Finding computer information
Computing Literature Collection
Computing books and magazines are all in one place.
Look for the Computing Literature Collection on the 1st floor of Central library, where most computer books are already shelved (north-west Victoria and Harris Street corner.) Computing books and magazines from throughout the library have been brought together to make it easier for you to find what you're after.
Computer books
You can browse the shelves at the following numbers to see which books are in, or look up a specific subject or title on the catalogue to see what we hold.
Tips: Check the 'Returned Today' shelves for books that have just come back - the most popular and current computer books are often taken out again right after they are returned! Remember to look in the large book shelves for items taller than 28 cm: these are shelved near the regular size 001 books.
The main 'dewey' numbers in the computer collection are:
| Computer Engineering (eg fixing hardware) | 621.3916 |
| Design applications (eg Photoshop) | 006.686 |
| Desktop Publishing (eg PageMaker) | 686.225 |
| Internet | 004.6 |
| Introduction to computers | 004 |
| Operating Systems (eg Windows, Linux) | 005.4469 |
| Programming languages (eg Visual Basic, Java) | 005.13 |
| Software packages (eg Office, Excel and Outlook) | 005.369 |
| Web pages and databases | 005.7 |
| Word Processing (eg Word) | 652.5 |
Some computer-related topics are shelved in the general section, including:
| Digital Photography | 778.3 |
| Management Information Systems | 658.4038 |
| Movie Making Software (eg Adobe Premiere) | 778.5992 |
Online resources
- Mygateway: for the latest computing magazines, check out Ebsco. Full text titles include Computerworld, Macworld, PC Magazine, PC World, Dr. Dobb's Journal, Computer Graphics World and Computer Gaming World. You can access our online databases on the free Internet PCs or from home
- MyLibrary: for monthly updates on the newest computing books in our collection, visit MyLibrary. You can personalise our website with MyLibrary.
Computer magazines
Computing magazines are kept with the computer collection in the North corner on the first floor and are shelved alphabetically.
The very latest issues of magazines are reference only.
Titles include: 'New Zealand PC World', 'PC Plus', 'Computer Arts' and 'Wired'. Here's a complete list of titles.
Note that:
- Gaming magazines are held with the computer magazines, and in the Young Adult section, Ground floor.
- Some technology and gadget magazines like 'Tone' cover computing - these can be found in the Electronics magazine section.
- Digital photography magazines such as 'Digital Photography Made Easy' are held on the South side of the elevators on the first floor, with the photography and film magazines.
- Remember to check out Ebsco for online copies of the latest issues of computing magazines.
What is the best resource for me?
Beginners:
- The Dummies, Complete Idiot's and Visual Quickstart books are great for beginners.
- Magazines like New Zealand PC World, Netguide and Consumer will introduce you to the best websites and products.
Advanced:
- The Sams and O'Reilly 'In a nutshell' books are suited to more advanced users.
- Use Mygateway to read the latest issues of your favourite magazines online, or to set up email alerts to advise you when articles on subjects you are interested in arrive.
- Magazines like Wired are fun for gadgets and controversial issues.
Current information:
Selections from our new computing books are listed every month in MyLibrary. Books can become out-of-date quickly, so we recommend magazines and Mygateway if you are after current information.
New Zealand information:
- Magazines: New Zealand PC World, Netguide, Computerworld NZ
- Newspapers: check out Infotech Weekly, part of the Dominion Post every Monday
- The Mygateway database ProQuest ANZ Newsstand allows you to search and read full-text articles from leading New Zealand newspapers such as The Dominion Post.
Business information:
The Business Toolbox provides comprehensive links to many of the best business resources on the Internet.
Software
The library does not lend out software, but many computing books and magazines come with cd-roms which include samples of programmes, tutorials and freeware. To check whether a book was published with a disc, check the catalogue record and it will say 'CD-ROM' in the book information.
If you want the latest versions of web browsers like Internet Explorer or Firefox, look for recent copies of 'New Zealand PC World'. Many other magazines, including 'PC Plus', 'Computer Arts', '.Net' and 'Australian PC Authority', come with CD-ROMs. Unfortunately discs often go missing so there is no guarantee that the book or magazine you want still has its CD-ROM.
