Category: News related

Library Opening Hours

Posted on by Library Communications

Our Live Chat services are changing leading up to the Labour Day Weekend.

Throughout the 2021 lockdown, the University has maintained safe places to study on campus, including at the Fisher and Law Libraries, the Quarter, Camden Commons, and the Carslaw Learning Hub. During the upcoming mid-semester break and in the lead up to the long weekend, University and Library staff have been given two days concessional leave, so that they can take a well-deserved break. 

The changes for each location and Live Chat are as follows:

Fisher and Law Libraries
Open from: 12pm – 8pm, Thursday 30th September – Monday 4th October

The Quarter (Postgraduate coursework students), Camden Commons, and Carslaw Learning Hubs
Open from: 6am – 11pm, Everyday

Library virtual services will be unavailable Thursday 30th September and Friday 1st October.
Live Chat normal hours of operation will resume from 5 October – check out our hours here.

You can still get online assignment support or help through our online subject guides.  

You can also submit a question and receive an answer by email; however, there may be a delay in our response during this time and we appreciate your patience. 

SUBMIT A QUESTION

Wear It Purple Day 2021

Posted on by Library Communications
graphic for Wear It Purple day 2021
graphic for Wear It Purple day 2021

Wear It Purple Day 2021 –
Start the Conversation 

Wear it Purple is an international movement all about creating a supportive, safe environment for rainbow young people that is both empowering and inclusive. 

Wear It Purple was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of rainbow teenagers who suffered heartache and took their own lives because of bullying, harassment, and lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity. It was established to show young people that there are people who support and accept them and that they can be proud of who they are. 

The four core principles of Wear It Purple are: 

  1. Advocate for and empower rainbow young people 
  1. Celebrate and promote the value of diversity and inclusion in all community setting 
  1. Raise awareness about sexuality, sex and gender identity and challenge harmful social cultures 
  1. Champion rainbow role-models to help young people establish the confidence to be who they are

(Wear It Purple, 2021) 

The University of Sydney Library supports Wear It Purple Day. The theme for Wear It Purple Day 2021 is Start the Conversation, and it serves to remind us about the importance of conversations around gender identity and sexual orientation.  

Wear It Purple Day Online Trivia Event!

What can you do to show your support on Wear It Purple Day, August 27? 

For Wear It Purple Day 2020 we had staff on-site at Fisher and purple gorgeousness like this illuminated our Library spaces. Join us from wherever you are right now and decorate yourself, your home and your zoom backgrounds to celebrate Wear It Purple.

Protocols for cultural safety in our Library

Posted on by Library Communications
Gadi tree at the University of Sydney

We are very proud to announce the launch of the Library’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Protocols, a sector-leading piece of work that will support our goal of making the Library a welcoming, inclusive and culturally safe space.

The Protocols were written during 2020 by Nathan Sentance, our Cultural Advisor in Residence, in consultation with key Library and University stakeholders, including the Library’s Wingara Mura Project Group, and the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services).

They are now available for anyone to read on the University’s repository.

The Protocols contain a range of commitments by the Library to promote culturally safe practices across services, spaces and resources. We will work to ensure that all staff, students and community members with whom we interact feel safe, respected and valued.

As a site of knowledge production and custodian of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, and the knowledges of other First Nations peoples, the Library is mindful of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) and encourages ethical use of the First Nations cultural knowledge and culturally appropriate research practices.

There is still a lot of work to be done, beginning with the implementation of the policies and processes outlined in these Protocols through a series of specialised projects over the next couple of years. However, with the finalisation and publication of the Protocols, we have taken a major first step on this journey.

Gadi tree at the University of Sydney
Gadi tree on Eastern Avenue, Camperdown Campus, the University of Sydney

Jump Into Semester 2 With Our Online Study Tips Sessions 

Posted on by Library Communications
desk with laptop

Calling all students keen on making a strong start to Semester 2, and who want to get motivated for online study, now! Calling all students who want to tackle stress, improve their personal organisation skills, and build a strong social network at uni! 

And…calling all academics and university staff who want to help their students start the semester on the front-foot: with healthy online study habits, a firm foundation of personal resilience, and the skills and confidence to tackle stress, and thoughtfully organise their time and their study routine! 

Your University Library is teaming up with the University’s Student Life portfolio, and Student Support Services, to present a series of Online Study Tips workshops. This innovative, cross-university collaboration will strengthen the virtual (and on-campus) student experience of new, returning and International Students.

Each session will be full of hints and tips to ensure participants get the most out of online study, and will be delivered twice weekly in a casual, conversational online environment. And best of all, they’re hosted by our experienced team of student peers, who – as currently enrolled University of Sydney students- have a wealth of practical knowledge about healthy study routines, and navigating the often-challenging world of university.

These sessions will also give students with English as a second or other language a perfect opportunity to practice their English in a casual, non-judgmental environment. 

 Topics covered include:  

  • Getting your study space ready for online study   
  • Managing stress and motivation   
  • Understanding Canvas   
  • Navigating your online classroom   
  • Organising your digital life

We know the last 6 months have radically changed the way we all study, learn and work, so these sessions are for all students, including new and returning students, International students, or anyone wanting a bit of support developing healthy study-from-home/online learning skills.   

To book, simply go to this page, scroll down and find the next Online Study Tips session (or sessions – you can attend more than one!) and register online. Academics and University staff – please pass this notice on to any students you think could benefit from it. 

We can’t wait to see you – or your students – there!  

desk with laptop

See what’s new – exciting changes for the Library website

Posted on by Library Communications

We’ve redesigned our homepage to better communicate with you and made our online help services easier to find. 

From Monday 6th July, you will notice some changes around the Library website.  

New homepage 

To help you discover Library initiatives and services, we’ve redesigned our homepage so you can see featured information without having to scroll down the page. 

Say hello to Live Chat, on all pages 

Previously called ‘Chat Now’, you’ll now find a ‘Live Chat’ tab in the lower right of your screen on all pages, so where ever you are on our website help is one click away. Even better, it’s now easier to start chatting with our staff – just type your message and connect instantly. 

‘Ask Us Now’ renamed to ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ 

This is the same service you know and love. Use Frequently Asked Questions to find the Library’s answers to your top questions, 24/7. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? It’s still easy to send a new question our way. 

We’d love to hear your feedback about these changes as we continue to make improvements to the Library website.  

new homepage layout of Library website

Virtual Information Desk in Fisher Foyer

Posted on by Library Communications
student speaking with virtual information desk staff

Remember when you’d walk up to the information desk and ask for assistance? Now we’re here, in virtual person, to help you.

In Fisher Library foyer we have our Virtual Information Desk to greet you and help you with any questions. There’s no need to log in and no mobile devices are required – just walk up and chat.

In the first weeks of reopening we’ve had enquiries ranging from how to find books at Fisher Library, to asking if the staff member they are talking to is real! Students love it and some feedback includes ‘Brave New World’, ‘Cool!’, ‘It’s great to be talking to a human!’

As Library staff we’ve enjoyed reconnecting with you face-to-face, even if it is virtual, and it was wonderful to be able to wish students good luck with their exams.

The Virtual Information Desk is open 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday. Come and have a chat, or wave and say hello!

student speaking with virtual information desk staff