Many online journals, databases and other websites can tell you when there is new information in your field by emailling you. And if you want to join in  academic discussions, online debates and discussions, you'll also need an email address.

If you'd like to access your email from the resource centre computers or an internet cafe, you should use a web-based email service to set up an email account.

Examples are  Hotmail or Yahoo. Google also offers a long list of providers http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Internet/E-mail/Web-Based/

Full instructions on how to set up an email address are given on each of the services' websites.

When you have set up an email address, it's also a good idea to to set up filters to prevent your email account filling up with unwanted email.