Distance Learners

Information Services (IS) is responsible for the provision of library, computing and media services for Aberystwyth University.

All current registered distance learning students are entitled to have access to library, email and computing facilities at AU, subject to Information Services Regulations and Guidelines.

To make use of our facilities you will need an Aberystwyth University email account and an Aber card. Special arrangements are in place to ensure that distance learning students are able to make the best use of Information Services.

Aber card

Although not based on campus distance learning students should apply for an Aber card so that:

  • you can renew library loans online
  • you are able to photocopy, print and access the 24 hour computer rooms when you do visit campus, either to attend a study school or carry out research

Full details of what your Aber card is used for and how to apply for one can be found on the Aber Card webpage

E-mail account

You will need to activate your Aberystwyth University email account shortly before your course begins. This will give you access to

You will be able to activate your account online, shortly before your course begins, from any computer connected to the Internet via our online activation form .

Please note:

  • The University use email as an official form of communication and you must check your University email regularly to ensure you receive important communications from the University.
  • You must change your password annually. You will be emailed when you need to do this and if you do not change your password by the date given your account will lock and you will not be able to access University resources, for example, email, Blackboard, e-journals.

Once you have activated your account it would be very useful if you could provide some security information so that we will be able to confirm your identity should you need help remotely

Primo (electronic resources)

  • Information Services subscribes to a wide range of online information sources including e-journals and e-books which are available off-campus to distance learning students. These are available via Primo:
  • Instructions for accessing these resources off-campus can be found in our accessing e-resources off-campus FAQ
  • If you require a search of a database that you are unable to access yourself, we will carry out the search and forward it to you. There may be a charge for this service.

Filestore

All Aberystwyth University students are given 2GB of file storage on our network to backup their files. You can connect to this file storage from any computer connected the Internet - even if you are off-campus. This provides a secure place to store your files which is backed up regularly by Information Services. Further information on the filestore available to you can be found on our Filestore webpage

Help and support

Help and support is available to help you make the best use of the facilities and services we offer:

Library facilities

  • Primo - the Library catalogue, is available on and off campus at: http://primo.aber.ac.uk
  • You will need to log on with your email/computing username and password to access your library account and to renew books online.
  • Loans:
    • When you have registered with Information Services, you will be entitled to borrow up to 15 books in total from the Aberystwyth University libraries - from the usual standard loan and special distance learner collections only.
    • Distance learning students should contact the appropriate library to request books.
    • The special collection for distance learners is housed in the Short Loan Area of the Thomas Parry library and is distinguished by a green strip on the spine and green date label inside. These may also be borrowed by students in residence, but for 1 day only; distance learners have a longer loan period.
    • The normal loan period will be four weeks. Renewals by email, telephone, post or fax will normally be allowed if items are not required by other users.
  • Document Supply - Books in Aberystwyth University libraries: the Library will forward, on request, loan items to the address we have on file for you. You may return items by post, as long as they are sent by compensation fee post. Until they are received by the Library, all items are your responsibility. Please take particular notice of the return due date for loans. Fines will be raised on overdue items.
  • Document Supply - Photocopies: copies of articles in journals and short extracts of books may be ordered by completing a copyright declaration form and arranging payment of photocopying charges and postage. (Minimum charge £2.50 and 5p per page thereafter).
  • Document Supply - Items from other libraries: please contact the appropriate contact below who may be able to obtain items not available in Aberystwyth University libraries. There will be a charge for this service. Please note that we can not provide books or theses via Interlibrary loans for distance learning students in the Department of Information Studies. These should be ordered via your local library.
  • AU Distance learning students can access library resources in other universities.
  • Special Library induction sessions may be arranged if you attend courses in Aberystwyth. Visiting campus

Visiting campus

If you come to campus for a study school, or to do some research, you will have the same access to facilities as full-time students: