Welcome to  USW Library Services

Everyone is welcome here

Library Services provides a wide range of high-quality library and information services to USW students, academics and researchers.

Getting Started at the Library

Every library is different so get to know yours.

Whether you are studying online or coming to campus this guide will help you get started using the library. 

Future Ready Students Events

Future Ready Students - Library events programme. Discover your Library!
We have a fantastic program of events this year ranging from Library and study skills classes to author talks, database training sessions, and much more. Join us!

Guides

We have added the following new guides for 2022/2023.

Types of assignment - This explains the types of assignments that students could be asked to submit at USW. 

Harvard Referencing - We have added some Lib Guide style guides to our referencing styles. This is a more visual guide, that presents the information in shorter more focused pieces, that are easier for students to understand and navigate. 

Writing your literature review - An introduction to the literature review process, including its purpose and strategies, guidelines, and resources to get you started.

Study Spaces

Whether you are working as part of a team, want some peace and quiet, or a place to unwind and relax, we have a study space for you. Find out more about your campus library study spaces. 

New Study pods at Treforest - we have invested in two brand new study pods, perfect for collaborative work, discussing and sharing ideas or to practice presentations

Book on Connect2

Borrowing Laptops

You can borrow a laptop for 1 week.

Self service laptop lockers are on every campus. Available on first come first serve basis. 
There is no charge for this service. 

New Resources

Library Services has invested in a range of new online databases. 

Available now

• ARC AIAA- Aerospace Research Central, includes access to AIAA - Meeting Papers (aka Conference Proceedings) - Comprises of approximately 5,000 papers each year from AIAA’s forums and supported conferences, covering every aspect of aerospace, AIAA Journal - The flagship journal from AIAA -  devoted to the advancement of the science and technology of astronautics and aeronautics. AIAA Journal of Aircraft -Focusing on major advances in aircraft technology
• Anatomy.tv -  an interactive educational resource on human anatomy. It provides interactive 3D models as well as text, slides and video clips.
• BMJ Best Practice - takes you quickly and accurately to the latest evidence-based information, whenever and wherever you need it. Our step by step guidance on diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention is updated daily using robust evidence based methodology and expert opinion.
  
• Communication source - The most complete full-text research database for communication studies. It offers hundreds of top communication journals, magazines and other sources 
• DSM-5 Library - The 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' is used to diagnose and classify mental disorders. 
• Fashion Business Cases - Presents real-world cases on the challenges facing the business of fashion, tackling important issues such as sustainability, technology, ethics, and leadership.
• FT.com (Financial Times) - News, analysis and comment from the Financial Times
• Mass Observation Online - Explore original manuscript and typescript papers created and collected by the Mass Observation organisation, as well as printed publications, photographs and interactive features.
• Mintel Global Consumer - built on a bi-annual survey of 35,000 people across 36 markets to help you better understand your own consumers and identify the markets you can target next.
• NEC4 for Academia - available through FINDit - Full set of NEC4 Contracts
  
• Statista -  A comprehensive statistics platform with access to over 1.5 million data sets with revenue forecasts up to 2025/2026 on over 400 industries. It also features many thousands of downloadable reports & studies 
• Wiring Regulations  - available through BSOL

Appointments with your Librarian

Your librarian can help you get the most out of both the online and physical libraries. 

If you want help with finding resources for your assignments or just want to know more about library services you can make an appointment with your specialist librarian. 

Appointments to choose from:

• Face to face – on campus 
• Teams (online)
• Email

Book an appointment online

or email your librarian to arrange a date and time. 

Find out more

If you have a question about the Library, check our frequently asked questions. 

If you cannot find what you are looking for here, use our 24/7 chat service.

or call in and talk to us.