Barrington Library

The Barrington Library supports the Defence Academy’s mission to be a centre of excellence for teaching, research, consultancy and advice on defence-related management and technology subjects. We support all students and staff members by providing books, journals and online content which is dynamically evolving to meet changing needs.

Resources

We provide the information that you need in the most effective and appropriate way. We hold core collections of books, journals and reports, but we recognise that your research needs cannot be met just by items available in the Library, so we also provide a comprehensive range of subject databases, full-text electronic journals, and an effective interlibrary loan service. These can be accessed via the Barrington Digital Library, the Library Catalogue and the Library Reports Section Catalogue. We also provide services and information on relevant topics which is difficult or impossible to acquire elsewhere, such as subject specific portals and information gateways. To access our resources you will need a library card (available from the Library Services Desk) and, for access to our electronic resources from home, the relevant passwords (issued during your library induction).

The Barrington Digital Library

The Barrington Digital Library provides access from your desktop to the defence, management, technology and general collections and services of the Barrington Library. Through the Barrington Digital Library you can reach over 17,000 online journals and 9,000 e-books, obtain details of the 156,600 books and 40,000 research and technical reports which the Library holds in physical form, and request services of all kinds. You can access the Digital Library at any time from anywhere at http://diglib.shrivenham.cranfield.ac.uk/

Services

Our staff deliver subject support and a reference and enquiry service for the full range of subjects taught and researched at DA-CMT. Most of our electronic resources are accessible and searchable online from wherever you are. The Barrington Library also provides a number of current awareness services to help keep you up-to-date in your academic discipline, as well as our newsletter ‘Inside Knowledge’ which keeps you informed of the latest library developments and services.

Training

Regular training sessions are held in the Library suitable for staff and students alike. Topics range from accessing our resources from home to citation and study skills, and everything in-between. Details of forthcoming sessions, along with a booking form can be accessed via the Barrington Digital Library.

Facilities

Study rooms

There are three rooms available for group work within the Library. Please contact the Library Service Desk if you wish to make a booking.

Off-air recording

The Library maintains a video and DVD collection of relevant programmes. As well as purchasing commercial recordings the Library records and stores terrestrial television programmes for educational use. Users may ask the Library to record radio or television programmes on their behalf if they are needed for study, research or teaching (subject to licence restrictions).

Computing and IT

Networked computers are available in the Library. You will need a logon ID from the Computer Centre in order to access networked services, which include the Library catalogue and subject databases, applications software, and the internet. A scanner is also available for you to use on the first floor. A networked printer is conveniently located on both floors.

Refreshments

A range of sandwiches, crisps and chocolate are available to purchase in the Library as well as hot and cold drinks. These are situated in the informal seating area near the Library Service Desk.

Photocopying

The Library offers a black and white photocopying facility, which operates via a card system. Cards are available from the Library Service Desk and photocopies are £0.04 each per side of A4.

General guidelines for the Library services and facilities are available on the Barrington Digital Library.