Frequently Asked Questions

How to keep up to date...?

It is possible to request information to be sent to you regularly via EJS: Electronic Journal Service and Online Database EbscoHost Alerts – go to the Online Databases or Journals pages and login to set these up. You can also be notified when the next What’s New is published. Please contact your librarian for more details of these services.

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How do you get to the library page on the Intranet?

For the Intranet open up Internet Explorer. Select Home >> Organisation >> Probity and Staff Development >> Library.

Please note the Intranet is only available from a computer at your workplace.

For the Internet open up Internet Explorer. Go to the Corrective Services NSW website. Select the link "Information" then select the Library link. Alternatively go directly to http://www.correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au/information/library/

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Where can I look up the catalogue to find out what is in the libraries?

The catalogue is available on the websites on the Online Books and Catalogues" page.

The direct link to the catalogue is: http://library.correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au/

The catalogue lists items in the libraries at Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy and at the MRRC.

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I want to use the library service. Where do I start?

First you should go to the Library Intranet or Internet page. Select Essential Forms and then the User Registration Form for the type of library member (Staff or Inmate). Fill this out, print it, sign it and send it to the Library listed on the form (either by fax or mail). You will then be registered and given your ID Number and the passwords that will enable you to access the Online Databases and Journals. If you have any questions first READ THE PAGES on the website and then contact your Librarian.

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How can I find out how to use the library website?

First READ THE PAGES on the website, then contact your Librarian if you have further questions. You may also go to the Tutorials page and either view or print out the information contained there.

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I want a list of journal articles on a particular subject. How do I find these on the library website?

You must first register with the library service and you will receive the passwords to enable you to access the online databases. Go to the Online Databases page and do a search in the appropriate database. The article you find may be available in fulltext within the online databases. You can request articles within the databases by clicking on the Document Delivery Request Form (which is available either within the online databases pages or on the library website).

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I don't know how to use the databases. Where can I go for help?

You can go to Tutorials page and print out or go through the tutorials. You can also use the help available at each of the database sites. You can also ask your Librarians for assistance - go to the Contacts page or click on the appropriate library details on the main page of the library Internet or Intranet site.

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Can I print out whole articles myself without requesting them from the library?

In some cases you may be able to do this. You must first register with the library service and you will receive the passwords to enable you to access the online databases and electronic journals. Some journals are available online using the sites listed in the Online Databases page. If not, go to the Journals page and select one of the links listed there under Electronic Journals.

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Do I have to remember my ID Number and put it on the forms?

Yes, definitely. This is a legal requirement.

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What is the ID Number used for?

This enables us to comply with the Copyright legislation.

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Do I have to pay to use the library service?

No, the service is provided free to staff of Corrective Services NSW for purposes of work or work related study.

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Do I have to pay for journal articles that I order?

You do not have to pay for articles if they are required for work related purposes. The librarians are able to obtain most articles free, but occasionally they must be paid for. When this happens you may be asked whether you still want that article. If you do it will be free to you but the library will pay for the cost of it.

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What should I do if I can't get access to any of the sites listed on the library Internet or Intranet websites?

If you are at work you should first notify the agency Service Hub as this may indicate a problem with your computer. If your computer and internet service provider is working properly and you still can't access the site, then please notify the Librarians of the problem.

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Why can't I access the book or article I want from the free book or journal sites?

These are selected journals made available free on the Internet. The journals may only give free access to selected articles, such as continuing education or those published before a specified date. The titles on this list change regularly as the publishers change access rights from free to paid whenever they feel like it.

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What kind types of resources can I search for in the catalogues?

The catalogue primarily contains the book, audiovisual and journal holdings at the libraries. It also includes Internet sites and the citations for some journal articles that are not available in the other journal indexes.

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Can I request items when I'm searching the catalogues?

Yes, if you have registered with the library and are using the DOCLIS Library Catalogue. Login to the catalogue and do a search. Go to the full display of the record of the item you are interested in. Click on the title in the short display list. Go to the right side of the page and click on the “Hold It” button, then “Save” on the next page. This will notify the library staff and they will send the item to you, when it is available.

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