Library
The Library was opened in October 1990 and a major extension was added in September 2000. We currently have 155 spaces for quiet/ silent study, consisting of 85 computer workstations and 70 study carrels.
The Atrium study and ILT area is another open access facility which was opened in August 2004. There are 48 computer workstations here and it is especially useful for group study.
Our aim is to support students and staff to enable them to be successful in their study/ work. This includes;
- The provision of relevant resources for learning, teaching and research, plus some leisure material. We also curate a special collection on the history of the college which can be accessed by appointment
- Support for students and staff to help them make the most of the materials and systems we provide, both within and outside of the library and college
- Maintenance of an effective learning environment
- Continual self-assessment with the aim of developing the service to meet the needs of our clients.
Library Opening Hours
During term-time;
Monday: 8.30am to 9.00pm*
Tuesday: 8.30am to 5.00pm
Wednesday: 8.30am to 5.00pm
Thursday: 8.30am to 9.00pm*
Friday: 8.30am to 4.30pm
*5.00pm after Summer half-term holiday each year.
Weekends – CLOSED
During holiday periods; We are open 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday
We are closed on national holidays and full college closures, e.g bank holidays.
Additionally, if we need to close early for any reason we will endeavour to let everyone know as soon as possible in some or all of the following ways:- Moodle, QE TV screens, student bulletin and posters in the Library.
Borrowing from the Library
If you are issued with a Student ID card, it is also your library card. Simply present the items you wish to borrow at the library counter along with your card. You have 30 ‘spaces’ on it for borrowing purposes. Some of these spaces may be taken up with your subject department textbooks, and a student locker if you choose to hire one via the library.
Ask staff if you’d like to know more.
(Students enrolled on short evening courses will need to show proof of registration on first borrowing from the library, and may take up to 3 items).
Most books can be borrowed for 3 weeks at a time, and DVDs for 1 week. They can be renewed if not required by other students. Items out on loan can be reserved at no charge. Just ask staff.
Library Catalogue
The library catalogue.is your way of checking to see what we have in stock. You can also login to the catalogue with your student username and password, by using the link at the top right of the page. Once in, you can check to see what is out on loan to you, and control your own renewals etc, where permitted.
If you see something you want on the catalogue, the classification is your means of finding it on the shelves. This will be the number (or letters) on the spine of the item. Everything is shelved in order, and staff will be happy to help you find what you need. You may also click on the map icon on a catalogue record – this will show you whereabouts to find the item on the shelves.
Online resources
We have a collection of online resources to help you with your research and study. You can find them housed together in the Library area of Moodle. Look for ‘Links to Online Resources’.
Some of the most popular of these resources, such as ‘Infotrac’ (newspaper and magazine articles and ‘Britannica Online’(superb encyclopaedia) are protected by the OpenAthens system. This means that you need to use your Athens account* to access them outside of the QE network.
*All full-time QE students have an Athens account; it’s your usual network login with ‘qec’ added in front of your username.
Example: Username = qec012345 and Password = 1234Abcd
Click here to go to the OpenAthens Site and login to see the resources you can use.
Facilities
Library computers
Most of the computers in the Library must be booked/reserved for use in advance. We strongly advise that you do this before you arrive, to ensure a space at busy times. Simply login to the MyPC system using your usual network details, and you may have up to 4 bookings up to 3 days in advance.
Booking is not necessary after the last daytime lesson, as computers switch to ‘walk up and use’ from 4.20pm each day.
The first bank of 10 computers are also instantly usable for quick access tasks such as printing or emailing a teacher, and allow a maximum of 20 minutes.
Printing
Printing is available in the Library and costs 2p for black and white/ 10p for colour (A4 only). Payment for copies is via a coin box. A4 copies are 10p and A3 copies 20p. You will automatically have some printing credit on your college network account to start you off, which is taken from your college deposit, and you will be advised of your balance every time you print. When you need to ‘top up’ you can purchase more ‘printer credit’ at the QE shop or Finance office (& Library counter after 5pm on Mondays/ Thursdays).
The printer can additionally be used as a photocopier . Payment for copies will also be made via your network account.
Wi-Fi
You are welcome to bring your own equipment in to college and connect to the wireless network. Staff can advise you about how to do this, and also what is (and is not) available through wi-fi.
Study Areas
Study carrels are available in the book and computer areas of the Library. The ‘book’ side of the Library is for silent study, and in the ‘computer’ side you may discuss your work quietly. You are welcome to take Library books/ newspapers etc to use where you are sitting.
Library area of Moodle
There is more information, including PDFs of our Library guides to referencing your work, recommendations from the QE book group and information about staying safe online, in the Library area of Moodle. You’ll find us listed under ‘Resources’.
Contact us
You can contact us through the college address/ telephone number, or by emailing us at Library helpdesk