The Learning Hub: Using the Learning Hub

The Learning Hub is a resource base that primarily supports the work and study of staff and student teachers at the Institute of Education.  It is home to a wide range of resources that aid teaching and lesson planning, including a substantial collection of children's literature, teaching schemes, reading schemes, big books, puppets and posters, most of which are available for loan.

The Learning Hub is arranged by curriculum subject area and organised using an adapted version of the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme (see floor plan below).  Books are located on shelves while non-book resources are stored in cupboards or boxes around the Hub.

Our friendly staff are always happy to help you find the resources you need.  Please visit us at the Information Desk or drop us an e-mail with your request.

We are currently developing an inventory of the Learning Hub's resources that will be made available online in stages. Items currently inventoried can be browsed as a PDF.  Current book inventories along with photo-inventories of non-book resources such as mathematical equipment, role-play materials and story packs are available via the 'Search' tab.

Please note: resources in the Learning Hub are currently being reorganised to separate KS3+ material from KS2 and below for ease of use. This means some resources may currently be found outside of their usual area. Ask a member of staff if you need assistance in finding a particular section.

Loans

Please take items for loan to the Information Desk where a member of staff will check it out for you.  If a member of staff is not available, please fill out the Resource Record form available at the Information Desk.

Students may borrow up to 20 items and all items borrowed will be due for return on the Monday before the end of the school term.  You may renew items for an additional term unless the resource has been requested by another student.

As others may also like to use these resources, please return them as soon as you have finished with them.

Return Dates for the Academic Year 2024-25

Returns

Please ask a member of staff to discharge loans from your record and remind you if there are any loans outstanding.  If a member of staff is not available, please fill out the Resource Record form available at the Information Desk and leave items on the desk.

Learning Hub resources should not be returned via the drop box in the foyer of Building L24.  This box is intended for Main Library resources only.

We know that it can be difficult to access resources from the Hub when you are out on placement so we have launched a collection service called the ‘Hub Locker’, which will allow you to collect requested resources at a time that suits you.

The ‘Hub Locker’ is a cupboard located in the foyer outside the Learning Hub that is fitted with a combination lock.

How it works:

1. Browse the collection of Hub resources from the search page.

 If you find the item you need on the search page, email us using this form with the details of the item. If you are emailing about an object, please include the object number (e.g. GEO001), and if you are emailing about a book, please include as much detail as possible. Please also give us your name and your student number, and if there is other information, such as a deadline by which you need the item, please add this into the "other information" section

If you cannot find the item you need, we may still have the item in the Learning Hub. Send us an email with a brief description of the type of resources you need, and we will get back to you with details of the items we have in the Learning Hub. E-mail your resource request to the Learning Hub

2. We will confirm availability of resources and provide you with the code to open the combination lock.

3. You can collect your items from 07.45-21.00 Monday to Friday.

4. You re-lock the Hub Locker securely after use and email to confirm that you have collected your items.

Items can also be returned via the Hub Locker by prior appointment. Send us an email if you need to organise this.

The Learning Hub contains a variety of study spaces; some with computers, some where you can plug in your own laptop, an area for quiet group discussion and a small extended access area which is available outside of the Hub's core hours. Whilst the Learning Hub is not a silent space, please be mindful of those around you who may be working quietly.

A small number of Study Spaces are usually available in room G01 outside of the Hub Core hours, opening approximately 8.00 - 9.00 and 17.00 - 21.00. This space does not have access to a printer unless the Learning Hub is open. 

The Learning Hub has a multifunctional device (MFD) which students and staff can use to print, copy or scan.

Printing and Copying Costs:

Please note: while scanning is free, you need to have credit on your card to active the machine.

How it works

· Scan your Campus Card on the machine to access printing, photocopying or scanning functions. 

· If printing make sure work is sent from a University computer to FollowMe-BW or FollowMe-Colour printers.

· Using the machine deducts money from your online account.

· Add money to your account using the online Campus Card Portal 

The Library's photocopying services are offered in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act. For more information, see the Library's page on Copyright.

What we expect from you...

• Be considerate of other Learning Hub users by:
  • respecting the rights of others to work quietly.
  • maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for all.  Hot food is not permitted in the Learning Hub.  Cold snacks and lidded, non-alcoholic drinks are welcome but all rubbish must be cleared before you leave the building.
  • sharing Learning Hub materials and spaces for the benefit of all:
    • All materials you wish to borrow must be checked out at the staff desk.  Items should be returned promptly to the staff desk by their due date.  Very late or damaged items may incur a replacement fee.
    • Personal possessions must not be left unattended in the Hub.  Study spaces may not be reserved by leaving personal belongings.
• Library materials belong to everyone and you should treat them with respect. Do not write, highlight or underline in books, or deface them in any way.
• Observe the rules and regulations concerning the appropriate use of IT.
• All photocopying and scanning must be done in accordance with the Copyright Act.
• Treat Library staff with courtesy.

What we will do for you…

• Help you find the information and resources you need for your work.
• Provide help in using Learning Hub facilities.
• Provide space for you to work quietly and in groups.
• Respond to your enquiries and comments.
• Treat you with courtesy.

See also:

The University Library's Data Retention Policy

The University's Data Protection Policies