What support does DMU Library offer for different users such as new, international, off-campus, or research students?

Updated

DMU Library's home page at library.dmu.ac.uk organises its support around an "I am ..." menu, so you pick your own category and see the help aimed at you. The categories listed are: DMU London Student, DMU Staff Member, Dubai Student, Former DMU Student, International Student, New Student, Partner Student, Student studying off campus, Researcher, and Visitor. Each group gets a tailored entry point rather than one generic library page, and the same site also exposes shared services — JustAsk!, LibChat, FAQs, subject guides, and assistive technology — that any of these users can fall back on.

The "I am ..." audience categories

The page presents these as a single list of identities you can select:

  • DMU London Student
  • DMU Staff Member
  • Dubai Student
  • Former DMU Student
  • International Student
  • New Student
  • Partner Student
  • Student studying off campus
  • Researcher
  • Visitor

If you are new, international, studying off campus, or a researcher, there is a dedicated route for you rather than a single "students" bucket. Staff, alumni (former students), partner students, and visitors are separated out too, which matters because their borrowing, access, and login conditions differ.

What the support covers

Across the site, the recurring support areas are grouped as:

  • Using the Library — opening hours, study spaces, booking a study room, leisure reading, special collections and archives, and the DMU Museum.
  • Resources — the Library Catalogue, Database A-Z, E-Publication Finder, Resource Lists, and LibKey Nomad.
  • Skills & Assignments — workshops, drop-ins, appointments, Studiosity, referencing, academic practice, writing tutoring, and mentoring/learning communities.
  • IT and access — IT, email, printing, WiFi, digital skills, and assistive technology.
  • Subject Guides — discipline-specific guidance, plus a guide on using generative AI.

The page also carries current notices, including changes coming to Library Search and EBSCO databases, library roof works, assessment-confidence workshops, and an AI Studiosity service described as "feedback in minutes."

Getting help: JustAsk!, LibChat, and FAQs

Three named help channels appear on the home page:

  • JustAsk! & FAQs — a combined help and frequently-asked-questions entry point.
  • LibChat — a chat option in the top navigation.
  • Contact details — Kimberlin Library, De Montfort University, The Gateway, Leicester LE1 9BH; 0116 257 7042; [email protected].

For a quick factual question, the FAQs are the fastest route. For something specific to your situation, LibChat or JustAsk! lets you ask a person. The phone number and email are there if you prefer direct contact.

Accessibility and disability support

Two relevant options are listed under Support Resources:

  • Assistive Technology — tools and support for accessible study.
  • Library Disability Services — dedicated disability support within the library.

The site also links an Accessibility Statement in its footer, so you can check the library's own accessibility commitments alongside the services.

How to choose your route

If you are... Start with
New Student The New Student category, then Using the Library and Skills & Assignments
International Student The International Student category, plus IT/access and support resources
Student studying off campus The off-campus category, plus online resources and LibChat
Researcher The Researcher category, plus Subject Guides and Special Collections & Archives
Visitor The Visitor category and Visitor Information

If your category is not obvious, the shared services — JustAsk!, LibChat, FAQs, and the subject guides — work regardless of which "I am ..." option fits you.