Information Centre
The Trescowthick Information Centre is the main gateway to the Library's services and collections. A multi-purpose space, the Information Centre is home to the general reference collection. It is also where you pick up your Library card, collect reserved books and obtain general information about using the Library and accessing the collections.
Where is the Information Centre?
Located on the ground floor directly off the front foyer, the Information Centre is the busiest area of the Library and the main point of entry to all other reading rooms, and the Cowen and Dome galleries. For the exact location of this room, see the Library floor plan.
What's in this room?
This room not only contains a wide range of encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, databases and other general reference materials, it is also where many of the Library's onsite services are located. These include the Library's main information desk, the Collection Point and the Copy Centre.
There are dozens of PCs providing access to the Library's catalogue, databases and ejournals. Most of these computers also provide full internet access, and have a 15-minute time limit. If they are all in use, there is an area where you can queue to wait your turn.
There is plenty of casual seating for reading, as well as tables and carrels for study. Other facilities include:
- networked copier/printers
- a wireless hotspot
- an electronic message board with the latest information about book deliveries.
Information desk
This is the best place to start if you would like to ask for assistance or become a Library member. If you have questions about finding items in the Library and using the collections, you can talk to one of the librarians at the 'Ask' part of the information desk. You can also request items from our offsite collections here.
Collection Point
If you have requested items through the catalogue, you can pick them up at the shelves at the rear of the room at the Collection Point. If you have requested items from offsite storage, ask the staff at the Collection Point for assistance. You can also request that a book be set aside for you for up to one week. This is particularly handy if you need to consult a particular book over several days.
Copy Centre
Located just outside the Newspaper Reading Room, the Copy Centre offers self-service copying facilities, including black & white and colour copying/printing, and overhead copying for fragile or large items. A vending machine provides rechargeable copy cards for $1.65 (upgradable to a full Library card at the Book Desk). Library cards can also be used to pay for copying. Credit can be added to the cards using cash or EFTPOS. See the self-service copying page for more detail.
Disability equipment
Adjacent to the Helen Macpherson Smith Genealogy Centre, the Assistive Technology Room contains the latest adaptive and assistive technology.
For more detailed information about the different types of technology that are available within the Library see the Adaptive & Assistive Technologies page.
Wireless hotspot
Free wireless broadband access is available in the Information Centre for Library users with laptops or PDAs. Known as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or Wireless LAN, it allows you to connect to the internet without cables or wires. For more information see Using Wireless Services at the Library.
When can I visit this room?
The Information Centre can be visited during standard Library opening hours.
|
