLibrary, or you may contact the Loans Desk for assistance. You must have your Library Card or ID Card with you to borrow from the Library.

Requests
If the item you want is already out on loan you should place a Request on the item. (Loan periods are generous, and the system requires you to generate a Request so that the item will be returned. You will receive an email when the requested item is available).

Returning Items
Items on loan can be returned through the chute inside the Library at the Loans Desk. There is an after-hours return chute on the right side of the front door to the Library. Wherever possible avoid returning Compact Discs through the chutes as their cases are fragile and damage easily. Items may also be returned at the Barr Smith Library.

Loan Periods

The Library's loan period for most categories is now 10 weeks. There are restrictions, however, with regard to Reference and Reserve Collection items, unbound journals, orchestral, big band and concert band scores with sets of parts, collected editions/monumental sets and LP records. If you have any queries relating to these materials ask one of the librarians.

Extensions

Loans may be extended through MyLibrary, or you may take the item to the Loans Desk before the due date, or extend a loan by telephone (8313 3685). A loan cannot be extended if another user is waiting for the item - if another user places a Request on an item for which you have had an extension, you will be asked to return it immediately.

Photocopying and Scanning

Photocopying - The system is changing! If you do not have an existing account, speak to one of the staff. More news soon!

Scanning to USB device is available from the photocopier. Instructions for scanning are posted near the machine. Your USB needs to be in FAT format. Please note that some USB brands - particularly novelty USBs - may not be useable with the photocopying machine. There is no charge for scanning.

Audio and Video Facilities

There are a number of carrels in the listening area containing an appropriate range of audio equipment. Headphones are available from the Loans Desk. There is also a small selection of portable audio equipment available at the Loans Desk which can be borrowed from the Library for short periods of time. Video facilites are available in the Library for use with material from the collection. Audio and video facilities are normally only available to staff and students from the Elder School of Music.