Shh... We're Blogging! 😊
A warm welcome from the UHI Library staff! Whether you're just joining the UHI or returning for another year, we hope our new blog will help you get to know your library a little better.
To get you started, here are some tips and information to help you find resources for your studies and discover our services:
Finding Your Library
Each UHI library is unique, from Shetland to Argyll, the Hebrides to Elgin, and Oban to Perth. Wherever you are, you can access a range of resources and library support. Visit our Local Library Guide to find information about each UHI library, including opening hours and contact details.
Joining the Library and Checking Out Books
Once you're enrolled in your course, you're ready to use the library services:
Go to Library Search
Click the "Sign In" button in the top right corner
Access your account using your student number and password
In your account, you can:
View and renew borrowed items
Review your borrowing history (enable this feature in your profile)
Create lists to organise your reading
Use the search box to find books, eBooks, journals, and articles. Access online resources directly from the search page by clicking "View Full Text" or "View eBook" buttons. To borrow a print copy, click "Place Hold" to reserve it for pickup at your local library. Distance learning students can also request a Postal Loan.
To learn more about finding resources using Library Search, watch our short video here.
Visit our LibGuides homepage and choose your topic to:
Learn how to find books and journals
Access resources online
View short videos on using library systems and resources
Explore subject guides highlighting resources in your area of study
Need to Chat with Us?
No problem – you can ask us anything! During term time, from 9 am to 5 pm, our friendly librarians from all UHI libraries are happy to answer your questions via our LiveChat service. This means you'll benefit from the collective expertise of librarians across the entire UHI library team!!!
Last year, we answered over 1,000 questions through LiveChat, and our users seem to love it! Here are some comments from students who used this service:
"As always brilliant support from lib chat - a happy customer"
"Quick and easy to use."
"Really good way to get things resolved promptly."
Outside of our operating hours you can submit a question using a quick form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Have a great year, and don't forget to subscribe to stay in the loop with all our blog updates. We'll be sharing everything from hidden library treasures to pro tips on researching, new features, databases, and all things library-related!
Get the Most Out of Talis Reading Lists
Talis Module Resource Lists provide university students with easy access to the resources they need for their courses. Here's a quick overview of the key features and how to make the most of this helpful platform:
Finding Your Reading Lists Accessing your reading lists is simple - just search for the module title or code on the Talis website.
Accessing Resources One of the best things about Talis is how it seamlessly integrates both physical and digital resources. You can quickly see which books are available in the library, and you'll find direct links to access any online materials like eBooks, journal articles, and websites.
Creating a User Profile By creating a free Talis user profile with your UHI email, you'll unlock additional features like the ability to:
Add personal notes to any list item
Set reading intentions (e.g. "will read," "reading now," "have read")
Save lists for easy future access
To create a profile, go to Talis Resorce Lists and log in with your student email and password. When you log in for the first time, select "Create User Profile" and follow the on-screen instructions. Once you've completed the form, set your profile to "Private" and save the changes.
Table of Contents The table of contents feature makes easy to navigate long reading lists. You can quickly jump to specific sections, like the resources for a particular week.
Filtering Lists Talis offers various filtering options to customize your view. For example, if you're studying off-campus, you can choose to only see resources that are available online. You can also filter the list to show the items you've marked with specific reading intentions or the ones you've added personal notes to.
Exporting Lists Need to download or share your reading list? Talis allows you to export it in various formats like PDF and Word.
Reporting Issues If you ever come across a broken link or other problem with a resource, you can report it directly from the Talis platform. You can report anonymously but if you leave your contact details, we’ll let you know when the issue is fixed, and you can access the resource again!
Overall, Talis is a powerful tool that puts all your course readings at your fingertips. Take advantage of its features to stay organised, access materials efficiently, and get the most out of your studies.
