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Library Induction: Finding your readings

Finding your recommended reading

Most lecturers recommend books, journal articles or other items for you to read, by making reading lists available in a website called Moodle. You can search Moodle for most unit titles/codes and then find the associated reading list, which are usually found under the Library List tab.

Library Lists tab.

 


The list may define some readings as essential, core or key - it's important to try to prioritise these. However, to broaden and deepen your understanding of a topic, it's advisable to also read at least some additional or recommended readings - this could help you to get a higher grade! Some lists include links for the online readings, but if not, search for these using the Library Catalogue (accessible anywhere in the world).

Finding, borrowing, reserving & returning books

Transcripts of the videos are available to read.

You can borrow up to 30 books at a time. The vast majority of journals are available to read online via the Library Catalogue, but print journals are for reference-use in the Library and can't be borrowed.

Requesting copies of chapters & articles from the Library

If you'd like a copy of a journal article or book chapter from our print collection, please request this using our Bath Copies service. A scanned copy is then sent to your University of Bath email account but we can't scan books that are out on loan. 

Searching the wider literature

A key element to being a successful student is demonstrating that you're an independent learner who can find out what has been written on a topic without relying solely on a lecturer’s reading list.

To help you do this, search the Library's databases which are accessible online anywhere in the world. These databases can help you find journal articles, conference papers and other literature. We also provide resources to help you find data, statistics, reports and other items. You can also use the Library Catalogue to search beyond your reading list.

To find library databases and other resources, refer to resources for your subject. To learn how to search the databases effectively, refer to How to do a Literature Search. If you use Google Scholar, it's advisable that you also search the Library databases as these enable you to search in a more systematic and thorough way.

Requesting items from other libraries

When researching a topic, you may find out about items that are not held in our Library collection. You may be able to obtain these from another library using our Inter-Library Loans service.  

Visiting other libraries

  • Higher education libraries: SCONUL Access and other schemes allow University of Bath students and staff to visit other libraries in the UK and Republic of Ireland (either for reference purposes only, or to borrow books). 
  • National and public libraries: Check online to find out which public libraries are available and what services they are offering in your local area.

Use Library Hub Discover to search across about a wide range of UK national, academic and specialist libraries.