Library and IT Information for new students - 2011

Getting Started

During registration you were asked to create a password which, along with your username, will give you access to a range of tools.

Now you should:

• Log in to MyBristol, your personalised web portal to University applications
• Start using your email account
• Visit the branch library appropriate to your subject area to familiarise yourself with the layout and facilities, and find out your PIN (also available under the Library tab in the University portal, MyBristol)
• Attend any library induction sessions offered.
• If living in university accommodation, apply for ResNet Internet access.

Where can I ask for help?

IT Service Desk: email service-desk@bristol.ac.uk, by telephone (0117) 928 7870, (internal 87870), Mon-Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm, or in person on the first floor of the Computer Centre, Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm.  You can also log incident online using the self-service tool.

Library enquiries: email library-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk, telephone (0117) 928 8000, internal (88000), or ask at the Issue Desk in your library.

IT Services

Your email and computer account

An account will be set up for you before you arrive. When you have completed online registration in late September (see your Registration Guide for details), you will be able to print out a Certificate of Registration which contains information about your computer account.

Many University communications will be sent to your University email address and you will need to check your mail regularly (daily in term time). You can access your email over the internet from anywhere, on or off campus, via the portal MyBristol. To find out about using other email software or changing your email address visit the email webpages.

To access services you log on with your username and password. Please note that your username is not the same as your email address. For more info about your username and password, see IT facilities for new students arriving in Bristol or the Certificate of Registration you printed during online registration.

MyBristol, the University portal

Once at Bristol, MyBristol will be your single point of access for information, services and resources, including:

• University remote desktop
• Blackboard, the University online learning environment
• your timetable
• your recent email
• course details and tutor announcements
• library services and your library account and pin number
• your personal details
• exam information
• and much more...

You can view the video about MyBristol on YouTube.

Internet access using ResNet

You can access the internet from your study bedroom using ResNet. Several ResNet packages are available. When you have completed online registration in late September (see your Registration Guide for details) please pay online for your ResNet package.

ResNet Wireless is available in some residences. It provides wireless Internet in study bedrooms and kitchens, in addition to the wired ResNet sockets in bedrooms.  Wireless ResNet is included free of charge with your ResNet subscription.  ResNet Wireless is currently available in about 70% of residences, and coverage is extended each year.

Further information will be sent with your offer of University accommodation, or see ResNet information for new students .

Wireless access and eduroam

There are hundreds of wireless hotspots throughout the university. If you have a wireless laptop or other device, you will be able to use the eduroam service to connect to the network. Refer to the wireless web pages for details of how to configure your computer.

Where can I find a University computer I can use and how do I log in?

There are Windows computers in the Computer Centre on Tyndall Avenue (open 24 hours), in all libraries and in computer rooms in academic departments and halls of residence. You will be prompted to enter your UoB username and your password on the screen of campus computers. More information on University computers.

Printing and photocopying

Almost all public printers in branch libraries, the Computer Centre and a number of other departmental locations use our Printer Accounting Server system (PAS) which takes credit from a printing account associated with your UoB account. The same printer credit can also be used on most Canon photocopiers which are now available in branch libraries. Further details can be found on the photocopying page. Colour printing is available in almost all branch libraries and the Computer Centre. This is in addition to colour printing offered in departments. You can also photocopy in colour in the following libraries: Arts and Social Sciences, Medical, Wills, Chemistry, Graduate School of Education and Veterinary Science at Langford.

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is an online learning environment. Course notes and assignment details may be stored on Blackboard – your tutor will tell you if this is the case. You can access Blackboard direct or through MyBristol.

How can I access online resources away from the University campus?

For general advice please see the information on the Library’s external resources web page and the home computer users web area. The simplest way to access your University resources is to use the Student Remote Desktop via MyBristol.

What IT training is available to me?

Please see the training and learning web area for details of documentation and training courses. Details of other training opportunities are available from the Student Skills web pages.

Library Services

What is a Library PIN?

Your 4-digit Library PIN is used whenever you access your library account, to renew and reserve items and to view your Library account details, via the web-based Library Catalogue, or via MyBristol. Your Library PIN can be obtained from any University library Issue Desk, on production of your University card, or via MyBristol.

Who is my librarian?

Contact details for your subject librarian can be found on the subject pages. Your librarian can help you develop the skills to find and use relevant and reliable information sources for your assignments. Please attend any library induction organised for your subject and also any additional information literacy sessions.

Using the University libraries

You are allowed to access all 10 branch libraries. It is common for students to use their local branch library and also the Arts and Social Sciences Library late in the evenings (open until midnight) and on weekends.

Electronic library resources

The Library purchases and subscribes to thousands of electronic journals, electronic books, and research databases. The Quick search box on the Library homepage provides easy access to our search tools and catalogues; more information is also available in the eResources area and throughout the Library website. These resources are protected from public internet access but are available to UoB students both on and off campus. In some cases you might need to login with your UoB username and password to access them, particularly when you are working off-campus.

More information

The University portal MyBristol provides access to a host of information, as does the Library website. There is also an IT information for students web page.

You may refer to the general regulations for the library services and facilities and regulations for the use of computing facilities in your student handbook, or online on the University Secretary's website.

Information on protecting yourself online can be found on our Information Security site.