TAFE NSW Hunter Institute

• To borrow and use the library, you must be a current TAFE student, with a TAFEcard.

• Please refer to the Library Conditions of Use and the Borrowing section of this website for further information.

• Material in high demand, or class materials provided by teachers, is often placed on Closed Reserve, behind the Loans Desk.

• These materials are available for restricted loan periods (eg. 2 hour, overnight, 3 or 7 day loan).
  

• To use computers, you must be a current TAFE student, with a TAFEcard.

• Computers must be booked - check at your TAFE library about making computer bookings.

• Student use computers provide access to the Internet, Microsoft Office 2003 programs and specialised software used in TAFE courses. Only software installed on the computers can be used.

• To access the Internet from campus computers, students and staff must use their DET Portal username and password

• If you wish to save your work, you must bring along your own CD-ROM, or USB device to save your work.

• Printing - printing is paid for with your TAFEcard. A recharge machine is available in the library to load money onto the TAFEcard. Please bring your own change.

The DET Portal - http://portal.det.nsw.edu.au provides links to:

• your TAFE "My Email" account
• TAFE student eServices
• Course information

Once you enrol in a TAFE NSW course you will be provided with your DET username and password. This will give you access to the DET Portal from anywhere via the internet.

To access the Internet from campus computers, students and staff must use their DET Portal username and password.

If you have problems with your DET username or password, library or campus administration staff can assist you.

Hunter Institute libraries provide a diverse range of resources to support students and staff - including books, magazines, videos and DVD's, electronic resources such as CD-ROM, literacy and ESL collections, and fiction.

• Online databases, eBooks and eJournals are offered via the Hunter Institute Library website - Online Services section.

• The TAFE NSW Library Network Catalogue can be accessed on the library website, or at http://tafecat.tafensw.edu.au/tafecat.html

• eResources - your teacher may place documents relating to your course on the eResources website for you to access online.  Your teacher will inform you if material has been uploaded to eResources. Refer to the eResources Student Guide for further information.

Material held in another TAFE library may be borrowed for you on Inter-Library Loan, provided that it is course-related. There is no charge for this service, but some limitations apply.

Request at your local TAFE library, or use the Inter-Library Loan Request Form.

Renewing inter-library loans is at the discretion of the lending library, and is limited to one renewal only.

• OTEN students are entitled to use any TAFE NSW library. To borrow you will need a TAFEcard and to be registered as a borrower. Visit your closest TAFE campus to have a TAFEcard photograph taken, and join the library.

• Before travelling to the library, check its opening time first.

• Library loan conditions may vary, make sure you are familiar with these to avoid library fines.

• You can access a range of eResources or search and locate items held in particular TAFE NSW libraries through the TAFE NSW Library Network Catalogue  (TAFEcat).
• You can also view your loan record and renew loans using the "My Account" section of the TAFEcat.

• To access eResources (online books and journals) you will need your TAFE NSW DET username and password.  You are given this on enrolment.

• Not all college libraries may hold the items you need. Your local campus library can obtain items for you from other TAFE NSW libraries on Inter-Library Loan.
  This service is free of charge, but some conditions apply.
  Requests can be made by phone, in person, or by using the online ILL request form. Contact your local Campus Library for details.

• Depending on their size, most libraries offer a range of study and casual seating, group study rooms and seminar rooms for student and class group use.
• Most rooms are equipped with TV and DVD equipment. Bookings are usually required - contact your local library for more information.

Library staff deliver a range of training for individuals and groups.  Classes are designed to develop information skills and promote effective resource use.

• Library orientations - introduce Library services, resources, and facilities.
• Internet Skills - an introduction to search strategies, search engines and directories
• Information skills - training develops search skills and strategies for tracking down useful resources from print, electronic and online sources. 
• Contact your campus Library staff to discuss your information needs and book training.