Learning Resources Centre

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

You'll 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 textbooks. 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 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. In addition, there is an online renewal service available so you can renew your loans when you are off campus. Photocopying, printing, binding and laminating are available plus a shop where you can buy USBs, textbooks, stationery and art materials. Textbooks can also be bought on request and are normally available within 48 hours.

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.

iLearn Centre

The iLearn Centre has 60 PCs and offers a student-centred approach to learning via online resources and paper-based activities. During the day the iLearn Centre is timetabled for functional skills classes, but it's available for drop-in sessions 8.30-9am Monday-Friday, and 5-7.45pm Tuesday-Thursday.