Whether you're a new student starting at Cardiff Met for the first time, or an old student returning, a very warm welcome from the staff at the Library! The start of a new term is always busy, and you're probably excited to get stuck in - so here's a quick guide to using Cardiff Met's Library Services and getting your studies started.
First things first - where is the Library?
Both Cyncoed and Llandaff Campuses have a Learning Centre, which brings together the University's Library and IT services, as well as Study Spaces, Printing Facilities, and a coffee machine together in one place.
At Cyncoed, the Learning Centre is located in A Block, which is to your left as you come onto campus via the main entrance. A map of Cyncoed Campus is available here.
At Llandaff, the Learning Centre is located in L Block, which is most easily accessed by cutting through the Barbara Wilding Building (as you come onto campus, head for the door nearest the Starbucks sign!). A map of Llandaff Campus is available here.
When can I access the Library?
Across both sites, Library opening hours during term time are typically:
Monday - Thursday: 9.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Friday: 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Saturday: 11.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
You can keep up to date with any changes here, as well as by following us on Instagram @cardiffmetlibraries. The IT Helpdesks are open from Monday-Friday 8.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m. and 11.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. on Saturday. The IT suite at Cyncoed opens 11.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. on Sundays.
There are study spaces within the Learning Centres that remain open 24/7.
How do I get a Library account? How many books can I borrow?
Students are automatically issued with a Library account, and your Cardiff Met Student Card doubles as your Library card. So once you are enrolled there are no extra steps required to start accessing the library services. You can borrow up to 30 books at any one time, and if a book you want isn't available you can always place a request for it.
Where can I find out more about Library Services?
The Library website is chock full of useful guides and information to help you excel at your studies. Don't know where to start? Check out our Library Essentials pages for Library and IT Top Tips. An overview of the services the Library provides to students, whether you are based in the UK or abroad, can be found on the Information For pages of our website. Additionally, you're more than welcome to pop by and chat to a member of library staff.
So, I found the books. Now I need help putting them to use…
Academic research and writing at a university level is like any other skillset - it takes time to develop. Our Academic Practice hub has tips and guides for everything you need to know - from finding sources and citing them, thinking critically, articulating your arguments, and more. Here you can also book on to one of the popular Academic Skills workshops we run throughout the year. Additionally, you can get in contact with our Academic Librarians to book a 1-2-1 session.