staffordshire university student guide to is

Student Guide to Information Serviceswww.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices

What’s insidethe guide?It contains information about library and IT facilities, e-resources and other study related material, learning technology, study areas, printing and copying, advice on how to develop your study skills, when and where to get help when you need it and as much useful information as we could pack into a small booklet. It gives a snapshot of what’s on offer at Information Services, so if we’ve missed anything out which you think should be included, please let us know.

We’ve put together all the essential bits of information to help get you started with your studies and tackling that all important first assignment.

Information Services Student Guide

Contents


Academic Support Tutors 12, 13Assignment Survival Kit (ASK) 13Binding and laminating 11Blogs 15Borrowing 9Contact 14, 15Disabled students – accessibility 14Distance learners 11Document delivery 9Email 6H drive 6Help Desks 15InfoZone 12InfoSkills 13Internet 5IT facilities 4, 5, 6Laptops 6Librarians 12, 13Library account 9, 10Library catalogue 9 Library facilities 8, 9, 10, 11Logging on/off 2MyPortal 5Off campus facilities 11Opening times 5, 9PebblePAD 13Policies and regulations 1, 2Printing, copying, scanning (MFPs) 7RefZone 13ResNet 5Returns, renewals, reserving 9, 10, 11Saving your work 6Self Service 9, 10Software 5Student ID card 2, 3Study space 11Study Skills 12, 13Usernames and passwords 2, 3Workshops and tutorials 12, 13Wireless network 6

Adjusting to life at university can seem daunting, which is why we have a team of friendly, approachable staff ready to help you to make the leap from studying at school or college to studying at university or to re-entering education after a long break.

We have your Library and IT needs covered.


We’ll guide you through the information maze, come to your rescueif you’re battling with technology, extol the benefits of self service and managing your library account, help you to improve your planning, time management, academic writing and critical analysis skills and more besides.

All this is supported by round the clock help and advice, day or night and even during weekends and vacations.

So if you do need help, just ask!

Policies and Regulations

Please make time to read the Library and IT Policies and Regulations.

Library policies and regulations can be found at: www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/regulations

IT policies and regulations can be found at: www.staffs.ac.uk/current/regulations/it

1Information Services Student Guide

Getting started Using Library, IT and online learning resources may seem overwhelming but we don’t expect you to take it all in at once.

Concentrate on finding out…

How to log on to your computer (p.2)•How to access your student email account and H: drive (file storage area) (p.6)•What and how to borrow from the Library (p.8)•Familiarize yourself with self service facilities (p.9)•Where and how to get help (p.14)•

Logging on

When you log on for the first time, a prompt box will appear with a link to the IS Policies and Regulations. It is your responsibility to ensure that you read and accept to abide by them before logging on.

You will need your username and password to log on to a University PC. Your Student ID card provides all the information you need. We’ve included some information below about how your username is worked out and how to change your password. To log off press ctrl-alt and delete simultaneously and select ‘log off’

Username

N.B. The format for student usernames has changed slightly this year because the current series of ‘year letters’ has been exhausted. Now, instead of having two letters at the beginning of your student number, the ‘year letter’ will be moved to the end, so usernames will be worked out as follows:

• Firstletterofyoursurnameorfamilyname• Followedbythelastsixdigitsofyourstudentnumber• Followedbytheyearofentryletter(‘a’for2010students)

For example, Stick Man will have username m000001a and e-mail address [email protected]

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Password

Your initial password is your date of birth e.g. dd/mm/yyIf using your date of birth doesn’t work, try 999999

Points to rememberDon’t forget to change your password after logging on for the first time.•Change your password regularly•Don’t allow another person to use your username and password•If you use a username other than your own, or disclose your password to •

another person you are breaking the University’s IT Policies and RegulationsIf you suspect that your account has been compromised, please report it to a •

member of staff

How to change your password Your password must be at least six characters long. A combination of numbers and letters will make your password more secure.

Press ctrl-alt and delete simultaneously•Select ‘change password’•Follow the on screen instructions•Select ‘OK’•

If you forget your password or need help logging on, contact us in one of the following ways… Any IT Help Desk with your Student ID card, phone 01782 29 4771 Fill out the online help form at www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/enquiry


IT facilitiesAll IS buildings provide IT facilities with help and support available 24/7.

We have PCs and Macs with free Internet and Email access and a range of software to help you with your studies.

Information Services Student Guide4

We have PC clusters throughout all our libraries; in addition to this we have IT centres in the Octagon Building in Stafford and the Cadman and Brindley Buildings both in Stoke. Follow the link below for opening times.Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it

PCs equipped with large monitors and specialist software are available for students with visual impairments or dyslexia.

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/addneeds

Software For Microsoft®, eLearning and course related applications software use the Quick Launch toolbar at the bottom left of the screen.

For specialised software relating to your course, use the Start menu at the bottom left of the screen.Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it/student/specs

Using the Internet and MyPortal

MyPortal is the default Internet page and is your gateway to all essential learning resources and other services such as Email, Library account, H: drive, Virtual Learning Environments and modules you’ve enrolled on. You’ll receive important messages from your Faculty via MyPortal too, along with other University information that will keep you up to date with the latest news and events.

ResNet

ResNet is the officially supported network connection service for students living in University accommodation. If you are living in University accommodation, you will receive a ResNet pack when you collect your keys. This will contain all the information you need to get connected.

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/resnet Further support t. 01782 29 4771 or 01782 29 4135 (Stoke) t. 01785 35 3339 (Stafford)


Email

All members of the University are issued with a Microsoft Office® email account.Your student email address is your username and password followed by @student.staffs.ac.uk (p.2)For PCs The Outlook® icon in the Quick Launch toolbarFor Macs Go to www.staffs.ac.uk/owa and select http://weboutlook.staffs.ac.uk/exchangeOff campus Go to www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/offcampus

Wireless network Airnet is Staffordshire University’s Wireless Network Service and is available to all students and staff who have a valid username and password. You need to have a wireless enabled laptop or mobile device that has an 802.11b/g wireless adapter installed. If you do not have a wireless adaptor, you can purchase one from the Octagon Help Desk (Visit www.staffs.ac.uk/airnet for current prices)

You also need to ensure your laptop/device is configured with the appropriate settings outlined in the Airnet user document. You must be running up to date antivirus software and ensure that your operating system is up to date with all the latest service packs and updates.

To download the Airnet user document and for further information visit www.staffs.ac.uk/airnet

Student H: drive

This is your own personal area on the University server for saving your work and only you can access it. You have an allocation of 40MB file storage. You can apply for more space by completing an application form at: www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it/saving/hdrives

Connect to your H: drive on or off campus at https://myportal.staffs.ac.uk by using your student username and password.

Don’t forget to back your work up on a USB drive and save it regularly.

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Multi Function Printers

MFPs are located throughout the University campus and in all IS building, providing printing, scanning and photocopying facilities to all staff and students.

Your MFP login username and PIN will be emailed to your student email account, so keep a look out! You can also log on to the MFPs by swiping your Student ID card and entering your PIN. For full instructions and how to log on and use the MFPs, visit www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it/mfp

Printing from home

You can print to the MFPs from your own computer at home or on ResNet and collect your documents as usual from any MFP on campus.Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it/own

Printing costs

Your print account is automatically credited with £2. You can top up your print account at the MoneyLoader machines or at any IS staffed service point.A4 black and white 5pA3 black and white 7pA4 colour 25pA3 colour £1Scanning to email 2p Stapling 1p

Information Services Student Guide 7

Library facilitiesThere are three main site libraries, two in Stoke (Law and Thompson Libraries) and one in Stafford (Nelson Library). We also have the Health Library, located within the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.All our libraries have IT and printing facilities.

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Opening times

The Nelson and Thompson Libraries are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! The Law Library and Shrewsbury Health Library have extended opening hours during weekends and evenings.

You must have your Student ID card with you to enter the building during Self Service Opening. For your own safety and the safety of others, you will not be allowed access without it.www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/opening

Borrowing

Try and remember to bring your Student ID card whenever you visit the library as you won’t be able to borrow without it. You’ll be pleased to know that borrowing is free for all library items. Fines are levied for late returns but they can be avoided by keeping on top of your library account.We do send reminders via your student email account for overdue items so please check your email regularly.You can borrow up to 17 items and can pick and mix from a selection of books, DVDs, laptops, data projectors, Dictaphones and a range of assistive technology.Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/borrowing

The library catalogue

Use the library catalogue to search for all forms of library material and check location and stock availability. You can also use it to check your library account and renew and reserve items. Further information http://library.staffs.ac.uk

Document Delivery service

If we haven’t got what you need in any of the University Libraries in print or electronically we can usually get it from another library at a cost of £5 per request. www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/borrowing/requests/external_libraries

Self Service There are self service machines in all our libraries where you can issue, return and renew library items and pay fines. You will need your Student ID card to use the self service machines.www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/borrowing/selfservice


Your library account

Using your PIN and library barcode, you can access your library account to check what items you have out on loan, renew items and reserve books that are on loan to another borrower.

Your PIN Day and month of your date of birth e.g. DD/MM.

Your library barcodeThis can be found on your Student ID card.www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/borrowing/selfservice

Renewing

You can renew your 2 week loan items up to 20 times...

Via the web at http://library.staffs.ac.uk•On a Self Service machine•At the Lending Services Counter•By telephone 01782 29 4817 (24 hour automated service) •

Remember to have your Student ID card and PIN to hand.

You cannot renew the followingShort Loan items (4 hour, 24 hour and 48 hour loans) or items that have been requested by another borrower. You can renew overdue items, provided you don’t have any outstanding fines. www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/borrowing/selfservice

Reserving

You can reserve items that are on loan to another borrower and can request up to five items (2 week loans only) at any one time. You will be notified via your student email account when your requested items are ready for collection. They will be held on the reservation shelf for 7 days. www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/borrowing/selfservice

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Postal requests

We offer a postal loan service for Distance Learners and other Staffordshire University students based in the UK who can’t easily visit one of our libraries.

Free of charge service.•Postage costs apply for returns.•You can request up to 4 books at any one time.•No Short Loan items.•Books cannot be posted overseas, however, we can supply photocopies •

subject to copyright restrictions

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/offcampus

Binding and Laminating

Binding and laminating machines are available near to Lending Services. You can also purchase the binding combs and covers from here too.For a small charge we’ll bind the document for you.Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/services/binding

Distance Learners

We have a range of services and facilities which may be accessed remotely by off-campus users, distance learners, distributed learners or students who have difficulty visiting the university in person.Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/offcampus

Study spaces

Whatever your needs, you’ll find a study space to suit. There are zoned areas for silent, quiet and group study and flexible study areas equipped with mobile technology, editing software and moveable furniture for you to create your own learning environment. There are also study rooms which you can book for collaborative group work.Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/services/studyareas


Develop your study skillsWe don’t just supply you with books and computers; we can support you with all aspects of your studies and help you to develop your skills in a variety of ways so you can become a successful, confident learner.

We have a team of Academic Skills Tutors who will help you with all subject and research related enquiries (Librarians) and to improve and develop your skills in academic writing, critical analysis, time management etc. (Study Skills). Information can be delivered in a way that suits you, including one-to-one tutorials, workshops, group sessions...it’s really up to you, so if you need help, just ask!

InfoZone

InfoZone has everything you need to know as a new student about using computers, libraries and online learning. Get ‘in the zone’ at... www.staffs.ac.uk/infozone

Get a group of friends and ‘Design your own academic skills session’ – New for 2010

You now have the chance to create your own sessions which will be delivered byan Academic Skills Tutor to yourself and a group of friends.


Choose from a range of resources/activities/information and tailor a teaching session to suit your needs. You can also choose how you want the information delivered! To book a session and find out more www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/academicskills

Assignment Survival Kit (ASK)

Being faced with your first assignment at university can be daunting. ASK is an online learning support tool which can help you to tackle your assignments, providing useful information and advice. There’s also practical help and advice from your fellow students via the ASK Podcasts.www.staffs.ac.uk/askwww.staffs.ac.uk/ask/videos

InfoSkills The InfoSkills module will guide you through the maze of research and give you the skills to enhance your employability. It can help you to vastly improve your research and referencing skills, showing you how best to keep an accurate record of your sources and help you to cite your sources to a recognised standard.Anyone can benefit from InfoSkills and remember, it’s worth fifteen credits! www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/training

RefZone

You wouldn’t be the first student to panic at the thought of having to tackle the minefield that is referencing! RefZone makes sense of it all, providing you with all the information you need to understand exactly how and what to reference. It will also guide you through the different styles (yes, there’s more than one) used at the University.www.staffs.ac.uk/refzone

PebblePAD

Record your educational, personal, social and cultural experiences; build tailored CVs and present your profile to the world in a webfolio.www.staffs.ac.uk/pebblepad


Help, support and contact detailsAs you’ve already seen in previous sections of this booklet, help and support is provided in a variety of ways. We’ve put together a ‘quick list’ of contacts below as a reminder and details of how you can stay up to date with information...

Accessibility

All IS building are accessible via wheelchair lifts, however, proximity cards are available for students and staff with a mobility impairment to access the Thompson Library and Cadman Building via the courtyard entrance if preferred.Forms are available at Student Support and the Thompson Help Desk.www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/addneeds

Additional support for disabled students

We provide a range of services, equipment and support for disabled students. For a full list of what’s available, visit www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/addneeds

24 hour help For all your Library and IT enquiries,day or night and during weekends andvacations call,01782 29 4771 or 01782 29 4135 (Stoke)01785 35 3339 (Stafford and Shrewsbury)

Email

[email protected]

Online

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/enquiry


Libraries and IT Centres

Brindley IT Help DeskLeek Road, Stoket: 01782 29 4135

Health LibraryRoyal Shrewsbury Hospital, Shrewsburyt. 01743 49 2512

Law LibraryLeek Road, Stoket. 01782 29 4307

Lichfield CentreLichfieldt. 01543 51 0700

Nelson LibraryBeaconside, Staffordt. 01785 35 3604

Octagon IT Help DeskBeaconside, Stafford01785 35 3339

Thompson LibraryCollege Road, Stoket. 01782 29 5770

Keep up to date with what’s going on

http://blogs.staffs.ac.uk/libraryhttp://staffsuni.blogspot.comhttp://twitter.com/Staffordshire


Any suggestions?

We’ve tried to include lots of information that you would find useful throughout your studies. If there’s anything we’ve missed out that you think would be helpful that we can include in future publications, please let us know at:[email protected]

Thank you!

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staffordshire university student guide to is

Documents

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library catalogue

information maze

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help desks

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