- The Academy Library's collections are available in print and electronic format and include resources from the Internet.
- Access to the library catalogue, databases, and electronic resources is available from any computer within the Library, or from anywhere where there is access to the Internet.
- There are different locations for the different types of formats (books, DVDs, journals, etc.) and that I need to note any location details that are listed.
Behind the Scenes
A group of first years decided to have a look around the Academy Library. As our group wandered through each floor, it became obvious that there's more to the Library than just books on shelves. The librarian who showed us around mentioned that there are lots of computers in the Library for accessing databases, electronic resources, and the library catalogue.
The Lounge area is great - not only can you use the computers, there are tables for discussions and for using your laptop, and you can even bring in a coffee.
The librarian also told us that there was wireless access throughout the Library. As long as we are registered with the UNSW@ADFA Wireless Network, we can use our wireless laptops almost anywhere in the Library.
Different Collections
It was a good thing we had a look around the Library; it was a chance to see that it is made up of different collections, and each collection has a different location. The major collections in the Library have the following locations:
| Item Format | Collection | Prefix | Location |
| Books | Main Collection | No prefix | Top Floor |
| Large Size Books | Folios | folio | Top Floor |
| Journals | Periodicals (Current and Bound) |
per | Top Floor (Recent years) Top Floor (Older years) |
| High demand Defence items | Defence Collection | defcol | Course Researve Ground Floor |
| Microfiche/film | Microform | mfiche or mfilm | Top Floor |
| Manuscripts | Special Collections | mms | Ground Floor |
| Rare Books | Special Collections | special | Ground Floor |
| Reference | Reference Ready Reference |
ref ready ref |
Top Floor |
| Videos/DVDs | Multimedia | av | Ground Floor |
More detailed information is provided on the Collection Locations handout we picked up from the information stand in the Lounge.
Before we left, the librarian recommended that the group attend one of the Library Information Skills sessions that will be running over the next couple of weeks as these classes provide more detailed information about how to use the Library and its resources to help us do our assignments. Sounds like a good idea to me!
