Murdoch University
Library

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ...?

Access databases and ejournals

You can access electronic materials from any computer which has access to the internet, including any computer in the Library.
Use the Library's Databases pages to find appropriate database resources, by using the 'Browse by Subject Area' categories and descriptions.
If you already know which journal title or database you wish to access, you can search the Library catalogue by title to find the link.
If you are accessing these resources from off campus using your own ISP, you will need to login using your Murdoch Username and Password.
For more information, check the Library's website.

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Access databases off campus

 Many of the Library's databases can be searched from off campus, subject to some restrictions. Some databases can only be accessed if you are using a Murdoch student or staff account. Others require a password. The type of access you will have is indicated in the notes for each database on the Databases pages. Access options include:

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Access the Electronic Course Materials

Electronic Course Materials can be accessed from the Library Catalogue by selecting the Electronic Course Materials & Reserve option. Alternatively, Electronic Course Materials can also be accessed under the Find / Course Materials menu on the Library's homepage. You can search by Unit Name or Code, or Unit Coordinator.
Electronic documents will be listed with other printed material available for your unit. If an electronic copy is available the following message will appear next to the catalogue entry: ELECTRONIC RESERVE -- -- To access an electronic document, select the record from the list on the screen, and click on the link Access: (filename).
A copyright notice and login screen will be displayed. Enter your Murdoch Usename and Password, and click on the SUBMIT button. More information...
Many of the documents in Electronic Course Materials are in pdf format. If you experience any difficulties opening pdf documents, please check Problems with pdf Files.

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Borrow material from other University libraries

As a current Murdoch student or member of staff, you may become a reciprocal borrower at the other university libraries across WA and Australia. See Western Australian University Libraries Reciprocal Borrowing Scheme for information on how to apply for borrowing rights and details about special rules and conditions that apply to each library. For other WA libraries, take your current student or staff card to the library, and they will add you to their system. If your card does not indicate that you are currently employed or enrolled, you will need some evidence that this is the case. For other Australian libraries, further information is available at University Library Australia.

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Change my details

Your personal details on the Library system are derived from the student record system, as they are for most of the other systems at Murdoch. To change your personal details on this system, use MyInfo. These changes will be made available on the Library system the day after you make the changes on MyInfo. The exception to this is the Library PIN, which you should change using
My Library.

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Check my email

You can check your email in the Library from the email computers on North Wing Level 2. You can also use computers in elibrary2, or General Computing Lab 1, off Bush Court.
More information...

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Check when my loan items are due

You can check when loans are due and a number of other functions through My Library, which can be accessed from the Library homepage.

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Find journal articles on a topic

Use one of the Library's Databases to find journal articles on your topic. The databases can be accessed from the Library's homepage. Some of the databases will give you the full text of the journal articles, while others will give you an abstract and information on which journal your article has been published in. If you are not sure which one to use, select a subject area from the Databases web page and browse through the list, or contact the staff at the Reference Desk.

For further imformation see Using Databases

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Find material for my assignment

You can begin your search by consulting reference materials, such as subject encyclopedias. This will help you define your topic. Use the electronic reference pages to locate resources or search the Library catalogue for these. Many of the printed reference resources are located in the Reference Collection on the Link Level 3.

Then you can search for books on your topic, again by searching the Library catalogue.

Finally, search for journal articles on your topic by searching the appropriate databases. Check the databases page, and look under the 'Browse by Subject' index.

For further information see Beginning Your Research, or ask at the Reference Desk.

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Get passwords for databases and electronic resources

Very few library resources require logins and passwords.
In most cases, these logins and passwords are available from the passwords list (Murdoch username and password required).
Some passworded resources are available for Murdoch University staff and postgraduate and honours students only. Contact the staff at the Reference Desks at the Murdoch or Rockingham Campus Libraries in person, by phone on 08 9360 6838, or by email using our Ask a Librarian service for details.
The entries for resources on the Journal Databases pages will indicate if a password is required. Check the More Info notes for these resources to find out how to obtain the required details. The entries for passworded resources in the Library's catalogue provide direct links to the resources as well as information on how to obtain the passwords.
Please contact the staff at the Library's Reference Desks if you need further assistance.

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Open pdf documents

Many of the documents on the Library's website, including exam papers and Electronic Course Materials, are in pdf format, and require the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this on your computer you can download it from the Murdoch University ftp server (download the latest Windows or MacIntosh version) or you may borrow a cdrom with the software from the IT Service Desk Counter.

If you experience problems viewing or printing a pdf document, check the following:

Saving a pdf file

To save a pdf file, use the Save icon on the Adobe Acrobat Reader toolbar, or right click on the link to the file before you open it. From the menu, select "Save target as.." if you are using Internet Explorer, or "Save Link As.." if you are using Netscape.

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Pay my library fines

Add the amount of the fine to your student card through the autoloader for the photocopy system. Take the card to the Enquiry Desk at Murdoch campus or the Loans Desk at Rockingham campus, where the amount will be deducted from your card. At the Peel campus, ask at the Circulation Desk.

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Renew my loan items

You can renew your loans by logging on to My Library.

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Request a book from another campus

You are able to request items that are available (status 'check shelf') at another campus to be picked up at any branch library by requesting the item through the catalogue. The process is the same as for requesting an item which is already borrowed. Be certain to select the correct pickup location from the dropdown menu.
You may not request items to be picked up at another branch library on the same campus. For example, you cannot request an item from Vet to be picked up at Main or CRC.

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Request a book on the 'New Books Display'

The process is the same as for requesting an item which is already borrowed.

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Request a book which is already borrowed

To request an item:

  1. Search the Library Catalogue and display the record for the item you want
  2. Select the "Request" button at the top or bottom of the screen
  3. Enter your Murdoch Username and Password if you are a Murdoch student or staff memeber or User ID and library PIN [how to enter your User ID and PIN] for all other patrons. If you are already logged in to My Library, you will not have to enter your Password or PIN at this stage.
  4. Select a Pickup location from the dropdown menu.
  5. Enter a "Cancel if not filled by" date. If you don't enter a date, your request will expire after 7 months.
  6. Click on "Submit"
  7. Click on "Request selected item" (and you may need to select the copy to be recalled)
  8. The message 'Your request for this item has been sent to the library' should appear on the screen
  9. Click on "Start Over" or "Logout" to exit.

You will be notified by email when the requested item is available.

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Return books

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