Readers for ESL programs at Carlton and Brunswick

We have just ordered some readers and CDs for the ESL courses at Carlton and Brunswick campuses. Teachers are always very welcome to send through any requests or orders for English language materials for the TAFE area.

We have also added a “Readers” page in the ESL subject guide.

Books for semester two

The RMIT Bookshop recently sent out a memo to staff about submitting their lists of textbooks for semester two. Please remember that these lists also form the basis for Library purchase of prescibed texts. When lists are submitted to the bookshop books are purchased automatically for the Library. We purchase texts according to the number of students expected in each course. 

I’m also very happy to purchase multiple copies of any recommended reading. Just send me your list and I will check it against the Library holdings. You can also send any requests individual items directly to me or via our request form.

New books

I have mentioned previously how to browse new books coming into the Library. We have had a flood of new titles coming in through the door in the last few weeks. Here are some book covers for recent items:

(Book covers via Amazon. com and LibraryThing.com).

The School’s active library borrowers

We ran a report recently on the number of active borrowers by School during 2007 (the report is purely on the different class of borrower not on individuals). There were 1957 students from the School that didn’t borrow a book this year, 1334 who borrowed at least one book and 233 who borrowed over 30 books. This is generally consistent with other Schools and reflects the changing patterns of library usage with the array of online resources now available. Still, it does emphasize the importance of strong and relevant print collections and the importance of research skills sessions for new students.

I’m always very happy, of course, for teachers and lecturers to get in touch either about the library sessions or title recommendations for the collection.

RMIT Bookshop, textbooks and the Library

The RMIT Bookshop recently sent out a memo to staff about submitting their lists of textbooks for 2008. Please remember that these lists also form the basis for Library purchase of textbooks. When lists are submitted to the bookshop books are purchased automatically for the Library; we purchase multiple copies according to the number of students expected in each course. Hopefully this provides another good reason to submit your lists to the bookshop as soon as you are able.

 Of course, you can also send any requests for the Library to purchase items directly to me or via the request form.