How do I order or recommend resources?

Your Liaison Librarian will put orders through for you (funds permitting). Complete a Purchase Request Form (place as much information about the item as you can on the form). Return the form to your Liaison Librarian.  Alternatively you can fill out the Learning Commons Resource Purchase Request form located on the HIT Management System and email it to your Liaison Librarian.

How do I know who my Liaison Librarian is?

This information is available on the Learning Commons Home Page. The 'Services' tab at the top of the home page, then the 'Services for Teachers' tab gives you an option to check out the Liaison Librarian for your area.

Can I access the Learning Commons catalogue and databases from my office or from home?

The Learning Commons website can be accessed at www.ic.holmesglen.vic.edu.au

The LC catalogue and databases can be accessed through the Learning Commons Home Page.  The Learning Commons provides remote/off campus access to selected resources available only to current students and staff of the Institute.

Access to the databases is restricted to Holmesglen students and staff. Most databases can be accessed from home using your Holmesglen Staff/Student username and password. In some instances, additional logins and passwords are required. Please see the additional logins and password links from the database home page. Some databases are restricted to on campus use only.

How do I know which database(s) would most appropriately cover topics within my subject area?

A listing of our databases by subject area is available from electronic subject guide; use the 'Subject guide' link under 'Find Information' on the LC home page. Some databases also display their content through subject areas.

I want to know what Periodicals we have in my subject area.

Use the 'Subject guide' link under 'Find Information' on the LC home page. Find the subject guide for your area. Click on the 'Journals' link for specific periodicals in your chosen subject area that are listed on the LC catalogue. You are also able to find a list of periodicals on the printed subjects guides; these are either available in the Learning Commons or as a printable guide from the link on electronic subject guide.

Alternatively a subject list of periodicals can be printed out for you.  Ask your Liaison Librarian who will produce a report from the Library Information System.

Periodicals are also available in electronic format from the eJournal Gateway link.

Do I need a Library Card to check out a book?

Your staff ID Card is used to borrow items for the Learning Commons.

Can I use other TAFE/University  libraries?

All Holmesglen staff and students are eligible to apply for CAVAL - reciprocal borrowing program in Victoria that enables staff and students to borrow books from other TAFEs or University Libraries. Application is available at any Learning Commons Information Desk.

How do I make arrangements for Information Literacy sessions for my students?

The Learning Commons offers sessions which are designed to provide students with a detailed understanding of the research process and the variety of available resources. It is recommended that you book your sessions 3 days in advance.

Contact your Liaison Librarian or the Information Literacy Librarian at all campuses.

I want to recommend that the Learning Commons purchase a database, whom do I contact?

Contact your Liaison Librarian, who will pass your request onto the Database Librarian.  A decision to purchase a database will depend on a number of factors including suitability of the database to the subject area, possible alternatives and available funds. There is a procedure for selection and evaluation of electronic resources before recommendations are made.

How much money has been allocated for my department to spend on Library materials?

Your Liaison Librarian will keep you up-to-date on available funds for your department.