Provisional place access

I was wondering if a provisionally registered student can borrow books from the library, without having a library card.

Many thanks for your enquiry. Congratulations on gaining a place at the University of Bedfordshire. I hope you have a happy and successful course of study.

I am sorry to have to say that there is no loan facility for provisional students. Your University ID is your key to the services University of Bedfordshire students enjoy.

If you require reference access to the print resources please talk to staff on the campus you plan to study at, 

lrweb.beds.ac.uk/contact

or contact your academic liaison librarian.

lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhub/study-hub-teams/ALLs/Subjects

Or visit the local public library http://www.lutonculture.com/luton-libraries/

Bedford - Resources

There is a chronic shortage of books for our faculty, to the extent of having no books at all for some modules, like pre-litigation,for an educational institution that is shocking.

Thank you for raising your concerns, after all if we didn't know there was a problem how could we improve? The University of Bedfordshire is expanding its range of e resources year on year. At the moment the University of Bedfordshire is proud to stock: 4,000+ ebooks; 30,000+ ejournals; 80+ databases; University past examination papers since 1999; edissertations via the University repository. If you have any specific titles you would like the University to stock please talk to your Academic Liaison Librarian Alan Bullimore

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/help/ALLs/Alan_Bullimore

or use our Recommend a Resource facility http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/contact/recommend-a-resource

PCs

Computers are always available there is enough for those who want to study

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

UCMK - concern

Our library is too small In UCMK and lack of books

Thank you for contacting me and letting me know the problems you are dealing with. It is important to Learning Resources to know where improvements to our services can be made to improve the overall student experience. UCMK is an exciting new development for the University of Bedfordshire. Phase 1 of the creation of the new Campus included:
electronic access to key texts
a responsive reservations service 
study space
These are in place and working well but there are plans for more. Building work is about to start on a library development on Campus. The new UCMK Library will be ready for use in the autumn. This is fabulous news and very exciting
In the mean time some silent study space has been created in MK005 and the reservations service and digital library can help give your access to the resources you require

Bedford - concern

A library is is treated as a social event. The gateway and campus centre are available for rowdy boys wanting to watch football and girls more concerned about screaming last nights antics than actually doing work. I have had to leave the library from both 1st and 3rd floor on several occasions due to an inability to hear myself think or concentrate due to the sheer volume of noise which goes unnoticed by libraries passing the area. I know they are lecturers and do not need to tell grown people off like little children but they should to some degree penalise those who stop the library fulfilling its purpose of being study area. It's ridiculous.

Thank you for contacting me and letting me know the problems you are dealing with. Choosing your preferred study environment is essential in trying to do your best work. I completely understand your choice to work in the Silent area. I would suggest that you continue to use level 2 as it is silent. If there is any noise on this floor please report it to staff at the Customer Service desk on the ground floor

Level 1 Social Study area and the Learning Hub were specifically developed as direct responses to  the teaching needs of the University. Virtually every course of study has an element of group work that requires appropriate space for students to work together. Each student of the University has their own learning style. This style may change as an individual progresses through academia or according to the assignment in hand. Some people like to work in noisy environments. Some people need to talk as part of their learning style. As a University of adults self monitoring is a part of that progression. One person's idea of quiet or silent is quite different to another. Setting a standard of behaviour when applied across 200 individuals the environment is not going to be quiet. 

Silent Study floor: level 2 of Bedford Library is designated Silent Study floors at the request of the student community. Provision is made for group and social learning elsewhere so there is an expectation for students to choose their preferred study environment and abide by the requirements. The Silent floor is monitored by staff patrols - during staffed hours. Any student caught breaking the Silence requirement is allowed one warning after that Library sanctions come into effect. Student behaviour was a key theme at a Student Union conference. This is a university concern which is being looked at by staff, students themselves and the Student Union.

Luton - praise

the staff are highly professional and kind and supportive.

Your thoughts are important to us, but we're especially pleased when the feedback is positive.  

We try hard to provide the best possible service  to our customers and their satisfaction is our reward.  

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future.

Luton - concerns

No chicken bones on the floor for my assistance dog to find. The Discover site is regularly down

Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention. After all if we don't know there's a problem we cannot put it right. 

You are right to expect a clean environment in Learning Resources. I will discuss the issue with
my colleagues in Facilities to see what can be done  to establish a clean comfortable working
 environment for our students.There is an element of student co-operation with this which means disposing of rubbish in the bins provided and not eating or drinking where the signs advise this. There are eating areas in the Campus Centre and the Social Learning Space and all customers are best advised to eat there. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to improve.

The problems in early May with DISCOVER were to do with the provider EBSCO and beyond our control. Learning Resources did try to keep customers up to date with the problems in the Digital Library Blog and regualr tweets http://bedsdigital.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2015-05-19T09:41:00%2B01:00&max-results=7 Learning resources apologies for the inconvenience. Happily I understand EBSCO's issues have now been resolved

Luton - concerns

Bad computers and the level of cleaning needs to go up

Thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention. After all if we don't know there's a problem we cannot put it right. In order to progress this please can you give me more detail on what you mean by "bad computers".
You are right to expect a clean environment in Learning Resources. I will discuss the issue with my colleagues in Facilities to see what can be done  to establish a clean comfortable working environment for our students.There is an element of student co-operation with this which means disposing of rubbish in the bins provided and not eating or drinking where the signs advise this. There are eating areas in the Campus Centre and the Social Learning Space and all customers are best advised to eat there. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to improve.

Luton - journals

I have access to most of the academic journals I need for my study

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

Luton - Praise

Some services are good and the staff are helpful.

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

Luton - workstations

i like the fact luton library is open 24/7 For creative writing there are very limited books both academic and fictional that would help with specific units i.e innovative and horror and dark fantasy. The computers often have out dated software that sometimes have faults. There are very limited quiet and group study rooms that are often full. Would like to see the library offer referencing classes and go into further detail as the oblive harvard guide is limited

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right. If you have any concerns about the range of materials available to you please contact your Academic Liaison Librarian to discuss your options http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhub/study-hub-teams/ALLs if you have specific titles in mind please use Recommend a Resource as a way of aquiring new stock http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/contact/recommend-a-resource. Its a good idea to use the Public Library service to get access to a good range of fiction titles http://www.lutonculture.com/luton-libraries/ membership is free.

The Learning Resources PCs have the University's range of software which is provided for its robustness. If you have any issues with the software please report it to Customer Service staff at the desk on level 1 so they can help you and follow up the problem.

Due to heavy demand at certain times of the year group study rooms are always going to be busy. When Learning Resources relocates to the new library in 2016 there will be bookable group study rooms.

Please contact your Academic Liaison Librarian for help with Referencing http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhub/study-hub-teams/ALLs/Keith_Daniels. Keith has also produced a wealth of information for your subject on-linehttp://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/creative-writing and some helpful Referencing advice http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/guides/a-guide-to-referencing  

Luton - study space

There should be more space between the PCs and there should more scientific papers/journals. The resource the library offers are good but there is roof for improvement.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us. Learning Resources provides over 1,000 study places in the Luton LRC - over 300 of which are PC workstations - to meet the demand for the large number of students on Campus. The study space for each PC is carefully considered and give adequate room for working at the keyboard, space for notes and a bit more. There is a variety of PC workstation available throughout the LRC with single study carrels on the ground floor and on levels 2 & 3. May I suggest that you also investigate Park Street end of the LRC to see the space provision around the PCs there. I am sure that you will find something to suit your requirements. If in doubt please ask staff to show you around the different areas.

If you have any concerns about resource provison please contact your academic liaison librarian for advice http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhub/study-hub-teams/ALLs
 If you have any specific titles in mind please use the Recommend a Resource option http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/contact/recommend-a-resource. 

Luton - praise for staff

Library staff very helpful and approachable if you need help

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

Luton - Praise

Staff are very helpful resources are easy to access

Thanks for your comments. Your thoughts are important to us, but we're especially pleased when the feedback is positive.  

We try hard to provide the best possible service to our customers and their satisfaction is our reward.  The more satisfied customers we have, the more our services will thrive.

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future.

UCMK - reservations

Recently I have problems with receiving my books . I'm at UCMK and rely on books being delivered to me there. I have had emails sent telling me they are ready for collection to be told they aren't when I get there. The ucmk staff are always forthcoming and do look for them. To find there not there. Recently I was informed by a member of staff that 7 bags of educational books were just lingering at Luton . This was not what I wanted to hear . I know I can attend bedford library and its 24hrs but having a 5yr old child does not make this possible and therefore feel I'm not always able to do my best with limited resources .

Thank you for contacting me and letting me know the problems you are dealing with. After all if we don't know there's a problem we cannot put it right. I am sorry that you seem to have been having problems you are right to expect an efficient delivery service. Please do not be distracted by reports of books possibly being stuck en route ring 01582 743448 to check on the whereabouts of your books. That way we can specify what the hold might be. Also may I ask you to be super vigilant when completing the reservation request form? Be sure that you use the drop down menu (downward pointing black arrow) on Choose Pick Up Location and select UCMK. A slightly careless click could lead to your books being delivered to the wrong Campus.

Luton - praise

Helpful staff. Efficient service. Great opening hours.

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

Luton - praise

i have found the library very useful in fulfilling my search for journals,textbooks and e journals needed for all my assignment.it has contributed immensely to my quest for knowledge.

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

Luton - praise

I am always satisfied with library service because it improve my computer skills, and increase my research skills

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

Luton - wayfinding

I feel that the library is not organised. It is not made clear enough where to find course specific materials. Furthermore, staff members in the library need to be made more accessible to students. Having to go through SiD to find staff contact details is not very practical when you have work due in and have other priorities.

Thank you for contacting me and letting me know the problems you are dealing with. After all if we don't know there's a problem we cannot put it right.

The LRC's book stock is arranged according to the Dewey classification system which - although its used in many thousands of libraries - does mean that even core texts may appear in different parts of the building. This is where library search tools like the catalogue
http://library.beds.ac.uk/ or DISCOVER http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/ really help look for print and digital materials and save your feet!

There are signs throughout the LRC to help you find your way about. If you get stuck you can always ask a member of staff for help at the level 1 Customer Service desk. They would be happy to walk with you to find materials.

There is now a queuing system at the Luton LRC Customer service desk to help you get to speak to a member of staff in a fair way. All you need is your ID to "Join the Queue" and someone will be at hand to help you.

Luton - 24/7

What's better than having a library that is open 247 , easy access friendly staff

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

Luton - Study environment

More could be done on the reading environment. The ambiance is not particularly motivating

Thank you for contacting me and letting me know the problems you are dealing with. After all if we don't know there's a problem we cannot put it right.Choosing your preferred study environment is essential in trying to do your best work.

May I point out that Luton LRC has a range of study environments to suit your study style or need. We offer:
Social Study Space with: 7 booths offering a PC, tabled seating and a whiteboard for groups of up to 7 people (offered on a first come first served basis); sofa area for informal meetings; large laptop area divided by a variety of seating

PC study space on all floors
Study carrels for individual study
and
 two silent floors which provide a very conducive study environment for reflective reading

Luton - PC access

Some time i cant find computerany computer to work in the slient aarea and sometimes there are not enough copies of the books avaliable to browse. The book i am after could not be find online library which distressing.

Thank you for contacting me and letting me know the problems you are dealing with. if we don't know there's a problem we cannot put it right.Choosing you study environment is essential in trying to do your best work. I completely understand your choice to work in the Silent areas. May I therefore advise you to use Learning Resources' PC booking service so that you always have a PC for when you want to to work in the LRC?http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/book-a-pc

Access to print books is always a stressor for students at peak times of the year around exams and dissertation hand ins. May I direct you to your reading lists so that any materials that have been identified by your department and are available digitally are available to you at any PC with an internet connection http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/faq/resources/readinglists

The University of Bedfordshire is creating a wonderful range of digital resources to improve equity and wide ranging access for the university community. Unfortunately not every print item is available digitally. If you find that to be the case please inform your Academic Liaison Librarian (for advice and possile alternatives)  http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhub/study-hub-teams/ALLs
or you can  Recommend a Resource (for purchase) http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/contact/recommend-a-resource

External Customers

I am a distant learner completing a graduate diploma in community justice. Please seem below SCONUL application. This is the first time in trying to set something like this up, are you able to advise what the next step is? 

Thank you for your email. Your home University should supply you with all the details of what to do next. University of Bedfordshire offers some information for external customers so I am happy to direct you to that.

Now that you have the authorisation email from SconulAccess you need to follow our local application process detailed here:

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/exusers/free

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/290037/Visitor-Application.pdf

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/exusers

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me

Refworks

Good day!

I am a current student at University of Bedfordshire, I would like to  ask if I can have a account please

Thank you for your enquiry. I don’t really understand your request – you have a library account automatically when you register with the University

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/availableservices/regforserv

Then you have to create your own Refworks account; please see the information pages on our website here:

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/guides/a-guide-to-referencing

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/guides/a-guide-to-referencing/RefWorks_Intro

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/294097/130828-Five-steps-RefWorks-Word.pdf

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/guides/a-guide-to-referencing/RefWorks_Intro/refworks-troubleshooting-guide

If you have any problems setting this up please talk to staff at Butterfield LRC or contact your Academic Liaison Librarian Janine Bhandol

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhub/study-hub-teams/ALLs/Janine_Bhandol

Janine has created a wealth of on-line help that you may find useful here:

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/health

I hope that helps

External Customers

I am studying in Portsmouth University at present (MBA Exec course) but have been temporarily relocated to Bedfordshire.

Would it be possible to use your facilities to study one evening this week? I have exams next week and would really appreciate it if I could. I would not need to borrow books etc.. - the B&B I have been booked into has nowhere I can work

If Portsmouth is a part of Sconul Access scheme (which I believe it is) you may apply for membership.

Sorry you have to go through all the processes and it's not instant. Portsmouth should give you all the details but basically you start with an online application to Sconul Access.

http://www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/exusers/free

When your authorising email comes through application to Learning Resources University of Bedfordshire.

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/290037/Visitor-Application.pdf

please submit your application with a passport style photo - it can take up to 5 days to process.

Luton - praise for library staff

Thank you so much for all support Shona. You were great!

I want to thank you for the kind words you said about Shona at Luton LRC. Your thoughts are important to us, but we're especially pleased when the feedback is positive. 

We try hard to provide the best possible service to our customers and their satisfaction is our reward.  We are honoured to be part of your journey with the University of Bedfordshire

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

Luton - praise for staff

Shona was very helpful, a life saver, she is the best librarian that I have met in the University, can't thank her enough

 I want to thank you for the kind words you said about Shona at Luton LRC. Your thoughts are important to us, but we're especially pleased when the feedback is positive. 

We try hard to provide the best possible service to our customers and their satisfaction is our reward.  We are honoured to be part of your journey with the University of Bedfordshire

We really appreciate you taking the time to let us know we're doing something right.  We look forward to serving you in the future

Luton - Colour Printers

I don't think there's enough student colour printers at LR considering the fees students pay

There are two colour printers at the Luton Campus. One in the IT Suite and one on the first floor. This is good provision throughout the academic year. Days like Monday however create queues which causes some stress particularly when there are end of year deadlines to meet. I am sorry you had to wait for your printing I have to tell you that we won't be getting additional printers while we're in the current building. The new Library (L Block opening early 2016) will have printing on most of the library floors

Bedford - returns unit screen

The screen for the book return is now so faded it is difficult to the point of impossible to read the instructions and follow the instructions. 

Thank you for bringing this problem to my attention. Learning Resources welcomes all feedback so we can improve our services. After an investigation it has been noted that this is a two stranded problem
1.the glare from the sun, especially early in the morning it is impossible to see anything 
2. glare from the sun has also caused fading to the screen
This problem has been reported to our supplier and we hope for a resolution in the next few months

Luton Study Environment

You need someone to monitor the floors 1 & 2 where it is supposed to be complete silence. It is constant low level noise which is very distracting

Levels 2 & 3 of the Luton LRC are the silent floors (not level 1). No amount of talking is acceptable. Phone conversations are supposed to take place on the landing outside the lifts. When library staff are on duty you can report noise problems directly to them. During staffed hours there are staff patrols approx every half hour and the area is electronically monitored for noise.

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/availableservices/study-env

Overnight the study environment is monitored by security. Please report your concerns to them.

Binding

I just wanted to enquire about how much it is to get my dissertation bound in the copy room, if I print it myself.  

Learning Resources does not offer any reprographics services other than self-service printing, photocopying or scanning. Please ask the Copy Shop for a quote

01582 521421

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/availableservices/photocopying/other

Luton - Eating in the LRC

 I am having quite an issue when it comes to eating in the library. I know it is not allowed, but I hardly doubt anybody respect that. Have you see how the library space look like? Pig stale. Computer desks are sticky, full of crumbs, keyboards are filthy. I am there most of the mornings early, and I see that cleaning staff is doing their maximum, but why nobody cares about eating students in the library: in silent areas? you get there and all you can here is eating crisps, fast food, and that smell of it...Why there are no consequences for breaking this rule so students will finally take it seriously? I am very disappointed. 

Thank you for raising your concerns with me. First of all I apologise for the problems caused by this.

We take care to ensure that important matters such as this are properly managed, although due to a University wide reduction in cleaning hours along with non compliance with Learning Resources Code of Practice on this occasion an acceptable standard has clearly not been met.

Our Code of Practice clearly states

Food and drink, with the exception of non-alcoholic bottled cold drinks with secured lids and sweets, are not permitted in the University Library.

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/availableservices/codeofpractice/workingenvironment

This is backed up by  a poster campaign  telling all LRC customers who are hungry to use the Social learning Space or the Campus Centre to eat. I will ensure the Learning Resources staff and the security teams are vigilant in approaching students who are eating on the library floor to go to the Social Learning Space or the Campus Centre.

Thank you for taking the time to let us know. We appreciate customers who let us know when things aren't right.

Luton - May Day Opening

Just wondering if the LRC at Luton Campus will be open as usual on the 4th May bank holiday Monday or if it will be closed for the day?

Thanks for your enquiry. Luton LRC is open 24/7 x 365 – so we never close

During public holidays and University closure days the LRC is patrolled by security. If you’d like to check when Learning Resources staff are on duty check our web site for details

http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/opening/ps-lrc