International Students: Library Guide
Welcome to the Library Guide for International Students
Use this guide to quickly find out about library services and support available to you, and check out our Welcome to the Library page for an introduction to the Library and details on opening times and where to visit us.
If you are a Partnership student, find your institution's guide at: Partnership Library Services.
If you can't find what you need, we'd be happy to help. You can get in touch with us by:
- For Library related support: please use library chat or email (library@londonmet.ac.uk) during opening hours for weekdays and weekends.
- For basic library support outside of these hours: please use the Freshservice Support Portal for chat or phone 020 7133 4444.
- Visit us in person: Stop by the main Library desks on the ground floor of the Holloway or Aldgate Library buildings and speak to one of the friendly Library staff. 📌 Find Us.
Getting Started in the Library
Hello, students! 😊 It’s important to get to know your library as soon as possible after you start at London Met. You’ll hopefully be spending a lot of time here or using the online resources we provide, and we want to help you make the most of the Library Services.
Here’s how to get started:
📖 Check out the Where to start with Library resources guide
🆔 Your student ID card is also your library card. Carry it with you at all times. You’ll need it to enter and leave the University Libraries at Holloway and Aldgate, and to borrow items.
📚 Borrowing items: You can borrow books, DVDs, and laptops for free for a limited time. Make sure you know when to return them.
🔍 Finding items: You can collect the books you want to borrow yourself from the shelves. Use Library Search to find their location. This tool also searches our online resources like e-books, journals, and articles.
💻 Electronic resources: The library has a large collection of electronic resources that we subscribe to, so you can access them for free. If asked to log in, use your University email address and password.
🏫 Library locations: There are two libraries at London Met - one at Aldgate Campus and one at Holloway Campus. You are welcome to use both. See Welcome to the Library for more information on study spaces across campus.
Enjoy your time at the library and happy studying! 📚
Top Tips for using the Library
TOP TIP #1: A great way to get started with your use of the Library is to find the Subject Guide for your course, which will tell you all the key books, journals and databases you can use for your studies, and introduce you to your friendly Academic Liaison Librarian who can help you use those resources effectively.
TOP TIP #2: Our Library staff are here to support you with your studies and in using the Library Services. You have access to support with research for your assignments, using Library collections and databases, and referencing and plagiarism guidance from your Academic Liaison Librarian (ALL) via one-to-one appointments and workshops
📆 You can book an appointment to meet with your Academic Liaison Librarian through the link on your Subject Guide.
| Find out more about your Academic Liaison Librarians and how they can help you: Your Academic Liaison Librarian. |
TOP TIP #3: Take some time to read the Where to start with Library resources guide as it will help you understand the key things you need to know about library online resources and support available.
| Learn about library online resources and where to get support: Where to start with Library resources |
Academic Skills for International Students
If this is your first time studying in the UK, it may be that the teaching and learning methods will be different from what you are used to.
Below are the details of the support we can offer to help you develop the academic skills required for successful study.
Skills Hub
The Skills Hub is an excellent online resource which aims to help you develop and refine your academic skills. Broken up into key areas, such as essay and dissertation writing, referencing, academic integrity, note taking, research and critical thinking, it provides a straightforward set of guides and tips to help support your various study activities.
libguides.londonmet.ac.uk/skills-hub
Cite Them Right
Show me how to reference...
Learning to reference correctly is a vital skill for anyone in academia. Learn how to use Cite Them Right to accurately reference in all major citation styles, including Harvard. This tool will help you create citations and compile reference lists - a crucial skill for your university journey and beyond. Enhance your academic writing with confidence!
Reading list to support international students
A helpful list of books and other resources to develop your study skills and English.
Study skills and English for International Students- reading list
Join the Conversation Café!
Open to all students - whether or not English is your first language.
What to expect
When and where:
- Every Wednesday during term time 1.15pm - 2pm
- Rear of Learning Centre Cafe, Holloway Road Library ground floor
- First Spring term 2025 meet up: Wednesday 15th January 2025
No need to sign up - just drop in, bring lunch and join the conversation!
We look forward to seeing you at the library!
Join the Conversation Café!
What to expect:
- Casual conversations - no pressure, just friendly chats!
- Meet new people from different cultures and backgrounds.
- Boost your confidence in speaking English.
Library vocabulary of commonly used words
There is a guide that explains the common words used in the library.
If you don't understand something, please ask the library staff - they are here to help you.