Information Centre

The Trescowthick Information Centre is the main gateway to the Library's services and collections. A multi-purpose space, the Information Centre is home to the general reference collection. It is also where you pick up your Library card, collect reserved books and obtain general information about using the Library and accessing the collections.

Where is the Information Centre?

Located on the ground floor directly off the front foyer, the Information Centre is the busiest area of the Library and the main point of entry to all other reading rooms, and the Cowen and Dome galleries. For the exact location of this room, see the Library floor plan.

What's in this room?

This room not only contains a wide range of encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, databases and other general reference materials, it is also where many of the Library's onsite services are located. These include the Library's main information desk, the book desk and the Copy Centre.

There are dozens of PCs providing access to the Library's catalogue, databases and ejournals. Most of these computers also provide full internet access, and have a 15-minute time limit. If they are all in use, there is an area where you can queue to wait your turn.

There is plenty of casual seating for reading, as well as tables and carrels for study. Other facilities include:

• networked copier/printers
• a wireless hotspot
• an electronic message board with the latest information about book deliveries.

Information desk

This is the best place to start if you want to find out where things are and how you can access them. The librarians here can answer general questions about the Library's services and items in the collection. You can request a range of offsite collection materials here.

Book Desk

Located just behind the information desk, the Book Desk is where you can:

• pick up your Library card (which can be used for requesting items, accessing databases and ejournals from home, accessing the free wireless service, and paying for copying and printing)
• have your copy/printing payment card upgraded to a full Library card
• collect items that have been ordered from the closed stacks or from off-site storage
• pay for and collect copying orders.

You can also request that a book be set aside for you for up to one week. This is particularly handy if you need to consult a particular book over several days.

Reserved book collection area

Immediately to the left of the book desk is the main collection point for reserved materials from both the general and arts collections.

Copy Centre

Located just outside the Newspaper Reading Room, the Copy Centre offers self-service copying facilities, including black & white and colour copying/printing, and overhead copying for fragile or large items. A vending machine provides rechargeable copy cards for $1.65 (upgradable to a full Library card at the Book Desk). Library cards can also be used to pay for copying. Credit can be added to the cards using cash or EFTPOS. See the self-service copying page for more detail.

Disability equipment

Adjacent to the Helen Macpherson Smith Genealogy Centre, the Disability Room contains the latest adaptive and assistive technology.

For more detailed information about the different types of technology that are available within the Library see the Adaptive & Assistive Technologies page.

Wireless hotspot

Free wireless broadband access is available in the Information Centre to registered Library users with laptops or PDAs. Known as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or Wireless LAN, it allows you to connect to the internet without cables or wires. For more information see Using Wireless Services at the Library.

When can I visit this room?

The Information Centre can be visited during standard Library opening hours.