Sarah Gillman - Guide to the facilities

The Learning Resource Centre

Hi! My name is Sarah, and I'm a first-year Early Childhood Education student at Herts.

One of the places where you can get some studying done is the Learning Resource Centre (which is really just a fancy name for a library!). It can be overwhelming going into the library as a prospective/new student, so I thought I'd explain how it works.

Entering the Library:
First, scan your student ID card to enter through the library gates. You can either use your physical ID card, or a virtual one on your phone.

Once you are in the library, there are many different things to do:

Finding a Book:
As I did, you may be wondering how on earth to find a particular book in the library when there are so many books! Luckily, the library team have created a system in order to locate your book easily, which you can find instructions for below. If you want more assistance or information about this feel free to reach out, and I'll do my best to help you.

Borrowing a book:
You may have a book that you have found or that your lecturers have asked you to read. The library has a wide range of books from various subject areas, so you will likely be able to borrow them from the LRC!

There are a few machines near the entrances which you can use to do this. You simply scan your physical ID card, then place your chosen book in the machine, and wait for it to register on the screen. After that, just press done! The whole process is super quick and easy.

You may be wondering how long you can check books out for- well, I'm happy to inform you that you can loan books for 2 weeks, and then every 2 weeks after that, it will auto-renew 10 times. This means you don't need to worry about rushing through a book or returning it to the uni for a while unless someone else attempts to reserve the same book.

You can also log in to 'Studynet' online using your student credentials, and choose a book to reserve virtually. To collect this, just head to the bookshelf on the right-hand side of the library near the entrance, and the book should be there with your name. Just remember to use the borrowing machine to ensure it is checked out. :)

Laptop Loan Service:
The uni recognises that we don't all have access to technology in order to complete assignments and other university-related work. This means that they have provided laptops which can be borrowed for short periods of time. Simply enter the library and look to your left- you should see a set of laptop lockers with a touch screen.

Next, select how long you are looking to borrow the laptop for: either 4 hours, or 12 hours.

After that, place your physical ID card over the reader. The date and time that the laptop needs to be returned by will then display on the screen- try to take note of this or take a picture on your phone!

The locker that you have been given will then flash, the door will open and you can take the laptop.

It's as easy as that! Just make sure you return the laptop in time, or your library account will be temporarily restricted, or more serious action will be taken.

Printers:
To use these machines, you need to have credit in your printing account. To start with, the uni kindly automatically adds £5 worth of credit on your account to help you get started. After that, you are able to top it up yourself.

Just print on any computer in the LRC or using your own device, and pick the item up within 72 hours.

Group Study Rooms:
I have personally found these rooms super helpful- both for group work and just study sessions with a group of friends.

Most of the study rooms include a whiteboard, as well as a working PC with a projector, which could be really helpful for collaborative work, or just as an extra computer if someone needs it.

There is an online system which you use to book a study room. You can book up to 5 hours a week, and you will need to specify how many people will be using the room together, as well as the time so that the system doesn't double book people.

Education area:
Finally, for me personally, there is an exciting part of the learning resource centre- the education area! This is a small part of the library on the first floor which is designed for those taking childcare courses. The area is filled with a variety of books for young children which you can borrow in the same way as other books.

Those going to childcare placement settings can check out these books to read to the children- it will certainly make a change to the usual books they have available in their classrooms/nurseries!

Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you found out some useful information about the Learning Resource Centre! If you have any questions or want to find out more information please feel free to reach out to me.