Student Guide to - Staffordshire University

Student Guide to 

Information Services 

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices

What’s inside 

the guide? 

We’ve put together all the essential bits of information to help 

get you started with your studies and tackling that all important 

first assignment. 

It contains information about library and IT facilities, e-resources and other study 

related material, learning technology, study areas, printing and copying, advice on 

how to develop your study skills, when and where to get help when you need it 

and as much useful information as we could pack into a small booklet. 

It gives a snapshot of what’s on offer at Information Services, so if we’ve missed 

anything out which you think should be included, please let us know. 


Student Guide

Contents 

Academic Support Tutors 12, 13 

Assignment Survival Kit (ASK) 13 

Binding and laminating 11 

Blogs 15 

Borrowing 9 

Contact 14, 15 

Disabled students – accessibility 14 

Distance learners 11 

Document delivery 9 

Email 6 

H drive 6 

Help Desks 15 

InfoZone 12 

InfoSkills 13 

Internet 5 

IT facilities 4, 5, 6 

Laptops 6 

Librarians 12, 13 

Library account 9, 10 

Library catalogue 9 

Library facilities 8, 9, 10, 11 

Logging on/off 2 

MyPortal 5 

Off campus facilities 11 

Opening times 5, 9 

PebblePAD 13 

Policies and regulations 1, 2 

Printing, copying, scanning (MFPs) 7 

RefZone 13 

ResNet 5 

Returns, renewals, reserving 9, 10, 11 

Saving your work 6 

Self Service 9, 10 

Software 5 

Student ID card 2, 3 

Study space 11 

Study Skills 12, 13 

Usernames and passwords 2, 3 

Workshops and tutorials 12, 13 

Wireless network 6 

Student Guide 

Information Services

We have your 

Library and IT 

needs covered. 

Adjusting to life at university can seem daunting, which is why we 

have a team of friendly, approachable staff ready to help you to 

make the leap from studying at school or college to studying at 

university or to re-entering education after a long break. 



We’ll guide you through the information maze, come to your rescue 

if you’re battling with technology, extol the benefits of self service 

and managing your library account, help you to improve your 

planning, time management, academic writing and critical analysis 

skills and more besides. 

All this is supported by round the clock help and advice, day or night and even 

during weekends and vacations. 

So if you do need help, just ask! 

Policies and Regulations 

Please make time to read the Library and IT Policies and Regulations. 

Library policies and regulations can be found at: 

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/regulations 

IT policies and regulations can be found at: 

www.staffs.ac.uk/current/regulations/it 



1

Getting started 

Using Library, IT and online learning resources may seem 

overwhelming but we don’t expect you to take it all in at once. 

Concentrate on finding out… 

• How to log on to your computer (p.2) 

• How to access your student email account and H: drive (file storage area) (p.6) 

• What and how to borrow from the Library (p.8) 

• Familiarize yourself with self service facilities (p.9) 

• Where and how to get help (p.14) 

Logging on 

When you log on for the first time, a prompt box will appear with a link to the 

IS Policies and Regulations. It is your responsibility to ensure that you read and 

accept to abide by them before logging on. 

You will need your username and password to log on to a University PC. 

Your Student ID card provides all the information you need. We’ve included some 

information below about how your username is worked out and how to change 

your password. 

To log off press ctrl-alt and delete simultaneously and select ‘log off’ 

Username 

N.B. The format for student usernames has changed slightly this year because the 

current series of ‘year letters’ has been exhausted. Now, instead of having two 

letters at the beginning of your student number, the ‘year letter’ will be moved to 

the end, so usernames will be worked out as follows: 

• First letter of your surname or family name 

• Followed by the last six digits of your student number 

• Followed by the year of entry letter (‘a’ for 2010 students) 

For example, Stick Man will have username m000001a and e-mail address 

m000001a@student.staffs.ac.uk 

2 Student Guide

Password 

Your initial password is your date of birth e.g. dd/mm/yy 

If using your date of birth doesn’t work, try 999999 

Points to remember 

• Don’t forget to change your password after logging on for the first time. 

• Change your password regularly 

• Don’t allow another person to use your username and password 

• If you use a username other than your own, or disclose your password to 

another person you are breaking the University’s IT Policies and Regulations 

• If you suspect that your account has been compromised, please report it to a 

member of staff 

How to change your password 

Your password must be at least six characters long. A combination of numbers and 

letters will make your password more secure. 

• Press ctrl-alt and delete simultaneously 

• Select ‘change password’ 

• Follow the on screen instructions 

• Select ‘OK’ 

If you forget your password or need help logging on, contact us in one of the 

following ways… 

Any IT Help Desk with your Student ID card, phone 01782 29 4771 

Fill out the online help form at www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/enquiry 



3

IT facilities 

All IS buildings provide IT facilities with help and support available 24/7. 

We have PCs and Macs with free Internet and Email access and a range 

of software to help you with your studies. 

4 



We have PC clusters throughout all our libraries; in addition to this we have 

IT centres in the Octagon Building in Stafford and the Cadman and Brindley 

Buildings both in Stoke. Follow the link below for opening times. 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it 

PCs equipped with large monitors and specialist software are available for 

students with visual impairments or dyslexia. 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/addneeds 

Software 

For Microsoft ® , eLearning and course related applications software use the Quick 

Launch toolbar at the bottom left of the screen. 

For specialised software relating to your course, use the Start menu at the bottom 

left of the screen. 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it/student/specs 

Using the Internet and MyPortal 

MyPortal is the default Internet page and is your gateway to all essential learning 

resources and other services such as Email, Library account, H: drive, Virtual 

Learning Environments and modules you’ve enrolled on. You’ll receive important 

messages from your Faculty via MyPortal too, along with other University 

information that will keep you up to date with the latest news and events. 

ResNet 

ResNet is the officially supported network connection service for students living 

in University accommodation. If you are living in University accommodation, you 

will receive a ResNet pack when you collect your keys. This will contain all the 

information you need to get connected. 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/resnet 

Further support t. 01782 29 4771 or 01782 29 4135 (Stoke) 

t. 01785 35 3339 (Stafford) 



5

Email 

All members of the University are issued with a Microsoft Office ® email account. 

Your student email address is your username and password followed by 

@student.staffs.ac.uk (p.2) 

For PCs 

The Outlook® icon in the Quick Launch toolbar 

For Macs 

Go to www.staffs.ac.uk/owa and select http://weboutlook.staffs.ac.uk/exchange 

Off campus 

Go to www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/offcampus 

Wireless network 

Airnet is Staffordshire University’s Wireless Network Service and is available to all 

students and staff who have a valid username and password. You need to have a 

wireless enabled laptop or mobile device that has an 802.11b/g wireless adapter 

installed. If you do not have a wireless adaptor, you can purchase one from the 

Octagon Help Desk (Visit www.staffs.ac.uk/airnet for current prices) 

You also need to ensure your laptop/device is configured with the appropriate 

settings outlined in the Airnet user document. You must be running up to date 

antivirus software and ensure that your operating system is up to date with all the 

latest service packs and updates. 

To download the Airnet user document and for further information visit 

www.staffs.ac.uk/airnet 

Student H: drive 

This is your own personal area on the University server for saving your work and 

only you can access it. You have an allocation of 40MB file storage. You can apply 

for more space by completing an application form at: 

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it/saving/hdrives 

Connect to your H: drive on or off campus at https://myportal.staffs.ac.uk 

by using your student username and password. 

Don’t forget to back your work up on a USB drive and save it regularly. 

6 Information Services Student Guide

Multi Function Printers 

MFPs are located throughout the University campus and in all IS building, 

providing printing, scanning and photocopying facilities to all staff and students. 

Your MFP login username and PIN will be emailed to your student email account, 

so keep a look out! You can also log on to the MFPs by swiping your Student ID 

card and entering your PIN. For full instructions and how to log on and use the 

MFPs, visit www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it/mfp 

Printing from home 

You can print to the MFPs from your own computer at home or on ResNet and 

collect your documents as usual from any MFP on campus. 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/it/own 

Printing costs 

Your print account is automatically credited with £2. You can top up your print 

account at the MoneyLoader machines or at any IS staffed service point. 

A4 black and white 5p 

A3 black and white 7p 

A4 colour 25p 

A3 colour £1 

Scanning to email 2p 

Stapling 

1p 

Student Guide Information Services 7

Library 

facilities 

There are three main site libraries, two in Stoke (Law and Thompson 

Libraries) and one in Stafford (Nelson Library). We also have the 

Health Library, located within the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. 

All our libraries have IT and printing facilities. 

8 

8 Information Services 


Opening times 

The Nelson and Thompson Libraries are open 24 hours a day, 7 days 

a week! The Law Library and Shrewsbury Health Library have extended 

opening hours during weekends and evenings. 

You must have your Student ID card with you to enter the building during 

Self Service Opening. For your own safety and the safety of others, you will not be 

allowed access without it. 

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/opening 

Borrowing 

Try and remember to bring your Student ID card whenever you visit the library as you 

won’t be able to borrow without it. 

You’ll be pleased to know that borrowing is free for all library items. Fines are levied 

for late returns but they can be avoided by keeping on top of your library account. 

We do send reminders via your student email account for overdue items so please 

check your email regularly. 

You can borrow up to 17 items and can pick and mix from a selection of books, DVDs, 

laptops, data projectors, Dictaphones and a range of assistive technology. 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/borrowing 

The library catalogue 

Use the library catalogue to search for all forms of library material and check location 

and stock availability. You can also use it to check your library account and renew and 

reserve items. Further information http://library.staffs.ac.uk 

Document Delivery service 

If we haven’t got what you need in any of the University Libraries in print or 

electronically we can usually get it from another library at a cost of £5 per request. 

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/borrowing/requests/external_libraries 

Self Service 

There are self service machines in all our libraries where you can issue, return 

and renew library items and pay fines. You will need your Student ID card to use the 

self service machines. 

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/borrowing/selfservice 



9

Your library account 

Using your PIN and library barcode, you can access your library account to 

check what items you have out on loan, renew items and reserve books that are 

on loan to another borrower. 

Your PIN 

Day and month of your date of birth e.g. DD/MM. 

Your library barcode 

This can be found on your Student ID card. 


Renewing 

You can renew your 2 week loan items up to 20 times... 

• Via the web at http://library.staffs.ac.uk 

• On a Self Service machine 

• At the Lending Services Counter 

• By telephone 01782 29 4817 (24 hour automated service) 

Remember to have your Student ID card and PIN to hand. 

You cannot renew the following 

Short Loan items (4 hour, 24 hour and 48 hour loans) or items that have been 

requested by another borrower. You can renew overdue items, provided you don’t 

have any outstanding fines. 


Reserving 

You can reserve items that are on loan to another borrower and can request up to 

five items (2 week loans only) at any one time. You will be notified via your student 

email account when your requested items are ready for collection. 

They will be held on the reservation shelf for 7 days. 




Postal requests 

We offer a postal loan service for 

Distance Learners and other 

Staffordshire University students based 

in the UK who can’t easily visit one of 

our libraries. 

• Free of charge service. 

• Postage costs apply for returns. 

• You can request up to 4 books at any one time. 

• No Short Loan items. 

• Books cannot be posted overseas, however, we can supply photocopies 

subject to copyright restrictions 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/offcampus 

Binding and Laminating 

Binding and laminating machines are available near to Lending Services. You can 

also purchase the binding combs and covers from here too. 

For a small charge we’ll bind the document for you. 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/services/binding 

Distance Learners 

We have a range of services and facilities which may be accessed remotely by 

off-campus users, distance learners, distributed learners or students who have 

difficulty visiting the university in person. 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/offcampus 

Study spaces 

Whatever your needs, you’ll find a study space to suit. There are zoned areas 

for silent, quiet and group study and flexible study areas equipped with mobile 

technology, editing software and moveable furniture for you to create your 

own learning environment. There are also study rooms which you can book for 

collaborative group work. 

Further information www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/services/studyareas 



11

Develop your study skills 

We don’t just supply you with books and computers; we can support 

you with all aspects of your studies and help you to develop your 

skills in a variety of ways so you can become a successful, confident 

learner. 

We have a team of Academic Skills Tutors who will help you with all subject 

and research related enquiries (Librarians) and to improve and develop your skills 

in academic writing, critical analysis, time management etc. (Study Skills). 

Information can be delivered in a way that suits you, including one-to-one 

tutorials, workshops, group sessions...it’s really up to you, so if you need help, 

just ask! 

InfoZone 

InfoZone has everything you need to know as a new student about using computers, 

libraries and online learning. Get ‘in the zone’ at... www.staffs.ac.uk/infozone 

Get a group of friends and ‘Design your own academic 

skills session’ – New for 2010 

You now have the chance to create your own sessions which will be delivered by 

an Academic Skills Tutor to yourself and a group of friends. 



Choose from a range of resources/activities/information and tailor a teaching 

session to suit your needs. You can also choose how you want the information 

delivered! 

To book a session and find out more www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/academicskills 

Assignment Survival Kit (ASK) 

Being faced with your first assignment at university can be daunting. ASK is an 

online learning support tool which can help you to tackle your assignments, 

providing useful information and advice. There’s also practical help and advice 

from your fellow students via the ASK Podcasts. 

www.staffs.ac.uk/ask 

www.staffs.ac.uk/ask/videos 

InfoSkills 

The InfoSkills module will guide you through the maze of research and give you 

the skills to enhance your employability. It can help you to vastly improve your 

research and referencing skills, showing you how best to keep an accurate record 

of your sources and help you to cite your sources to a recognised standard. 

Anyone can benefit from InfoSkills and remember, it’s worth fifteen credits! 

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/training 

RefZone 

You wouldn’t be the first student to panic at the thought of having to tackle the 

minefield that is referencing! RefZone makes sense of it all, providing you with all 

the information you need to understand exactly how and what to reference. It will 

also guide you through the different styles (yes, there’s more than one) used at 

the University. 

www.staffs.ac.uk/refzone 

PebblePAD 

Record your educational, personal, social and cultural experiences; build tailored 

CVs and present your profile to the world in a webfolio. 

www.staffs.ac.uk/pebblepad 



13

Help, support and contact details 

As you’ve already seen in previous sections of this booklet, help and 

support is provided in a variety of ways. We’ve put together a 

‘quick list’ of contacts below as a reminder and details of how you 

can stay up to date with information... 

Accessibility 

All IS building are accessible via wheelchair lifts, however, proximity cards are 

available for students and staff with a mobility impairment to access the 

Thompson Library and Cadman Building via the courtyard entrance if preferred. 

Forms are available at Student Support and the Thompson Help Desk. 

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/addneeds 

Additional support for disabled students 

We provide a range of services, equipment and support for disabled students. 

For a full list of what’s available, visit www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/addneeds 

24 hour help 

For all your Library and IT enquiries, 

day or night and during weekends and 

vacations call, 

01782 29 4771 or 01782 29 4135 (Stoke) 

01785 35 3339 (Stafford and Shrewsbury) 

Email 

libraryhelpdesk@staffs.ac.uk 

Online 

www.staffs.ac.uk/infoservices/library/enquiry 



Libraries and IT Centres 

Brindley IT Help Desk 

Leek Road, Stoke 

t: 01782 29 4135 

Health Library 

Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, 

Shrewsbury 

t. 01743 49 2512 

Law Library 

Leek Road, Stoke 

t. 01782 29 4307 

Lichfield Centre 

Lichfield 

t. 01543 51 0700 

Nelson Library 

Beaconside, Stafford 

t. 01785 35 3604 

Keep up to date with 

what’s going on 

http://blogs.staffs.ac.uk/library 

http://staffsuni.blogspot.com 

http://twitter.com/Staffordshire 

Octagon IT Help Desk 

Beaconside, Stafford 

01785 35 3339 

Thompson Library 

College Road, Stoke 

t. 01782 29 5770 

Any suggestions? 

We’ve tried to include lots of information that you would find useful throughout 

your studies. If there’s anything we’ve missed out that you think would be helpful 

that we can include in future publications, please let us know at: 

libraryhelpdesk@staffs.ac.uk 

Thank you! 



15


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Student Guide to - Staffordshire University

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