How staff can request resources for the library.
The library aims to purchase the resources you need for your teaching and research. Please let us know what you require by completing the Library Resources Request Form.
Resources lists
For information about resources lists see our webpage for staff that explains how to make sure that the readings your students need are available in the library. You can also find hints and tips on best practices for creating or updating resource lists.
At least 6-8 weeks before the start of teaching please let the library know what resources you are planning to use for your module’s readings so that we can check that the library has the resources you need and that there are enough copies available.
The CCCU library collections include a wide range of materials. Before compiling or updating resource lists, please check LibrarySearch and the relevant library subject guide to see the range of relevant material that is already available to students in your subject area.
The reading list does not need to be confined to existing resources. If you let the library know what you need then we will do our best to procure it.
There are two ways you can tell us what you need:
For individual orders of books please use the Library Resources Request Form.
Or send complete module/course reading lists to your Learning and Research Librarian and include:
- course name and code
- number of students
- campus (i.e., Canterbury/Medway/Salomons)
- date the items are needed by
- any additional information to assist with resourcing (e.g., are students taught remotely, or on placement for lengthy periods of time)
Please indicate in the resources list the category -
- Key – essential resources which the module is structured around, or vital readings for a specific week.
- Suggested – useful resources which students are encouraged to engage with but are not obligatory readings.
- Wider research – additional resources for further exploration of the topic.
We will order an ebook version where possible (not all titles are available as library ebooks) and the most recent edition, please make it clear on the reading list if you need an earlier edition.
You can request a scan via the scanning service if you only need one chapter or a journal article.
Talk to your Learning and Research Librarian about any new journals or databases relevant to your course.
Send reading lists to us at least 6-8 weeks in advance of the start of teaching, to allow time to order, catalogue and process items. The library team will try our best to order the resources you need and will contact you with any queries.
If you are recommending that students purchase specific items, then please contact CCCU University Bookshop.
Requesting print or e-books
To see what is already available in the library please check LibrarySearch. Please note that any copies showing as available at the Drill Hall library on LibrarySearch are not necessarily CCCU copies; they may belong to our collaborative partners: the University of Kent or the University of Greenwich.
We have a digital-first policy and will try to buy e-books to fulfil requests. However, publishers do not always make books available for libraries to purchase as e-books and they may not be available via affordable models. The library is experienced in sourcing the most appropriate format so please let us know what you need by completing the Library Resources Request Form and we will do the rest.
Other resources
The library has a large collection of e-journals and databases. If you need any resources for teaching or research that are not currently available please speak to your Learning and Research Librarian.
Scanning service
Where only a limited section of a book or an article is needed you can ask the Library to scan book chapters and journal articles under the terms of our CLA Higher Education Licence. These can then be made available to students via Blackboard. See the Scanning Services page for more details.