Finding books  

iFind Discover, the library catalogue for Swansea University, will help you to find books and other items in the library. It gives a call number for each item which is the code on the spine of the book so that you will be able to find it on the shelf.  An iFind discover brief guide is available.

Search iFind Discover. 

' Finding Books in the LIC' : once you know the call number for a book, this guide will tell you which wing and floor level of the LIC you need to go to.

The Maps and Floor Plans section of the ISS website will show you the area of a floor where you can find the call number you need.

You can also watch a brief video about finding a book.  You will need headphones to listen to it. If you are in the library you can purchase some from the Issue Desk in the Central Hall.

What if you can't find what you want?  

Is the item in iFind Discover?

Check the status details to make sure that it hasn't been borrowed by someone else. If it has been borrowed, you can make a reservation .

Before looking for the book, check the location in case the item is in another branch or is in a special category e.g. folios (books too large for the ordinary shelves which are shelved separately). 

Ask for help at the Information Desk in the LIC or at the Issue Desk in other branches. We will double-check the shelves for you, and if the item still cannot be found you can fill in a Search Slip. ISS staff will then continue to search for the item and will reserve it for you when found.

The item is not in iFind Discover

If you cannot find what you are looking for in the library catalogue, ask for help at the Information Desk. If we do not hold the material you require in Swansea University, you can use the Inter-Library Loan service to borrow a copy of a book from another library. This service can also supply photocopied articles for you to keep. There is a charge for this service - requests have to be approved by an authorised member of the academic department which will pay for the request. 

If we don't hold a book that you think would be of use to your course or module, you can fill in a book suggestion form.  Your suggestion will be considered in the light of course requirements and budget constraints.

You can search the online catalogues of other universities (Other library catalogues), but check Visiting other libraries for information on whether you will be allowed to visit them.