Jonathan Taylor

For years at the beginning of the first term, library staff have offered conducted tours to explain the various facets of the whole operation. But they seriously doubted its effectiveness. Each year students continued to get lost in the library and to ask the most elementary questions about library use. In short, the guided tour was a waste of everybody's time.

And the result: a self-conducted walking tour around the library. Below we print an abridged version of the tour; see the Circulation Desk for more details. Cut out this guide and take it with

Circulation staff think you will like the do it yourself tour. Take it whenever you like, at your own pace and as often as you like.

Level 2. Circulation Desk

When you enter the library you are on Level 2, not the bottom floor. To your left is the Circulation Desk. Please read the signs which tell you where books are issued and returned. You will need your library card to borrow books, so carry it with you always. Collect your copy of A Guide to the Library. If you have any queries ask the Circulation staff.

Opposite the Circulation Desk you will find the

Catalogue.

This is the key to finding books and other material in the library. The catalogue is divided into two sections; the author-title catalogue and the subject catalogue. The catalogue will tell you whether the library has the item you require, and if it does, where to find it from the call mark. Go to the directory on the wall by the lifts. This will show you on which level the call-mark can be found, if you need any help in using the catalogue, ask the Reference Librarians, who are in the room behind the catalogue marked 'Reference Department - Enquiries'.

Go through the glass doors at the north end of the building to the

Reference Room.

This room contains reference books of all kinds, including atlases, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, indexes etc. On the left as you enter are Victoria University examination papers from previous years.

About turn and go back past the Circulation Desk to the south end of the building to the

Study Hall.

This room contains a separate collection of books, mainly for undergraduate use. These are for restricted issue, either for two weeks or three days. On the right is the Study Hall office. This is where 3 day books are issued. Both the audio-visual collection and closed reserve books {those books in very heavy demand) are housed in the Study Hall office and are issued from here for short-term use in the library only.

Go back past the Circulation Desk and take the lift to

Level 5.

Books P-PN and Beaglehole Room. This level contains books on languages and literature. The Beaglehole Room is at the northern end of this level. This contains the rare book collection, both New Zealand and general. Toilets are located at the north and south ends of this level and on all levels except 2 and 3.

Go down the stairs to

Level 4.

Books DB-N. This level contains books on the social sciences, art and architecture, music and also music scores. The layout of this level is similar to level 5.

Go down one level to

Level 3.

Books A-DA. This level contains books on philosophy and history. Go through the glass door to your left, then turn right to this smaller collection of books.

Go down the stairs two levels to

Level 1.

Books Q-V and periodicals. This level contains periodicals and science books. The point at which the sequence of books ends and the periodicals sequence begins is clearly marked. Other periodicals and older issues of those on display are held on the shelves of this level and Level 0. Straight ahead is the periodicals catalogue. Abstracts and periodical reference books can be found to the left of the Periodicals Desk. You may obtain a leaflet How to find a Periodical from the Periodicals desk. The United Nations Documents collection and the microform room are also on this level.

Go down stairs one level to

Level 0.

Periodicals continued, less used books and Copy Room. Turn left and follow the signs which direct you to the copy room. Here are photocopying machines for your use. Previous years' exam papers can be found both here and in the Reference room on Level 2. Change may be obtained from the Circulation Desk Level 2 outside banking hours.

Go up two levels to

Level 2.

Entrance level. Go through the door to Level 2 and across towards the windows to the New Book Display, showing the library's latest acquisitions. If you wish to borrow one of these books, fill out one of the New Book request forms placed by the display and put it in the back of the book. Ordinary request forms should be used to obtain a book you have been unable to find on the shelves. For further information ask for a leaflet on requesting books at the Circulation Desk.

You leave the library by the exit at the end of the Circulation Desk.

Foyer.

As you go out the door you will find to your right the library (notice board, to your left the public telephones (free). When you leave the building turn right and you will see, in the grey door the after-hours slot. Use this to return books when the library is closed.