Finding information during your year abroad or on industrial placement
Are you away from Reading and/or the UK this summer? Maybe...
- Spending a year abroad?
- Going on industrial placement?
…and concerned about how you are going to find materials for an assignment or your dissertation whilst you are there?
Don't worry! There is a wealth of information available on the web, which can be accessed via your computer from anywhere in the world.
Resources you may access wherever you are
- Unicorn catalogue
- e-journals via the E-journals Finder - browse the Library’s online journals by title or subject.
- e-books - you can also find these using Unicorn - simply conduct your search and ensure you select the tick box "Find only online resources".
- Search for journal articles and other materials using databases. Some databases contain the full-text of the item, while others provide a reference and abstract only. If only a reference/abstract is provided, you are usually able to check for full-text access via the Item Finder - just click on the blue "Search for item at Reading" button to find out if the Library has online access.
- Online dictionaries, encyclopedias and other reference sources - these are a good place to start your research and find academic, reliable information.
- Google Scholar - finds scholarly literature in all areas of research. It can be set up so that it links to the University of Reading Library's electronic journal holdings. For more information see our Google Scholar page.
Access to most electronic resources is controlled by the Athens authentication system and requires only your University username and password to login. You will need to Download the Reading Athens Cookie on your computer first.
Please note: These resources are for your personal use only (you can't use them on behalf of your placement company or your friends) - see Terms and conditions of use for Library e-resources). A few databases are only accessible from the UK too.
Studying a language? Going abroad?
Find the Useful websites guide for the language you study. It will give you lists of (and links to) selected resources in your country of destination, such as library catalogues, listings of journals, access to the media, links to organisations and other useful tips.
Going on industrial placement in the UK?
If you go on an industrial placement in the UK as part of your course and there is another academic library nearby, you may be able to borrow from there by registering via SCONUL Access. Find out more about the SCONUL Access: reciprocal access scheme.
Help in your subject
If you require further guidance about the e-resources available in your subject, remember to look at the relevant Library subject guide. You are also welcome to contact your subject liaison librarian for advice on locating resources.
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