European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)...

…is available via the library. We even had a dedicated training room and advisers available at the Docklands Campus Library. It is a widely recognised computer qualification and a valuable addition to your CV in a competitive jobs market. Whether you are a total novice with computers or consider yourself a bit of an expert, the qualification is well worth getting. For more information, check out the library’s ECDL web page.

Vacation access to other university libraries...

…is available through the SCONUL Vacation Access scheme. If you live closer to another university, or would simply like to access another university’s library, then during holiday time it is normally possible to gain access using your student card. Information is available from the following webpage: SCONUL Vacation Access. It is strongly recommended that you telephone the library of the university you wish to visit before going, because arrangements can vary.

A bit of light relief...

…and maybe a few interesting insights, too, are just what's required as the exam season draws to a close. The recently televised BBC Big Personality Test has so far had well over 200,000 participants in its online test. Clearly people enjoy doing these things and ‘finding out’ something about themselves in the process. Well, either that, or they want to ‘confirm’ their own beliefs about themselves e.g. that they really are an extrovert / a hypochondriac / 'conscientious' / 'agreeable' or whatever it might be.

If you enjoy doing these tests (and I must admit to being rather partial myself), then why not check out the following website: TESTdex.com. I have no idea about the scientific basis of these free tests, so wouldn’t recommend using them in your studies, but for a bit of time out, why not give one or two (or three or four!) a go? Who knows, you might even find inspiration in them...

The Library's Research Support Portal...

…has just been launched on our website. Set up by our specialist Research Services Librarian, it gives quick access to all the key information about library services for researchers. Areas featured include: placing interlibrary loans, referencing help (including Endnote), accessing other libraries and how to find further support. It is accessible from here: Research Support Portal.

New books in the library...

...added to stock during the month of May 2010 can be viewed from this link: May 2010 new books list. Please note that it only lists items purchased for stock from the library's 'psychology' book funds.

With the academic year almost over, book funds were almost fully spent so there are only five books on this month's list, including two e-books. However, having received a small amount of additional funds in recent weeks, next month's list should be rather longer, so keep your eyes peeled for the June list!