There’s no doubt, you’ve been on the Library website several times to find a book, an article. However, it is so much more than that – there are so many other useful and interesting features for your enjoyment and use. For example, did you know that there is a whole page dedicated to compiling a list of amazing productivity tools such as Quizlet and EndNote? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with all the hidden gems and some of my personal favourite ‘virtual spots’ on the website which may usually go unnoticed. (Shhh, don’t tell anyone!)
By Arin Ososanya.
Click and Collect
Firstly, I have to admit, I only recently found out about this really cool feature! It’s so convenient as well, because on those days where you are in a hurry and just want to pop in and out of the Library, you can easily order your books on the website. All you need to do is go on the Click and Collect page which you can find on the homepage (under the ‘Books and e-resources section), follow the instructions and your book(s) will be waiting for you on Floor 1! It makes the borrowing experience much more seamless.
Productivity tools
Another star of the website is the Productivity tools page. Why spend hours watching productivity YouTubers, when the Library has collated an amazing list of recommended productivity tools? These range from Quizlet for flashcard lovers, to Catch It, a step-by-step mood-tracker and mood diary, which helps you understand your mood, enabling you to manage feelings of anxiety or depression. Another useful software included in the list is My Computer, My Way, which is an interactive web-based tool that adds accessibility to various sites.
Assistive software
Speaking of accessibility, the website also contains a page detailing the range of assistive software provided by the Library. Specifically, the page contains guidance for reading and writing, note-taking, scanning software among many others. Each section contains guidance for first-time users with links to videos, pdfs and tutorials for how to get the most out of the available products. Whether you use Microsoft or Apple, you are catered to with a variety of personalisation tools. If this would be beneficial to you, do check it out!
Study Spaces
This page highlights the various study spaces on campus. It also includes any off-campus spaces, such as the Leamington Spa Learning Grid. When you click on each study space, you can also see its opening times, locations and facilities available at each location. Another amazing subset of this page is the study spaces availability page, which shows live updates of the available capacity of each study area! A full green bar means there is lots of space available, yellow means there are some spaces available and a nearly empty, red bar suggests it is full or nearly full. This feature of the website is incredibly useful during peak hours on campus because instead of going from place to place hoping there is space, you can save time by going on the study spaces availability page.
Social media
Lastly, if you scroll to the bottom of the homepage, you will find some posts from the Library’s social media. That way, you don’t have to leave the website to preview the latest Instagram post! On that note, make sure to follow the Library’s Instagram account @warwicklibrary to make sure you don’t miss the latest events and updates.
I’d encourage you to have a browse through the website yourself and see if there are any other useful pages which may have gone unnoticed. Don’t let your Library website experience be limited to the home page!
If you’d like to read more about the library, check out our article on LibGuides, or take a look at the ‘About the Library’ pages on the blog.
What is your favourite section of the website? What hidden gems have you found? Let us know by tweeting us @warwicklibrary, messaging us on Instagram @warwicklibrary or email us at libraryblogs@warwick.ac.uk
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