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For Staff

Resources and services for academics

A Libguide dedicated to all things MU Staff, bringing together useful resources, tools and services available to MU Staff in one place.

Been in MU for ages but never borrowed from the library?

Sometimes academics are in MU for a long time before they borrow from the library or use other services. While you probably have your MyCard, to be able to use the Card for library access, you need to fill out an application form and allow 3 days for us to process this. Then your MyCard is operational for library services. If you've any queries about this, please contact us.

Working remotely? We've a dedicated guide for you that supports online teaching & learning here.

 

What are the biggest issues for you in class?

We hear a lot of feedback from lecturers about the need for Critical Skills and Information Literacy training for their students.

We've responded to this need by developing resources that you can use with your students.

Click a problem below to see some of our suggestions

You can also take a look at some of the classes we deliver, and work with us to customise one for your students.

How do inter-library loans work in MU Library?

We currently offer a free Inter-Library Loan service. Please see our Inter-Library Loan page for further details.

Finding academic texts for your subject

These websites are a useful source of academic book reviews and ordering information:

  • Book Data Online - good for looking up ISBN's, book details, availability and formats. 

  • British National Bibliography - good for looking up all UK/Irish titles since 1950's, UK library holdings, and details of forthcoming titles too. 

  • Whatever eJournal you use regularly to keep current in your subject area. 

Many of our eJournals and databases provide regular academic book reviews; you can even set up an alert in many of these online sites that will email you when a new book review is added. Email the Academic Engagement Librarian for more information about this service. Because scholarly reviews tend to place the work in the context of current scholarship, they can sometimes take several years to appear after the book was published. I've chosen three major databases below to show you how to find reviews. You can then use this search to set up an email alert for updates. If you use JournalTOCs, the online table of contents alert service, your chosen journals will include book reviews as direct links too. 

  • JStor Use Advanced Search and limit to "Reviews". You can also limit by discipline.
  • Social Science Premium Collection Open Advanced Search. Enter "Book review" AND [your subject area]. 
  • Web of Science Conduct your search for book or author, and then limit to "Book Reviews".

Arranging library access for visiting lecturers / interns

MU Library is once again in a position to facilitate visiting lecturers and interns.
In order to set them up for library access, your department needs to: 

  • Email Anne Pemberton anne.m.pemberton@mu.ie, Campus Services, to request a MyCard for the lecturer, explaining their status, duration of stay, etc. 
  • Be sure to specify to Ann that you will need library access on the MyCard. 

Your visiting lecturer / intern will then receive their card from Campus Services. 

If they need borrowing rights on the card they need to visit the library in-person with their MyCard, fill in a form that the Information Desk staff will direct them to, after which borrowing can be activated. 

Useful library services for faculty: 22-23

Continuing Online Services
For access to our eBooks, please click here.

Click and Collect Services (print)
Click and Collect items will be available for collection during library opening hours. For full details see here. 

Digital on Demand (scanning)
The library is currently offering a ‘digital on demand’ service for library material digitization requests.  This service is free of charge and available for staff and all Postgraduate students (Research and Taught).  Digital on demand refers to some material which cannot be borrowed or if you cannot physically make it to the library on campus. Items can be requested using this form

Sample departmental handbook piece on MU Library 24-25

Want to use MU Library for an event?

We welcome requests by faculty for events and exhibitions in MU Library. It is a very popular space with the MU Community. Depending on our availability, we will try to accommodate you. Events that are held include:

  • Exhibitions
  • Book launches
  • Talks
  • Conferences & seminars
  • Training sessions

During periods of extended opening hours, we limit our bookings so that study spaces are maximised.

The Facilities Team in the library need at least 72 hours’ notice for catering requests; please give as much notice as possible.

Contact us at: Library.bookings@mu.ie

Keep up to date with literature on your subject

Use JournalTOC's, the free, configurable email alert service for your favourite academic journals and subjects. Set up a free account, choose your journals and/or subjects, and set how often you want to receive alerts on new publications. Any queries about using or setting up your account? Email Helen Farrell.

                Screenshot of the JournalTOC's homepage.