Staff Information

Libraries are here to support the teaching and learning needs of TAFE staff.   The following services are available:

Information Resources

• The TAFE NSW Library Catalogue (TAFEcat) is available at http://tafecat.tafensw.edu.au/tafecat.html, or can be accessed directly from the library webpage. The catalogue lists the holdings of all TAFE NSW Libraries.

• Inter-Library Loans from the TAFE NSW Library network are available - request at your campus library, or use the Inter-Library Loan Form.

• A range of databases are available - including full-text journals, eBooks and Australian Standards.
  These can be accessed at a TAFE campus, and externally. Some databases require you to login with your staff Username and Password, others require specific logins. Ask at your library for the passwords sheet, or use our Password Request Form.
  

• Special Reserve - high demand items, or teacher's personal materials can be held behind the Loans Desk for restricted loan periods. See library staff if you wish to place items on Reserve.
  

• New Resources - Staff are encouraged to recommend books and other resources for purchase, as this helps us to maintain a relevant collection. Use the Purchase Request Form, or contact library staff.
  If you are recommending resources to your students, don't forget to give the library a copy of the list.
  A list of new resources in the collection of your local campus library is available on their library webpage.

Facilities

• Computers - staff can use any computer in the library to access TAFE email, the DEC Portal, CLAMS or Microsoft Office programs. Contact library staff to book a computer.
  Most libraries have computer areas dedicated for class use. If you require access to computers for your class, contact library staff to make a booking.

• Photocopying and printing - staff use a their TAFEcard, or PIN number (available from your teaching section) to pay for printing and photocopying. Staff must log onto the computer to send print jobs to the MyPrints queue, which may be collected from any staff printer/copier (MultiFunction Device - MFD) on campus.

• Rooms and equipment - most libraries offer group study rooms and seminar rooms for student and class use. Rooms usually include TV, DVD equipment and whiteboard. Electronic whiteboards and Smartboards may also be available.
  Other equipment such as data projectors, laptops and netbooks, digital and video cameras, portable TV/DVD players are available for short term loan.Bookings are required - contact your campus library for local information, and to make a booking.

Library Training

All libraries offer introductory library tours, and a range of specialised tutorials for you and your classes.

• Library orientation tours - introduce Library services, resources and facilities - approximately 20 minutes.
• Tutorial sessions - the introductory tour should be followed up with in-depth tutorial sessions, such as:
• catalogue and database training
• searching the internet
• referencing, plagiarism and bibliographies.
  

Library staff can customise training to subjects and information sources of your choice.
 

Please contact your Campus Library staff for details of training available at your campus, and to make bookings.

Microsoft Work at Home Program

NSW DEC employees (including full-time and part-time NSW TAFE teachers) can purchase genuine Microsoft and Adobe software at drastically reduced prices. For further details, go to http://www.sigroup.com.au/teachers.

Reciprocal Borrowing Agreements

• Joining the University of Newcastle Libraries
  Hunter TAFE staff and students in good standing may apply to join the University of Newcastle Library. Conditions and fees apply. Refer to the Reciprocal Borrowers Agreement for details, or see your library staff.
 

• Newcastle University students and staff
  Staff and students of the University of Newcastle can also join their local TAFE library - conditions and fees apply. Refer to the Reciprocal Borrowers Agreement.
 

• Ourimbah campus
  Hunter Institute staff and students are entitled to use their TAFEcard at Ourimbah Campus Library - a joint venture of Hunter TAFE and the University of Newcastle. Take proof of current employment as a TAFE teacher (or enrolment as a TAFE student) on your first visit.