Library FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Q.	How do I see what new resources the library has added to its collection?
A.	From the Library section of the website, click on the New library items link. Here you can search by subject or for audio visual material that has been added to the library collection in the last 30 days.
Q.	How can I find out what DVDs or audio CDs are held by the library?
A.	There are two ways to find out what audio visual material is held by the library. From the Library section click on the Audio visual material link. The Audio visual material page allows you to search by topic or series. Alternatively, click on the Advanced search link in the Library tools section and select 'Audio visual material' from the resource type multiselect box then run your search.
Q.	How can I find out what articles or papers are in a particular issue of a journal, conference paper or tape?
A.	Citation searches are used to find items in journals, conference papers and audio visual material series. Click on the Advanced search link in the Library tools section and under Citation search, choose the name of the journal, series or enter your own. You can see all items or limit your search to year and month. You are also able to refine citation searches by author, title and subject.
Q.	Can I borrow the CPA Program modules?
A.	The CPA Program modules are for viewing only and cannot be borrowed.
Q.	Can I photocopy the CPA Program modules?
A.	CPA Program modules cannot be photocopied due to copyright restrictions.
Q.	Should I book to use the Internet or other online services?
A.	Bookings are always recommended to save disappointment, especially at lunch times.
Q.	How can I borrow items or use the library if I don't have a library card?
A.	The library no longer produces library cards. Members using the library are asked to show photo ID when in the library. If you have your membership number on-hand this speeds up the process of getting your library record up on our system. CPA Passport students who purchase a CPA Library card online will be issued a card, which can be used when accessing the library. You will also be asked to show photo ID.
Q.	How can I borrow without coming in to the library?
A.	Items requested online can, in most cases, be express posted to members within Australia. Members who live or work within 10 kms of a library branch (Melbourne, Sydney or Perth) will need to pre-arrange for someone to pick up items or arrange for a courier to collect on your behalf, as items are not express posted to you. CPA Passport students who have purchased a library card and reside within 50 kms of a library branch are expected to collect their own items. We ask that all items that cannot be returned in person are returned by express post.
Q.	How can I use the library if I don't know my member number?
A.	Library staff can verify your membership number. You will be asked to show photo ID.
Q.	How can I renew my loans?
A.	Members can renew items online via the Manage your library items section listed under Tools on the Library section. Items can be renewed on or up to the due date of the item and are renewed for a further loan period from the day of renewal. Please have your membership number on-hand if renewing by phone or email, which are two other methods of renewing your items. Items can be renewed so long as there is no current reservation on the item or you have not reached the third renewal.
Q.	How can I get items from a library in a different state?
A.	CPA Australia members in Australia can request items that are available from any branch in Australia. If the item is currently available you will be notified via email to either come in and collect the item when it becomes available in your state, or that the item has been express posted to you.
Q.	How do I find out if the library holds a particular item?
A.	If you know the title then you can do a search from the Search library section using the Title field. If you know the author select Author from the dropdown menu and enter the author's surname and then first name separated by a comma e.g. Smith, John.
Q.	What does HIST and COMP / HIST mean in a call number?
A.	HIST, e.g. A/01/0278 HIST, means that the item is in the historical collection. Due to lack of space in the National library the historical collection items are housed off site and as a consequence are not available for immediate viewing. COMP / HIST means that the item is available in the National Library.
Q.	Can I borrow reference material or items with the status of reference?
A.	Reference material, or items with the status of reference, are not available for loan and can only be viewed by going to a branch of the library or by arrangement to CPA Australia's office in your state. Reference items have the status of Reference and / or can be identified by a D before the Dewey call number e.g. D 338.70094 CO REF.
Q.	Can I borrow journals?
A.	The library does not loan journals. Journals and articles are identified by a Dewey call number e.g. 338.05 BU. Individual articles are identified by their citation information and page number and this information needs to be noted if you come in to photocopy. Alternatively individual articles found via the online database can be requested. These are scanned and emailed in most cases. The minimum charge is $11.00. Items with call numbers that include the acronym PQD should be available via the ProQuest service.
Q.	I am residing outside of Australia, can I borrow items from the library?
A.	The library does not loan material to members residing overseas. However, there are small collections in the overseas branches in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Europe, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Fiji. The material housed in these collections consists of core CPA Australia publications and other material selected to support the CPA Program segments. This material is catalogued and is searchable via the library database. By doing an Advanced search you can limit your search to a specific location.
Q.	Can I buy books from the library?
A.	The library does not sell books. If you are considering the purchase of a book you can borrow our copy or look at it before making your decision. Books and other products can be purchased from the CPA Store.
Q.	How can I find out more on searching the online library database?
A.	There is a Help section link on most library web pages, which describes techniques in improving the library search function. Alternatively contact the library on 1800 73 73 73 for further assistance or to discuss the possibility of a library orientation workshop.
Q.	What is meant by call number?
A.	The call number helps in locating the item you are interested in on the shelves. The library consists of more than one collection, the largest being the general collection. Items in this collection have an alpha-numeric call number, as do items in the historical and CPA Australia collections. The reference and journal collection uses the Dewey system of classification.
	Collection Example	Call number	Available for loan
	General collection	F/11/0105	Yes
	CPA Australia collection	A/01/0958 ASCPA	Yes, some copies are reference
	Historical collection	A/01/0278 HIST	Yes, time delay
	Reference collection	D 338.70094 CO REF	No
	Journal collection	338.05 BU	No
Q.	How many items can I borrow?
A.	Five items can be borrowed at a time.
Q.	How long is the loan period?
A.	Books are a two week loan. Audio visual materials are a one week loan.
Q.	How many renewals can I have?
A.	The renewal period is two weeks, and only one week for audio visual material. The maximum number of renewals is three after which time we ask that items be returned.
Q.	How many reservations can I make?
A.	Members can make five reservations, but reservations expire after six months. Reservations can be made on items which are available for loan including books, DVDs, CDs. Items which are not for loan, including reference items, some conference papers and journals, are not able to be reserved.
Q.	How can I make a reservation online?
A.	Search for the item you want to request, and once found click on the Check availability link in the item details. Click on the Request link next to any of the items listed (it does not matter which State you are in). The request form will be displayed. Make sure your details are correct, including your preferred delivery method and address. Submit the form. In some circumstances, fees may apply to the delivery of items. You will be notified when the material is available to collect or when it has been posted to you. If you have a research request read Ask an information expert. For any other query please contact the CPA Library at cpalibrary@cpaaustralia.com.au

This page is available online at:
http://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/cpa/hs.xsl/721_9144_ENA_HTML.htm

Page last updated: Tuesday, 2 September 2008