Get help with using Unitec library's e-books with the updated 'Ebooks at Unitec Library' guide

Due to recent changes in the interfaces of three of our e-book providers, the library team has recently updated our 'Ebooks at Unitec Library' guide. 

The three e-book interfaces to change are:

ProQuest Ebook Central e-books

EBSCO e-books

Taylor & Francis e-books

This guide covers all of the basics of using e-books from our five most common suppliers (including reading the e-book, reading a particular chapter/section, printing, saving and downloading). It also includes guidance for lecturers on embedding e-books into Moodle.

The most-common questions about e-books are covered by the guide, but for more help, please contact your Subject Librarian. 

Library website design changes

The library website design changed on Monday 7 July to provide a simpler interface for students to access library services and resources online. 

Currently there is a redirect from the previous homepage to the beta page while we carry our final testing in the live environment. 

We plan to pilot the new design for semester 2, then refine the design over the summer and launch a further fine tuned new look beginning 2026.

We welcome your feedback about the new homepage design and any other aspects of our website - please use this form to share your thoughts.

Reminder for academic staff preparing for Semester 2

Course reserve (short loan)

Are there any library books/items you would like your students to have ready access to in the Library? Both Waitākere and Te Puna (Mt Albert) libraries have short loan options of 2 hours, 24 hours and 72 hours (3 days). 

Please fill in this form by Friday 11 July 2025 to ensure the items are on Course Reserve (short loan) for your students when Semester 2 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.

Ebsco databases improved user interface is live now

The user interface of our EBSCO databases was updated today, with a clean, user-friendly design along with several functional improvements. 

Highlights include:

• AI-Powered Insights (Beta): A new feature called Generate AI Insights is now available. It uses artificial intelligence to provide summaries and insights based on the content of the source document.

• Expanded Search Filters: Users can now refine their searches more effectively with an expanded set of filters. Click on ‘All Filters’ to explore the full range of options.

• Redesigned Tool Icons: Core tools like Cite, Share, and Save are still available, but they now appear with a refreshed look for a more intuitive experience.

Please be encouraged to contact your Subject Librarian for more information and assistance regarding our Ebsco databases.

Mt Albert Student Hub building hours change for mid year break

The Te Puna / Mt Albert Student Hub building hours have changed for mid year break

During the break from 30 June to 20 July we will close the building at 6pm each night

Access to study spaces during the Easter Week & Anzac Day.

During Easter Week and Anzac Day, study spaces opening hours may vary.  Please check below.

Day	Te Puna Library	Waitakere Library	Waitakere Rangimarie
Good Friday 18 April	Closed	Closed	Closed
Easter Saturday 19 April	7am - 6pm	10am - 2pm	8am - 4pm
Easter Sunday 20 April	7am - 6pm	Closed	Closed
Easter Monday 21 April	Closed	Closed	Closed
Easter Tuesday 22 April	7am - 6pm	Closed	Closed
Wednesday 23 April	7am - 9pm	8am - 5pm	6:30am - 9pm
Thursday 24 April	7am - 9pm	8am - 5pm	6:30am - 9pm
Friday (Anzac Day) 25 April	Closed	Closed	Closed
Saturday 26 April	7am - 6pm	10am - 2pm	8am - 4pm
Sunday 27 April	7am - 6pm	Closed	Closed

 For full information link to the Library Hours

Have a wonderful holiday break!

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😊