Frequently asked questions
Library basics
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Opening hours are subject to change. Check the hours here.
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How do I get 24 hour LateLab access to Hawthorn library?
Register your Swinburne ID card here. Access will be granted by the end of the next business day.
The computer LateLab at Hawthorn Library is available to all Swinburne students and staff. After hours access is through the LateLab door in the Atrium. -
What orientation training is available?
The library runs orientation tours at the beginning of each semester and free training workshops throughout the year.
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- Go to the service desk to borrow and return items, book equipment and for general inquiries.
- Rovers can help you with basic IT problems and get you connected to the wireless network. Look out for their red shirts in the library.
- Ask for a librarian at the consultation or service desk if you need help finding information for your assignments.
- Or contact the library online.
Borrowing
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Your Swinburne ID card is also your library card. To borrow books, you can go to one of the self check-out machines located around the library. To borrow DVDs, CDs, laptops and other equipment go to the library service desk.
For more information on borrowing periods, fines and what equipment you can borrow, go to Borrowing. -
Log in to My Library to renew your loans online or contact the library.
You can renew a loan any time before the item is due back, unless you have overdues, more than $10 in fines or someone else hase placed a hold on it. Find out more about using My Library. -
Can I place a hold on an item at another campus or out on loan?
Yes, log in to My Library, find the item in the Library search and click on Place hold. The library will email you when the item is ready to collect from your preferred campus. Items are kept on hold for 5 days.
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Do I get fined for overdue items?
Yes, there are fines for late returns and you will not be able to borrow from the Library if you have overdue items or upaid fines.
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What if Swinburne doesn’t have the item I need?
- Try searching Trove to see if another library has it.
- Register for CAVAL and borrow it from another library.
- Suggest an item for the library to buy
- Find out if you are eligible for an inter-library loan.
- Ask us for help.
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A CAVAL card allows you to borrow directly from other libraries in Victoria.
Complete this registration form (PDF) and take it to the service desk at any Swinburne campus library to get your card.To find out more see Borrowing from other libraries.
Computing, printing and copying
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How do I book a computer or room?
Computer and room bookings are only available for Hawthorn and Prahran.
Go to Book a computer or room.
If you need help to make a booking see how to use the booking system. -
Connect to Swinwifi.
For more information see the ITS website.For on campus help, ask a Library Rover. You'll see them wearing red shirts in the library.
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What software is available on library computers?
At Hawthorn, every computer has different pre-installed software. To find out which computers have the software you need, consult the list of software available on Hawthorn computers.
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How do I print, copy and scan?
Buy a print card from a vending machine in the library for $2. Print your document as normal. Take your print card to the printer. Select your document on the screen and click print. You will be asked to swipe your print card. Black and white printing costs 11 cents per page, colour costs 50 cents per page.
To photocopy you will need to swipe your card to unlock the copier. Photocopying fees are the same.For more information, go to Print, copy and scan. If you have any problems, go to the library service desk or ask a Rover.
Finding information
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Where do I start my assignment?
- Search from the Library homepage for books, articles and more.
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To find items on your reading list, enter you unit code into the search box on the library homepage.
- Check your subject starter guide for links to journals, databases, books and websites for your subject.
- Go to Study help for lots more help finding information.
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How do I find journal articles?
Search the Library to find articles for your assignment. The library gives you access to millions of scholarly journal articles.
- To find articles go to the Articles and more tab.
- Type in the name of your article or a few keywords for your topic.
- Check your subject starter guide for links to journals and databases for your subject.
- For help, ask the library staff, attend a free library training workshop or contact us online.
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Where can I find items on my reading list?
Enter your unit code into the search box on the library homepage to access articles and books provided by your teacher. You will also be able access your course readings through Blackboard.
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I can't find the item I need. What can I do?
- Can't locate it on the shelf? Ask a Rover or any of the library staff for help.
- Can't find it online? Ask the library staff for help.
- Is it at another Swinburne campus? Place a hold on it by logging in to My Library.
- Is it at another library? Borrow from other libraries with a CAVAL card.
- Check if you are eligible for an inter-library loan.
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Where can I find past exam papers?
A selection of past exam papers are available on our website. To access papers you will need your unit code.
Referencing
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How do I write a reference list for my assignment?
Consult the Swinburne Library Harvard Style Guide for in-depth information on how to format your in-text references, reference lists and bibliographies, or download the Harvard Quick Guide (PDF).
For more referencing styles and help see: Referencing
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How do I use EndNote Web to manage my bibliography?
EndNote Web software can help you organise your reference list.
Free training sessions are available from the library throughout the year. EndNote Web is provided free to all Swinburne staff and students. Sign up for an account here if you are on campus or here (go to My EndNote Web) if you are off campus.For online tutorials and to book a training session, go to EndNote.
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Plagiarism is a serious and punishable offence in any university. It is important that you reference all of the sources you use for an assignment. For advice on how to avoid plagiarism, read the Student guide to avoiding plagiarism at Swinburne.
Contact us
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Still can’t find what you’re looking for?
Feel free to approach the staff at your campus library when you have a question. If you want further assistance with your research you can arrange an appointment with a liaison librarian.
Contact us online, call us on 9214 8330, or SMS on 0427 841 787.