Learning Resources Centre

Our brand new Learning Resources Centre (LRC) opened in April 2010 and has everything you need to help you with your studies. The new LRC is located over three floors and offers excellent environments for all types of learning needs and study styles including group work, quiet study, silent study and a separate Higher Education [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.] (HE [HND, Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree - i.e. university level qualifications at Level 4 and higher.]) study area. You can book a computer or just drop in to search the internet, use online resources, or complete your assignments.

You will find books, DVDs, CDs, trade journals, specialist magazines, newspapers, reference items, university prospectuses and a large collection of E-Resources including curriculum-relevant databases with well over 3000 eBooks, many of which are course text books. This virtual library can be accessed both on and off campus at all times. There are also iMacs with 24 inch screens available. These have a range of specialist software installed, including software relevant to all aspects of design and music technology.
Our friendly staff will help you find all the information you need and each curriculum area has a subject librarian to help you develop your research skills. There are IT advisers in each IT drop-in area to provide support and guidance in the use of a variety of software and hardware. Further support is available from our specialist Learning Resources Centre staff at the help desk points located on each floor.

Students can use our self-issue desk to take out and return books and resources without queuing at the Help Desk. In addition, there is an online renewal service available so you can renew your loans when you are off campus. Other facilities include photocopying, printing, binding and laminating and a shop where you can buy a whole array of items such as USBs, text books, stationery and art materials. Text books can also be bought on request and are normally available within a 48 hour period.

Specialist software is available on all PCs in the Learning Resources Centre giving access to a variety of assistive software including Read and Write GOLD, which offers users additional support when reading and composing text. This is particularly useful for students with dyslexia, where whole screen tinting is just one of the many options available.

Flexible Learning Centre

The brand new Flexible Learning Centre has 60 PCs and offers a student-centred approach to learning via online resources and paper-based activities. During the day the FLC is timetabled for functional skills classes to support your studies and there is a variety of relevant functional skills course material available via Moodle (our Virtual Learning Environment). The FLC is available for drop-in sessions from 8.30–9am, Monday-Friday and from 5–7.45pm, Tuesday to Thursday.