Library Services
Guide to the Library
See the 2020 Distance Learning Guide to the Library which has been developed specifically for distance students.
The information is updated regularly so it's current. You'll find a huge amount of information about the library, services, research services, and much more.
Library resources are increasingly available online as e-journals and e-books and these are particularly useful for distance students and staff. The Guide to the Library will help you get started using these.
Virtual Bookshelf on Library Search I Ketu
A 30 second introduction to the Virtual Bookshelf on Library Search I Ketu can be found here.
Google Search Operators
Google search operators are special characters and commands (sometimes called “advanced operators”) that extend the capabilities of regular text searches. Search operators can be useful for everything from content research to technical SEO audits. For a list of Google search operators to get the most out of your searches follow this link.
Automatic renewal of loans
Most items on loan will automatically renew. You will get an email to say your books are due, but they will auto-renew, so there is no need for you to do anything.
Exceptions include Reserve & 3 day books, recalled items, theses, inter-loans and Hocken material. See the 'Borrowing' section of the University of Otago Library's website.
Subject Librarians
Subject Librarians support you as a distance teacher or administrator by providing library and research support. Contact them for assistance with using the Library’s online databases; developing information search skills; finding out about the various Library services available; support using EndNote and much more. To find out who is the Subject Librarian for your subject areavisit this link.
eReserve
You can ask for readings to be placed in eReserve for multiple access by your students, and can also ask for copies of high use books to be placed in the Distance Services Collection at no charge to your Department.
Renewing Library Books
No need to worry any more about renewing your Library books! The Library has an auto-renewals service. As an undergraduate, this can mean up to 112 days loan for eligible items. As a postgraduate, this can mean up to 336 days loan.
Some items (like reserve books) are not eligible for auto-renewal and if an item you have on loan is requested by another borrower we'll email you a new due date.
Automatic renewals continue until the item has reached its maximum loan period.
The Library will continue to notify you about returning this material.
Library Facebook
Keep up to date with what is new at the Library's Facebook page.
Support for Distance Students
Distance guide: The Library has created a guide for distance students on the Library Homepage and outlines the services and resources available. (Look for the link in the far left hand blue column.)
It’s a good place to find answers to questions you may have about Library services.
Access to Library Resources: The Library supports distance students' access to Library resources by providing two core services:
Home delivery:
The Library will post books to distance students and include a freepost address label for the return postage,
Library scan:
The Library will scan and email journal articles and books chapter to distance students.
Subject guides: Aimed at students, these provide gateways to relevant databases, books and other research resources in their subject. Subject guides can be found here.
Contact the Library:
Email ask.library@otago.ac.nz
Tel 0800 347 826 (0800 DISTANT) within New Zealand
Tel 64 3 479 8940