Always link to Library Search from the StudyNet Online Library page.
Type keywords in the box, then use the Refine Your Search menu on the left of the results page to see the most relevant items.
Use the tips below to help you get the best results from Library Search.
- Search: Type your search in the box, then look at the list of references. Use quotation marks for phrase searching (e.g. "project research").
- Refine your search by date, type of material (for example select 'eBooks' from the filters) or subject area from the Refine Your Search menu on the left to select the most relevant material. You can also use the pencil icon at the top of the menu to include or exclude content. (Remember to use the Clear Filters option at the top of the menu before you start a new search).
- Get: Follow the links to read e-versions or see the location of printed items.
- Saving items: Use the 'add to folder' icon to add items to the temporary folder. From the folder icon at the top of the page, you can then print the details, export them in different referencing styles to EndNote or RefWorks, or email them to yourself.
- To cite, email details or download just one reference click on the relevant icon next to each record
You may also want to look at the Searching module in Library SkillUP - a suite of online study support materials. You can +join the module and add it to your Canvas dashboard.
Watch this video on Finding print books.
Don't forget to access your module reading list via your Canvas module for all your essential, recommended, and background reading for your course.
We’re digitising as many essential chapters and articles as possible as well as increasing eBook versions of the most popular textbooks.
Using e-books
- University of Hertfordshire students and staff can access thousands of e-books from Library Search on the StudyNet Online Library page. E-books have some advantages which allow you to study flexibly: you can access them anytime, anywhere, they can be read online, and some can be downloaded for one day only.
- Watch this video on Finding and using eBooks.
- Accessibility options for the different types of eBooks available at Herts: eBook Accessibility
Request a scan
- This is a new service being piloted by Library and Computing Services to complement our existing enhanced eBook access.
- If an electronic version of a library book is unavailable, you can request a scanned copy of a print book chapter, if we hold a physical copy in the LRC (Learning Resources Centres). Copyright restrictions will apply.
- Find out more: Request a Scan | Ask Herts | University of Hertfordshire
Library Search did not return the results I needed, what should I do?
Some other things you can try:
- The Library Search Advanced Search option. This can help you to describe your topic in a more specific way.
- Use the specialist databases for your subject listed in the Subject Toolkit which are listed just under the Library Search bar.
- The A-Z of journals link in the Online Library: useful if you need to find a specific journal title. The A-Z list of search sources can be used to find a specific database.
- Use the New Books page to help find new books and e-books in the library's collection that are relevant to your subject area.
- Requesting items not held at Herts. If the University does not have access to the full-text of an item you need, you can request it using the Inter-Library Loan service. The British Library will email you a link to the article or lend you a copy of the book.
- Suggest a book/eBook purchase: If you wish to suggest a book for purchase, you can out this form to make a purchase suggestion for your subject reading list or research.