BBC LEARNING ENGLISH
English at University
8: The Library
LANGUAGE FOCUS: Learn phrases about asking for help finding a book Plus learn
phrases about people who love books, and reading
Narrator
Hello and welcome to English at University - the series that teaches some English phrases to
help you through your first year of study abroad
New student Mary is settling into university life but still hasn't visited the most important
place you'll need to go to, to help you with your studies It's a great place for a bookworm
like Mary – it's the library
?So Mary, have you got your library card with you
Mary
Yes, I've got it thanks
Narrator
?And your reading list – the list of books you need to read for this year's course
Mary
I've got it here… I just need to find the books now Ah, here I am now – The Library
Sharon
Next…
Mary
?Sharon! Do you work here as well
Sharon
Yes, we tend to double up round here It's the funding cuts – the university's not got that
?much money – anyway dear, I suppose you're looking for some books
Mary
?Yes, that's right Where can I find books about business please
Sharon
Down there, turn left, then right, then to the end… under 'B'… B for biology…
Mary
and 'Business' Thanks
Oh no… oh dear… none of the books I need are here!
Narrator
Oh dear Mary A bibliophile like you – someone who loves reading - needs to get to the
library early if you want to get the books you need - but don't worry, I'm sure you can
reserve them
Mary
?Reserve them? But what do I say
Narrator
Go and ask Sharon to check if she has your books in stock – and if not ask if she can
reserve them for you – and see if she can put them by for you… that means keep them for
a period of time until you can collect them…
Mary
OK, I'll do just that Thanks
Sharon
?Next! Oh it's you again… any luck
Mary
No, I'm afraid not I can't find anything Please could you check if you have any of these in
stock
Sharon
No… no… no Sorry, no It looks like a DANIEL SMYTHE has them all out at the moment
Mary
?Oh dear Well, perhaps you could reserve them for me please
Sharon
Of course dear
Mary
?OK So could you put them by for me when they come in please
Sharon
Certainly dear We'll send you an email when they're back in
Mary
?…and when do you think they will be available
Sharon
Let's have a look… three weeks' time
Mary
Three weeks? That's too late! I need them for my studies
Narrator
Don't panic Mary, I'm sure we'll find a solution But well done for trying to get hold of those
important course text books You've managed to ask for help and at least reserve the
books you need, using these useful phrases…
?Please could you check if you have any of these books in stock
?Could reserve them for me please
?Could you put them by for me when they come in please
?When do you think they will be available
You can practise these phrases, pick up a few more plus learn some top tips about studying
in the UK on our website at bbclearningenglishcom Now, Mary's back in her room Before
she can hit the books – I mean study hard - she needs to get hold of some text books for
?the next lecture so what's she going to do
Abi
?Oh hi Mary Something on your mind
Mary
Yes, all the text books I need have been taken out of the library
Abi
Oh never mind, there's never time to read those boring books anyway… but hold on… I
think I did buy some of them when I was in the first year… let's have a look… there, how
about this one?
Mary
'Mind Your Own Business'! – yes, that's one of them – it looks almost new Thanks Abi!
Abi
Don't mention it I don't think I ever read it You can keep it Now come on, it's time to eat
