Samples Library
A collection of materials, for example - different types of plastic, metal, glass, and any other materials used in building interiors.The collection is located in the Materials Room in the basement of The Sheppard Library at Hendon. Items can be borrowed.
Scholarly journal
See: Academic journal
SCONUL Access
SCONUL Access is a scheme that you can join for free, which allows you to use most other university libraries in the United Kingdom and Ireland. To apply, please go to http://www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access.
Searchable database
See: Database
Search strategy
A systematic plan for a literature search. It involves understanding your essay or topic; identifying keywords, locating and searching resources and evaluating your search results.
Search terms
See: Keywords
Self service machines
Machines available in the library which you can use to issue, renew, and return your books, as well as paying library charges for items returned/renewed late.
Serials
See: Journals
Shelf number
The shelf number is a series of numbers and letters which identifies an individual book or material and helps you locate the item on the library shelves. You can find the shelf number for an item on the Library catalogue, and the same number will be found on a label on the spine of the book eg. 004.019 PRE. Books on the same subject, can usually be found at the same number.
SLAs
SLAs (Student Learning Assistants) are experienced students who work collaboratively with your lecturers in lectures, seminars, workshops and small group sessions to assist you in your learning. They work in particular modules which they themselves have previously taken, so they understand the problems and issues that you might face.
Social Media
Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. The Library uses social media to connect with students in order to share news including Facebook (Middlesex University Library), Twitter (@MDXLibrary), Spotify (MDXLibrary) and Instagram (mdxlibrary).
Special collections
Refers to a number of collections to support Art & Design students located in The Sheppard Library, for example - Samples Collection, Fashion Collection, Illustrated Books Collection and Ephemera Collection. Located in the Materials Room in the basement of The Sheppard Library.
SPSS
Statistical analysis software, available for free download Library & IT page.
Student Learning Assistants
See: SLAs
StudyHelp
Located on the 1st floor of the Library, StudyHelp is where students can drop-in to get support with maths and numeracy (check times), academic writing (Term-time Mon-Fri 12noon-2pm), finding information and using library resources (term time Mon-Fri 12am-2pm) and IT (Term time Mon-Fri 11am-5pm).
Subject Page
See: Library Subject Guides
Summon
Is a search tool which enables you search the library catalogue and most of the electronic databases in one go. This is useful if you not sure what databases are relevant to your subject area.