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OU Library: open whenever and wherever you want

[[[image-0 medium left]]]We regularly involve you in assessing library services and resources and your feedback is important in helping us explore ways to improve our services.

I wanted to find out when and where students are using the OU Library and what sort of impact being able to access the library 24/7 has on them.  So I took the opportunity to ask this question on the OU Library’s Facebook page.

Here are some of the things I learned from OU students Pamela, Alison and Joan who have been using library services and resources in different ways to fit studying around their busy lives:

I learned how important getting help is by being there just when you need it.  Pamela, who has just completed DD303 and is registered on DD307 for 2014 said she used the 24/7 ‘Chat to a librarian’ service one Sunday morning to find a paper:

“Just this weekend I was looking for a paper and was given a lot of assistance through the online chat as I couldn’t locate the journal or the paper…..  I was then given good advice as to how I might obtain a copy of the paper.  The service was very helpful and efficient”                         Pamela, OU student

I found out that geographic location isn’t important because students are accessing library services and resources wherever they are.  Even though Alison doesn’t live in the UK she can still use the online library:
 
“Living abroad means the majority of the stuff in the local libraries isn't in English. Having access to the resources online means I can get hold of relevant English language texts easily - and means that I can study wherever I am, whether at work, at home or elsewhere”                                                                                           Alison Jenner, OU student

Being available all the time gives Pamela the flexibility to access ebooks from her laptop at work and Joan is able to keep on top of her studies whilst on holiday:

"Even on holiday, as long as you can get internet access the OU Library is only a few clicks away"
                                                                                                           Joan Peacock, OU Student

If you have any examples of when and where you’ve used library resources to help you with your studies or you have any other feedback, we’d love to hear from you.  Tell us on  Facebook or tweet  @OU_Library  #OUlibrary

Debbie Sheehy
Library Services Communications Team