In this section, you will find guides to accessing print and online resources from the library, including books and journal articles.
What are academic books?
Academic books include scholarly books that form an original contribution to knowledge and textbooks that provide an introduction to a topic.
Scholarly books are long-form publications usually aimed at an academic audience. Formats include:
Textbooks are aimed at student audiences. Though providing scholarly information and very useful for providing overviews of subjects, textbooks do not make original contributions to research and generally are not included in literature reviews.
How to find and borrow books
Find out more about searching for and borrowing e-books and print books by reading our Finding and Borrowing Books page.
What is a reading list?
Many modules have a course reading list. Reading lists may signpost recommended reading or highlight key texts on the topics you are studying. Reading lists can have more than just books. They may include articles, blogs, or even podcasts! The material may be available online or as a physical copy in the library.
How can I access module reading lists?
You can usually link to your module reading list from the module's Moodle page, or you can search Reading Lists using the module code or title.
What if I can't access an item on my reading list?
Ask the staff at the Library Help Desk or contact your Subject Librarian if you have any issues with accessing items on your reading lists.
If you require access to a book in an alternative format, assistance is accessible through the Accessibility and Inclusion page.
Staff and students are welcome to recommend new academic books for the Library to buy that are needed for individual study/research. Subject to available funds, we aim to obtain e-books where possible, in order to maximise accessibility, but will purchase print copies where e-format is unavailable.
For students, use Unidesk to recommend a book for purchase.
Academic staff wishing to request new titles for reading lists should reach out to their subject librarian through the ​Request Books and Journals page, with the publication details of each book and the code/title of the relevant Leganto list.
Shelf Help and non-academic books
Aside from scholarly books, the Library also has a large collection of non-academic books, such as novels, poetry volumes, and non-fiction books on many different topics.
You are also welcome to check out our Shelf Help service that provides a specially chosen collection of books, films, and apps to help you overcome experiences, thoughts, and feelings that can be stressful or uncomfortable.
What are scholarly (or academic) articles?
Scholarly articles are short-form publications published in academic journals.
There are two kinds of articles published in academic journals. Research articles present the findings of an original piece of research carried out by the author(s). These articles are primary sources of information. Review articles provide critical summaries of existing research on a topics. These are secondary sources of information.
How to find scholarly articles
What are scholarly journals?
Scholarly journals are collections of articles on related academic topics published regularly over time. Often there will be several volumes of a journal published each year.
How to find journals
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