Our library service is available across three campus sites: St Helens Town Centre, STEM Centre, and Knowsley Stockbridge Lane.
The libraries are at the heart of the College and have been designed to provide safe, welcoming, vibrant, and inspiring learning spaces. They have been refurbished with state-of-the-art technology to help you succeed in your studies.
We recognise that everyone has different learning styles, so we have created dedicated study areas for group and independent research that can be adapted to your needs. Each site also includes an IT drop-in hub, providing access to computing and printing facilities.
Our substantial print collection includes academic journals, books, and a wide range of fiction, Manga, graphic novels, and Wellbeing titles. There is something for everyone. In addition, our 24/7 online library of databases, electronic journals, and ebooks allows you to study on campus, at home, or anywhere in the world at a time that suits you.
Our skilled and supportive staff are here to help, whether you need assistance finding a book, printing a document, or navigating the online library.
Library Membership
All students automatically become a member of Library and Learning Resource Services upon enrolment. Your student ID badge is your library card; keep this safe as you will need it to access the facilities, borrow books and make use of the computers and printers.
If you lose your card, you can pick up a new one from any Library Helpdesk for a replacement charge of £1.50.
Library Loans
Students and staff have access to the collections held within all three of our library sites; if a title is not available on the shelf at your main campus library please speak to a member of the team who will arrange for it to be brought across for you to borrow.
The number of items you can borrow differs according to your level of study. Use the quick guide below to help you:
| User Category | Maximum Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Level 1, 2 & 3 | 15 |
| Access to HE & University Centre St Helens | 20 |
| Staff | 20 |
The majority of items can be borrowed for 28 days. Items that are in demand and may be core reading are available for 7 days. A small number of titles are kept for reference only which will be clearly displayed on the book. These titles can be used within our study areas but must not be taken away.
You can return your items to any library site, through the Helpdesk, or by using the self-service machines (Town Centre and STEM only)
Loan Renewals
If you need extra time for your items, please let us know and we can extend the loan period. You can renew items in person at any Library Helpdesk, over the phone, by email or Teams, online using the Library Catalogue, or via the self-service machines located at Town Centre and STEM.
An item cannot be renewed if a reservation has been placed on it by another patron. We will ask you to return the item if someone else has requested it.
Library Inductions
All students should receive a Library induction within the first few weeks of starting your course. If you have not yet had your induction, please speak to your tutor who will be able to book one for you.
Journals and Magazines
The Library subscribes to a range of subject-specific print journals and popular interest magazines. Journals can be borrowed for 7 days at a time and should be renewed at the Library Helpdesk. You also have 24/7 access to our digital collection of journals and databases through the MyDay Library dashboard.
Computers, Laptops and Printing
Drop-in computers are available at all library sites, enabling access to the internet, Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, Teams and OneDrive, and our own online learning resources. You can also log on to your student email from these devices.
At our Town Centre branch, we offer library-use-only laptop access through a dedicated LapSafe system. You will need your library card to use the LapSafe – the laptops taken from the device must remain in the room. A member of staff will be happy to show you how to use this system.
There are printers within each library that allow you to print, copy and scan your documents. For information about how to use the printers, or to top-up your printer credit, please speak with a member of the Library & Learning Resource Services Team.
Fiction, Manga and Graphic Novels
In support of reading for pleasure, we have a vast selection of popular fiction titles that can be accessed via our Library Catalogue. If the title you would like to read is not available at your main campus library, feel free to request it and we will bring it across for you. We also welcome book requests and recommendations from both staff and students as it is important to us to reflect the varied interests of our diverse College community.
Reading for Wellbeing
In addition to supporting students through their academic journey, we strive to provide a safe and welcoming space for patrons to relax and unwind. We offer an inspirational selection of titles to encourage mindfulness and provide guidance and advice for improving mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. The full collection can be accessed through our MyDay Library dashboard.
As a University Centre St Helens student, you have access to a range of print and online library resources provided by the partner institution your course is affiliated with, in addition to the wealth of resources held by our campus libraries at Town Centre, STEM and Knowsley.
You can access your University Centre St Helens library account, browse reading materials for your course and renew or request items, by visiting our Library Catalogue.
For the very best in academic research, discover thousands of articles, books, journals and much more by searching our all-inclusive EBSCO Discovery Service database.
You also have library support and resources available through your associated University. You can find an overview of the relevant services for each partner University below:
Library and Learning Resource Services provide access to a range of workshops that will equip you with the academic writing and research skills necessary for success on your chosen course.
Workshops are delivered from the campus library sites at St Helens Town Centre, STEM and Knowsley (Stockbridge Lane) and will support students in developing analytical and evaluative techniques, revision methods, critical thinking, editing and proofreading skills.
The following sessions are available throughout the academic year:
Group Sessions
These sessions are usually booked by course tutors and held in the classroom or within the library environment. We currently offer:
1-2-1 Support Sessions
An opportunity for students to request additional support on an individual or small group basis, with a focus on areas such as:
To book a 1-2-1 support session or group workshop, please contact academicskills@sthelens.ac.uk. Alternatively, email our general library enquiry address library@sthelens.ac.uk or call 01744 623256 to speak to a member of the Library & Learning Resource Services Team.
As a current student at the College, you can access information about our library services, including opening hours, our online catalogue, the book of the month, and much more.
Simply visit the dedicated Library & Learning Resource Services section on MyDay by using the button below.
