When embarking on a review of the University Library, the University’s objective was to ensure a flexible, equitable and effective Library service provision across the whole University and for all students. We see increasing demand from students for longer opening hours, digital access to library resources and access to our academic librarians. We are increasing our investments in those areas as a direct result of these strong themes coming through via student engagement activity.
Analysis underpinning the review demonstrates that the overall utilisation of both the Chesterfield and Britannia Mill libraries were proportionally low when factoring the entire student community: pro rata footfall across the last three years accounted for just over 3% and 10% of the total footfall respectively and equivalent circulation activity (in other words, loans) was also just over 3% and 10% (again pro rata).
Whilst we are seeking to deliver our offer in a more flexible way, which in-turn carries benefit for all students across all modes of study, it's important to note that the Library will continue to offer service direct to these sites.
We will continue to provide direct library services at the Britannia Mill site:
Access to a librarian
There will be Library staff present each week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am - 4pm. Come and talk to us for help and guidance with any of the following:
There will also be opportunity to engage with a librarian via our other channels.
A range of skills support is also available via our Develop@Derby platform.
Access to the Library's physical resources
We are offering continued access to the Library's physical collection via our reservation service that will provide access to the full and entire collection of loanable library resources. This service is live and you can find out more information about how to use it on our reservation service guide.
Access to independent study space
The University is transitioning independent study space from Level 2 to the Lower Ground Floor. This transition will take place in phases across October and November. In the interim, independent study space is available in Markeaton Street, which is located about 100 metres from Britannia Mill, as you head towards the main campus.
Access to PCs
The University is transitioning the laptop loan provision to the café area during October-November. Desktop PCs situated on Level 2 will move to the Lower ground floor across October and November. In the interim, loanable laptops and access to PCs and Macs are available at Markeaton Street, which is located about 100 metres from Britannia Mill, as you head towards the main campus.
Access to Printers
A printer remains available on the Ground floor. Changes to print provision made by the Print Services team have been made in an effort to improve environmental sustainability across the University and secure better value for money. Their decisions were based on their analysis of usage and proximity of other printers and the desire to ensure that ‘pull printing’ was available. Discussions are ongoing with respect to the current provision and the requirements of the disciplines.
Access to the digital library
The digital library provision continues to be available 24/7, enhanced by our investments in tools such as Lean Library, Libkey Nomad and our Inter Library Loans service.
We will continue to provide direct library services at the St Helena site.
Access to a librarian
There will be Library staff present each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am - 4pm. Come and talk to us for help and guidance with any of the following:
There will also be opportunity to engage with a librarian via our other channels.
A range of skills support is also available via our Develop@Derby platform.
Access to the Library's physical resources
We are offering continued access to the Library's physical collection via our reservation service that will provide access to the full and entire collection of loanable library resources. This service is live and you can find out more information about how to use it on our reservation service guide.
We also offer a reference collection of key materials (informed by module resource lists for Programmes delivered at St Helena) in order that you are able to retain quick access to relevant resources).
Access to independent study space
Independent study space at our Chesterfield site remains in place, as usual.
Access to PCs
Access to PCs continues to be available as normal, including the ability to borrow laptops as required.
Access to Printers
A printer remains available in ST101.
Access to the digital library
The digital library provision continues to be available 24/7, enhanced by our investments in tools such as Lean Library, Libkey Nomad and our Inter Library Loans service.
Student Car Parking Scratch Cards
Scratch cards are available from the online shop.
Once you have purchased your scratch cards online, take the receipt to the Student Hub Express on the Upper Ground Floor of the St Helena campus and you will be issued with your scratch cards.
Please note that the Student Hub remains the best place to access a whole host of services and expertise that support students at all levels of study and in every aspect of their student life.
Remember you can also reserve items and ask for them to be delivered to the site most convenient for you. Find out more about our reservation service.
You can also take the Library with you when you're searching the web and access content for free by installing the Lean Library and Libkey Nomad plugins.
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact library@derby.ac.uk