Where are all the books?

Next Saturday’s open day at Southern Cross University’s Tweed Gold Coast campus is a chance to see the library of tomorrow in action today. The most frequently asked question is likely to be, “Where are all the books?”

SCU students have 24-hour, seven-day-a-week access to 150 databases and more than 8,000 electronic publications. If they need a hard copy of a book, they can search all SCU campus shelves as well as those of affiliated universities instantly on-line and place an order for the publication. It will be delivered to their home or to the Tweed Gold Coast campus within a few days, at no charge.

Tweed Gold Coast campus librarian Di Clarke says that students can electronically access journal and newspaper articles, electronic books, subject guides, interactive on-line tutorials, virtual reference information, statistics, company reports and various search engines.

“We have notebook computers with wireless access to the internet and the university network for students to use in the library as well as the usual scanners, CD burners, video and DVD players, photocopiers, printers and PC workstations,” Ms Clarke said.

“Our students can work alone or with colleagues in group study rooms. There is swipe card access from 6am till midnight, every day of the week”.

Ms Clarke will be available to explain the library workings throughout the open day from 10am till 2pm on Saturday, 9 August.

Pictured: Librarian Di Clarke (right) offers advice to Bachelor of Social Science students Marnie Troup of Carrara (centre) and Maree Mudge of Tweed Heads as they search the SCU electronic library.