Student Support

Library Services

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Our libraries are vibrant, supportive learning spaces.

The libraries are newly refurbished with state of the art technology to help you succeed with your studies. We have a substantial collection of learning resources to support your studies including books, a wealth of magazines and fiction. Our 24/7 library of online databases, journals and ebooks means that you can study at home or anywhere in the world (as well as on campus) at a time to suit you.

Everyone has different study styles and we have group study areas, quiet study spaces and independent study zones in order to meet your needs.

Our skilled and supportive staff can guide and assist you whether you need help finding a book, printing a document or navigating your way through the online library.

Library Membership
All students will be automatically made a member of the Library and will be issued with a card upon enrolment. You will need your library card to use the services, borrow books and access the PCs. If the card is lost, there will be a cost of £1.50 for its replacement.

Library Loans
Students can borrow a maximum of 15 items at any one time (20 items for University Centre St Helens students). The majority of items are loaned for 28 days. However, a limited number are only available for 7 day loans or room use only (these cannot be taken out of the Library).

Renewals and Fines
Items borrowed from the Library can be renewed in the Library, by telephone or online through the Library Catalogue. An item cannot be renewed if a reservation has been placed on it. Fines are charged on all overdue items.

Library Inductions
All students should receive a Library induction. If you have not yet had your induction, please speak to your tutor who will be able to book one for you.

Journals and Newspapers
The Library subscribes to approximately 150 subject-specific print journals and daily newspapers. Back issues can be loaned overnight after a refundable deposit of £2 is paid.

Inter Library Loans
If a book is not in stock within the Library and cannot be purchased, then an Inter Library Loan service is available at a charge of £5 per item.

Fiction and Graphic Novel Collections
The Library also stocks fiction and graphic novels. These include current bestsellers, as well as much-loved classics.

The Uni Hub has been designed to specifically cater to the academic needs of the all degree and professional students studying at at University Centre St Helens.

If you are studying a course at University Centre St Helens that is affiliated with a partner university, then you will also have access to that university’s library resources, as well as those at the University Centre St Helens.

University of Chester Logo

University of Chester

If your course is affilliated with Chester University, then you will have access to their:

  • Chester Campus Libraries, including that at their Warrington Campus
  • Library catalogue
  • Online resources such as eBooks, eDatabases and eJournals
  • Library loans – for collection at Chester University’s Warrington Campus
  • Subject support
  • Information services helpdesk
    Athens access

Please note: University of Chester do not automatically issue student ID/Library cards. Students must email the Chester Library to request a card, providing their full name, home address and course information.

Chester Library Services and Catalogue (log-in required to access)
Help Desk – 01244 511234
lis.helpdesk@chester.ac.uk

Liverpool John Moores University Logo

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)

If your course is affilliated with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), then you will have access to their:

  • LJMU Libraries
  • Library Catalogue
  • Electronic Library – via Discover: eBooks, eDatabases and eJournals
  • Book loans, reservations and renewals
  • Postal loans
  • Service research support
  • Referencing guides
  • Subject specific support
  • Online help centre, including the off campus guide
  • Athens access

Useful Links:

University of Central Lancashire Logo

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

If your course is affilliated with University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), then you will have access to their:

  • Access to UCLan libraries
  • Library catalogue
  • Online library resources – eBooks, eDatabases and eJournals
  • Valnow: book loans, reservations and renewals
  • Journal article photocopies
  • Access to LIS Support Services, including WISER
  • Access to subject-specific resources, including reading lists

Useful Links:

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:

  • General Library Induction This session introduces students to Library and Learning Resource Services and provides crucial information on how to use our libraries, such as loan entitlement, fines, logging onto a computer and accessing IT systems.
  • Introduction to Library Resources Students will be given a demonstration of the range of online and print library resources available to them through the Library Catalogue (Koha) and EBSCO Discovery Service.  For those students who are studying within the University Centre St Helens, this session will also include an overview of services offered through access to the resource bank of our partner Universities.
  • Research Skills: Advanced Searching  / Identifying and Evaluating Reliable Sources An interactive session that provides support to students in the identification of accurate, appropriate and authentic resources and considers the need for ongoing evaluation throughout the research process.
  • Referencing (APA 7th or Harvard) and Academic Integrity A detailed look at referencing styles and the conventions required within academic work to ensure good practice.  The session also covers in-text citations, the creation of reference lists and bibliographies, the importance of academic integrity and plagiarism.

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:
  • Accessing eBooks or locating online journal articles
  • Assignment structure
  • Conducting research and using a range of resources
  • Note taking
  • Proofreading and editing
  • Referencing (APA 7th or Harvard)
  • Time management and organisation

To book a 1-2-1 support session, please contact academicskills@sthelens.ac.uk

For group workshops, direct all enquiries to:  Claire Daly – cdaly@sthelens.ac.uk and Kayleigh Moon –kmoon@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 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.

SEARCH OUR WEBSITE