The LRC is the home of the Library and e-Learning Centre. It is located in the main building of the college and provides resources to support all courses. It has a generous provision of study spaces and computers to support students with all their learning needs. The LRC is spacious, modern and well-equipped, providing a great variety of spaces to study either individually or as part of a class.
Opening times
The LRC is open throughout the year. During term time it is open until 8.30pm on four evenings and also opens on Saturday mornings. When the library is closed students can access the catalogue and networked resources remotely.
Our opening times have just changed:
Term Time
Monday - Thursday - 8.30 am - 8.30 pm
Friday - 8.30 am - 4.30 pm
Saturday - 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Half Term
Monday - Thursday - 8.30 am - 7.00 pm
Friday - 8.30 am - 4.30 pm
Saturday - Closed
Vacation Time
Monday - Thursday - 8.30 am - 5.00 pm
Friday - 8.30 am - 4.30 pm
Saturday - Closed
Access to the LRC and Accessibility
The LRC has its main entrance on the ground floor of the main building. There are two lifts and stairs that provide access to the first floor resources. The LRC has a range of materials to support students who are hearing, sight or mobility impaired.
Finding and Using Resources
All new students receive an LRC Induction to introduce them to the Library and e-Learning Centre. This consists of a brief presentation and then a tour to locate the key resources available for their studies. Extra guidance on the use of resources is available on request.
Books & e-Books
The Library has a large collection consisting of over 60,000 books. Over the past few years it has started to build up its e-book provision and now offers more than 3000 ebooks.
Journals
The Library currently subscribes to 200 print journals and magazines. New subscriptions are arranged in consultation with academic staff. The majority of our journals are also available online.
Inter Library Loans Service
Our collection of print and online resources is supplemented by a well-run Inter library Loans service. If a student requires a book or article that is not available in the Library they can make a request using our online form. The Inter Library Loan service is free, open to all students and does not require prior approval from lecturers.
Online Resources
Students are able to use our online resources and e-books off-site with an Athens account. This facility is particularly popular with our distance and part-time students.
Reference Material
Dissertations, study guides and other materials are also available for students to use and refer to. This material is now available electronically through our Heritage Library Catalogue, making it more convenient to use.
DVDs & Streamed Materials
The Library has a small collection of DVDs that are available for students to borrow and a selection of video material can be streamed directly to screen across the network.
Student Library Accounts and Biometrics
Every student has their own library account which they can use to extend their loans and place reservations on the books they need. The Library uses finger print scanning (biometrics) instead of library cards as this is more convenient for students. They can use the Library at any time without having to remember to bring their Library card to college.
Computing Resources
There are over 200 networked computers in the LRC which provide access to the latest information about the college, links to course information and web-based resources. The college is currently operating Windows 7 with Office 2010, to enable students to prepare and present their work.
All students have a free print allowance equivalent to £6.00 per term which covers their print and copy costs. There are combined printer/copiers can be found throughout the LRC which can be used to print, copy or scan.
Help & Support for Learning
The LRC has very experienced staff who are always on hand to provide immediate help and support to students. Students can book one-to-one sessions and computer workshops to get detailed help on topics of their choice. This could be anything from presenting work to using e-books. The Coaching & Learner Zone can also be found upstairs in the LRC where Personal Learning Coaches can help with managing study commitments. A range of stationery and media can be purchased from the eLC helpdesk.
Careers Materials & ASC
The Library also holds careers guides and information on job applications, preparing CVs and interview technique. A more comprehensive collection is available in the Advice, Support, Careers service (ASC) which provides a formal careers service with trained advisors.