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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Can I use GenAI with a library database?

Increasingly the academic publishers and library database providers are adding explicit restrictions into their license agreements as regards the use of generative AI solutions (for example, Wiley and Lexis Nexis).  

However, even in the absence of an explicit statement it is likely that using GenAI in conjunction with a library database would breach our license agreement. Therefore, to ensure we comply with our license agreements, Unitec students and staff must not use a generative artificial intelligence solution in conjunction with library databases or the materials within them.  

The only exception to this is using GenAI functionality that is built into the database as part of the product. Ebsco and Proquest have both recently developed GenAI features for their products. We are assessing these and will provide more information in due course. 

If you are interested in helping us assess these features for research or teaching, please contact us via email (libinfo@unitec.ac.nz). 

We look forward to learning with you 😊 

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Changes to location of ‘Arts File’ items and some journals

Overview

This update concerns changes recently made to the location of 'Arts File' items and 'reference only' journals previously held in the quiet study area on Level 3 of Te Puna Library (B 180). These changes have resulted in the creation of four additional small collections in the Library.

Arts File 

The 'Arts File' items were previously held in two grey filing cabinets in the quiet study area on Level 3.

Some of these items (mainly Exhibition Guides and Catalogues) have been moved to the open mezzanine areas on Level 2 and 3.  We have located them closer to other books/items of the same subject to improve access to these small but fascinating items, which include historical exhibition guides of local artists. 

Some of the items were newspaper clippings about art, artists, galleries and architecture. These have been moved into boxes in our storage area in the basement of B180. They can still be accessed via a request on LibrarySearch. 

Note: These items remain for use within Te Puna library only. They must not be borrowed or taken out of the library.

Journals

Some 'reference only' journals were previously shelved in the Level 3 quiet study area.  Most were Architecture journals which have moved to the Level 2 'not for loan' shelves – these will continue to be not for loan.  

There was also a small number of other journals (general art and photography titles) that have been moved to the general shelves and made loanable.

More information about new collections

See details about the four new collections listed below. If you need help locating an Arts File item or Journal or any other library item, please see the Ask Me desk or contact your Subject Librarian.

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Level 2 - Architecture (not for loan)

Location: On a short shelf at west end of Level 2, organised by Dewey call number

Dewey range:  720 - 729 

Description: Architecture related reference books, reference only journals and ephemera.

Notes for shelvers:

  • Each book in the collection has a sticker that says “Architecture not for loan”
  • Each journal in this collection has a sticker that says “not for loan” 
  • Each small item in this collection has sticker that says “arts file”
  • The photo below shows the front of the stacks with boxes of reference only journals. On the other side of the stack is a few small 'ephemera' items, some large reference books and more journals


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Level 2 - Art exhibition catalogues (not for loan)

Location: Top shelf of short display shelves unit in middle of the floor on Level 2, organised by Dewey call number 

Dewey range: 700 - 709

Description: Art exhibition catalogues 

Notes for shelvers:

  • Each item in this collection has sticker that says “arts file”
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Level 3 - Creative Industries exhibition catalogues (not for loan)

Location: On top of a short shelves unit in middle of the floor on Level 3, organised by Dewey call number

Dewey range: from 730 onwards

Description: Exhibition brochures, guides and other ephemera from art galleries, art exhibitions and performances

Notes for shelvers:

  • Each item in this collection has a sticker saying “arts file”

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Level 0 - Arts file (in library use only) 

Location: Level 0 Storage room. To access items in storage please place a request.

Dewey range:  none, instead boxes 1-16 and barcodes

Description:  Newspaper clippings related to the subjects, artists or galleries listed

Note for shelvers:

  • Boxes are located at far end of storage on the left near the student reports
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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Are you preparing your Semester 1 courses?

Course reserve (short loan)

Are there any library resources you would like your students to have ready access to in the Library? Both Waitākere and Te Puna (Mt Albert) libraries offer 24 hour, 72 hour and 2 hour short loans. 

Please fill in this form by Friday 14 February 2025 to ensure the items are on Course Reserve (short loan) for your students when Semester 1 starts. 

Information Literacy 

The library team has Subject Librarians who are available to arrange with you, tailored information literacy sessions for your students. Click here to find the Subject Librarian for your subject area / School.