Library support for distance learning and commuting students
Most of the University Library's resources, whether electronic or paper based, are available to students studying at a distance from the University. The sections below give details on how to access these resources.
The most important thing to bear in mind is that we are here to help, so if you have problems with any of our resources or in finding the information you need, please contact us. At the bottom of this web page are links to the Academic Liaison Team and we are more than happy to offer support, either by phone or email or in person in the Library.
Finding information
If you are looking for a specific book or journal the best way to find it is to look up SAULCAT, the Library's online catalogue. When searching for journal articles you will have to search under the name of the journal and if we have it available electronically then click on the link in the catalogue record to connect to it. Make sure that you check that we have access to the year that you are looking for.
Seeker (search multiple databases) is our new search service. It allows you to do a single search across most of the Library's online databases, as well as SAULCAT.
Our Subject guides provide detailed, subject-specific information on available resources and support.
Off-campus access to electronic resources
To access electronic resources from off campus, use your university username and password. Depending on the individual database you will see the access route referred to as 'UK federation WAYF'/ 'Institutional login'/ 'Login via your home institution'/ 'Shibboleth' login. Select 'University of St Andrews' and enter your university username and password when prompted to do so.
For more information and examples please see our Remote Access Subject Guide.
Further information and assistance
A few databases may require onsite registration or a separate username and password. If you need further assistance please contact your Academic Liaison Librarian.
Book delivery service
Library staff can post books out to distance learning or commuting students. You should provide details of the titles you require (including class / shelf mark, author, title and year) by email, library@st-andrews.ac.uk. There is a small charge but this covers the cost of registered mail and insurance. You are then able to renew materials online, and if an item is recalled by another user we will let you know by email.
Photocopying
Where a journal article or book chapter is not available electronically we can provide a photocopying service. To request this please complete the Photocopy request form (PDF, 22 KB) and return it to us with a cheque for £5.95. This should be made payable to 'University of St Andrews'.
Interlibrary loans
When a journal article or book chapter is not available from our Library, distance learners are entitled to receive scanned articles and chapters through the British Library's Delivery Service. These will be sent directly to you via your University email account.
Requests should be made via the InterLibrary Loans Online Document Request pages.
The service is free to postgraduates but undergraduate students pay a nominal fee of £1.
The Library uses email as the main way of communicating with students and we will only use University email accounts so it is important that you check these regularly to keep up to date with our services.
Enquiry Services
We are happy to deal with enquiries from any Distance Learning or Commuting student on any aspect of our services.
Academic Liaison (for subject specific enquiries and support):
Academic Liaison Librarian: Vicki Cormie 01334 462314 vhc1@st-andrews.ac.uk
Academic Liaison Librarian: Hilda McNae 01334 462298 hmm9@st-andrews.ac.uk
Academic Liaison Officer: Colin Bovaird 01334 462306 cab@st-andrews.ac.uk
Academic Liaison Officer (Communications and Marketing): Elizabeth Andrews 01334 462323 ea29@st-andrews.ac.uk
