UoA Library: A Practical Guide to Te Tumu Herenga at the University of Auckland

The UoA Library is more than book stacks and quiet rooms. It’s Te Tumu Herenga — the University of Auckland’s network of libraries, study spaces, digital collections, and expert support that helps you learn, teach, and research with confidence. This guide explains what the UoA Library is, how it works, the types of libraries and services you can use, and smart ways to choose the right option for your needs. If you’re studying, researching, or simply curious in Aotearoa New Zealand, here’s how to make the most of it.

What is

The UoA Library (University of Auckland Library), also known as Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services, is the University’s system of physical libraries and online services. It supports students, staff, and researchers with:

• Extensive print and digital collections: books, journals, databases, eBooks, streaming media, theses, and special collections.
• Discovery tools and guides: Library Search | Kōra, subject guides, and course readings.
• Study spaces: quiet zones, collaborative rooms, computer workstations, and designated postgraduate areas in selected locations.
• Expert help: subject librarians, research consultations, referencing support, and workshops on study and digital skills.
• Research services: research data guidance, open access advice, interlibrary loans, and institutional repository access.

Most services are for current University of Auckland students and staff. Alumni and members of the public may access selected services or join as community borrowers, with some limits on e-resources due to licensing.

How it works

The UoA Library blends on-campus access with a strong online experience. Here’s the basic flow:

• Search: Use Library Search | Kōra to find books, articles, and media across print and digital collections.
• Sign in: Log in with your University credentials to view full results, place requests, and manage your account.
• Borrow or request: Pick up items from the shelves, request from another campus library, or use scan-and-deliver options where available.
• Online access: Most databases, journals, and eBooks are available off campus via secure sign-in (EZproxy/SSO).
• Study and services: Book study rooms, attend workshops, and meet a librarian online or in person for tailored support.

Step-by-step: Get started with the UoA Library

1. Go to the UoA Library website and open Library Search | Kōra.
2. Sign in with your University login for full access and request features.
3. Search by keywords, author, or title; use filters (availability, date, peer-reviewed) to refine.
4. Open online items directly or note the call number for print books.
5. Place a request for pickup if the item is at another branch or currently on loan.
6. Borrow using your Campus Card at self-check machines or service points.
7. Manage loans and renewals in your library account; set up alerts for new items.
8. Chat with a librarian or book a consult if you need help with searching, databases, or referencing.

Types / examples

Major branch libraries

• General Library (City Campus): The largest library, covering a wide range of disciplines, plus Special Collections and archival material.
• Davis Law Library: Specialist law collections, legal databases, and study spaces tailored for law students and researchers.
• Philson Library (Grafton Campus): Medicine and health sciences collections, including clinical and evidence-based resources.
• Sylvia Ashton-Warner Library: Resources supporting education and social work, with curriculum materials and teaching-focused collections.

Specialist collections and services

• Special Collections: Rare books, archives, manuscripts, and the University’s heritage material.
• Māori and Pacific resources: Collections and support to engage with mātauranga Māori and Pacific scholarship.
• Research support: Interlibrary loans, open access guidance, citation management help (e.g., EndNote), and research data planning.
• Course readings: Digitised or print readings linked to your courses and accessible via the reading list platform and Canvas.

Digital platforms you’ll use

• Library Search | Kōra: The main discovery tool for print and online resources.
• Databases A–Z: Subject-specific collections of journals, standards, cases, statistics, and media.
• ResearchSpace: The University’s institutional repository for theses and research outputs.

At-a-glance comparison of key UoA Library branches

Pros and cons

Benefits of using the UoA Library

• Depth and breadth: Strong print and digital collections across all major disciplines.
• Anytime access: Most e-resources are available off campus with your University login.
• Expert guidance: Subject librarians help you navigate complex databases and improve your search strategy.
• Study-ready spaces: Options for silent study, group collaboration, and postgraduate research.
• Research support: Interlibrary loans, open access advice, and data management guidance save time and reduce risk.

Potential drawbacks

• Licensing limits: Most e-resources are restricted to current students and staff; public access is limited.
• Peak-time pressure: Study spaces and high-demand items can book out quickly around exams and assignment deadlines.
• Learning curve: Advanced databases and legal/clinical resources can be tricky without guidance.
• Branch differences: Not every service is available in every location; some collections are campus-specific.

How to use or choose

Pick the right branch or platform

• If you need a broad range of sources or Special Collections, start at the General Library.
• For legal research, use the Davis Law Library and its legal databases and reference help.
• For clinical and health topics, head to Philson Library and evidence-based tools.
• For teaching practice or education methods, use Sylvia Ashton-Warner Library’s curriculum-focused resources.
• For quick online access to articles and eBooks, begin with Library Search | Kōra and filter to “Available online.”

Search smarter

• Use precise keywords and synonyms; add subject filters to reduce noise.
• Combine terms with AND/OR to broaden or narrow your results.
• Sort by “peer-reviewed” when you need scholarly articles.
• Scan the subject terms in a good article and reuse them in your next search.
• Set up alerts in databases or Kōra to track new publications on your topic.

Make services work for you

• Course readings: Access required material via your course reading list in Canvas or the library site.
• Requests: Place holds for items at other branches, or ask for chapters to be scanned when available under copyright rules.
• Interlibrary loan: When UoA doesn’t hold an item, request an interloan from another library network.
• Workshops: Book sessions on referencing, database searching, and tools like EndNote to save time.
• Ask a librarian: Short chat for quick help, or a longer consult for complex topics or systematic reviews.

Off-campus and flexible study tips

• Always sign in first so Kōra shows full results and your online access options.
• Use your University login to pass through EZproxy to licensed e-resources.
• Download PDFs legally via the library link rather than random websites for reliability and proper versions.
• Bookmark the Databases A–Z page for fast access to subject-specific resources.

FAQ

Who can use the UoA Library?

Current University of Auckland students and staff have full borrowing and e-resource access. Alumni and members of the public may use selected on-site services or join as community borrowers, with limits on licensed e-resources. Check eligibility and membership options on the official library site.

How do I access e-resources off campus?

Use Library Search | Kōra or the Databases A–Z page and sign in with your University credentials. Off-campus access works through secure authentication (EZproxy/SSO). If a link fails, try a different browser or go through the database list again.

Where do I find my course readings?

Course readings are listed in your reading list (linked from Canvas and the library site). Each item shows whether it’s available online or in print, plus the location or direct link.

Can I request books from another UoA campus?

Yes. Use the “request” function in Kōra to choose a pickup location. You’ll get an email when it’s ready. For items not held by UoA, use interlibrary loan.

Does the UoA Library charge overdue fines?

Policies can change. Many libraries now focus on recalls and replacement fees rather than daily fines. Check the current borrowing and charges policy on the library website to avoid surprises.

How do I print, scan, or copy?

Multi-function devices are available in major libraries and information commons spaces. Use your Campus Card and print credit to release jobs, scan to email, or photocopy. Guides on the library site walk you through setup.

Is there 24/7 access?

Some study areas and information commons spaces may offer extended or 24/7 access during teaching periods or exams. Hours vary by location and time of year, so always check the current timetable on the UoA Library website.

What support is there for referencing?

Referencing guides cover styles like APA, Chicago, and others. The library runs workshops and provides one-to-one help. Citation managers such as EndNote are supported with tutorials and consults.

What if I have accessibility needs?

The UoA Library provides accessible study areas, height-adjustable desks in some locations, and support for accessible formats where possible. Contact the library or Student Disability Services for tailored assistance.

Can members of the public use the UoA Library?

Yes, with limits. Walk-in use of physical spaces is generally allowed, and a paid community borrower membership is available. Due to licensing, most e-resources are restricted to current students and staff. Check the membership page for details.

How do I get one-to-one research help?

Find your subject librarian via the library site and book a consultation. You can get help with scoping a topic, building search strategies, using specialist databases, and managing references.

Where can I find University theses?

Most recent University of Auckland theses are available in ResearchSpace. Older theses may be in print; search Kōra for holdings and access options.

Quick tips to get the most from the UoA Library

• Start broad in Kōra, then filter by subject, date, and peer review.
• Use subject guides to find the best databases for your field.
• Save time with interlibrary loans instead of chasing paywalled articles.
• Attend a workshop early in semester — one hour can save many later.
• Set calendar reminders for due dates and recalls to keep items moving.

Bottom line

The UoA Library is a powerful hub for learning and research. With Library Search | Kōra, rich collections, specialist branches like the Davis Law and Philson libraries, and expert staff on hand, you can find credible sources faster and study more effectively. Whether you’re on the City Campus or working off-site across Aotearoa, sign in, search smart, and let Te Tumu Herenga’s services do the heavy lifting.