Learning Centre
WM College’s Learning Centre is fully equipped to provide an independent study space. We have PCs, MACs and Chromebooks to support your study, as well as a team of staff to offer help and advice around digital learning. In addition, we have a group study space for guided study and workshops.
Learning Centre Information
Opening hours:
Term Time
| Mon-Thurs | 09:00-20:45 |
| Fri | 09:00-16:00 |
| Sat | 09:00-16:00 |
Holiday/Half Terms
| Mon-Thurs | 09:00-16.45 |
| Fri | 09:00-16:00 |
Computers
We offer access to networked PCs, Chromebooks and Macs, all with a range of software to support course work and learning. Free internet access and WiFi (select Eduroam network) are provided for smart phones only. Printing is available in the Library (6th floor), printing charges apply.
Support for Studies
We have a range of support available including the following:
- Digital learning support with your student email, Google Apps (including Google Classroom and Drive), Office 365 Apps, iLearn (the College’s virtual learning environment, MathsWatch, bksb and basic help with Word, Excel and Powerpoint, using PCs, Macs and Chromebooks
- Support to improve your literacy, numeracy and language skills
- Support with study skills, course homework or assignment writing
- Support to improve your computer skills from beginner to advanced
- Support from Additional Learning Support staff
- Support with job search, writing a CV and applications forms
- Careers advice and guidance via our National Careers service advisor
Digital Learning Support
Office 365 apps, Google Apps (including Classroom and Drive, BKSB, MathsWatch and iLearn are part of the virtual learning environment. These platforms provide information about college services, policies. You can access resources for your course and interact with your tutor and classmates. If you need help with digital studies, you can attend digital learning support sessions provided by a member of support staff.
Digital Learning Drop-in Times during term days:
Please note, we can only help with college resources and equipment, not devices you bring from home.
Homework/Coursework Drop-in
If you need help with your homework/coursework you can be supported through these drop-in sessions. The drop-in sessions are open to everyone and you do not need to book in advance. We operate on a first-come-first-served basis so you may need to come back if we are full.
Support Workshops
These workshops are designed for learners that have been referred to the Learning Support team. They are available for IT, English and Maths. If you feel you need to access one of these workshops please see the Learning Support team.
Additional Learning Support
Additional Learning Support (ALS) assistants run small group or individual ALS sessions at various times throughout the day. They are available for help at other times so please just ask. If they are unable to help you at the time, they will suggest a time when you can come back for individual help. If you think you may need ongoing support and may qualify for ALS, they can also arrange an ALS assessment.
Employability Coaching/Careers Advice and Guidance
Appointments to see the Employability Coach and a National Careers Service advisor can be booked via the library or online here.
Library
Our Library at Crowndale Road has undergone a complete refurbishment and is ready for learners to make full use of it. You will find it on the 6th.
In the Library you will find a range of modern and historical books, a small suite of PCs and a Mac. We have some laptops for learners to use if all of the PCs are in use. We have a printer and scanner available for learner use.
Our friendly Library staff can help you find learning resources, including books and e-books, they can provide support with using the computer equipment and can help with your printing. There a some books available to buy, they sell clay tokens and can take payments for printing and photocopying.
We have a comfortable seating area for anyone who wants to relax and read a book or a newspaper.
Please note, the Library is quiet study space but is not silent.
Library Information
Our newly refurbished historic Library is now open!
Library Opening Hours:
Term Time
| Monday | 11am to 7pm |
| Tuesday | 10am to 7pm |
| Wednesday | 10am to 7pm |
| Thursday | 10am to 7pm |
| Friday | 10am to 2pm |
| Saturday | 10am to 2pm |
Holidays
| Monday – Wednesday* | 10am – 2pm |
| Thursday – Friday | CLOSED |
| * Excluding Bank Holidays |
Finding and accessing learning resources
You can search our online catalogue from any internet-connected device, to check availability of resources recommended by your tutor, and to find additional material to support your learning. The lending collection covers curriculum subject areas and we aim to stock the key texts recommended for your course. There is also unlimited online access to over 500 e-books used for teaching and learning by UK further education colleges.
A small selection of print journals provides up-to-date material on ceramics, computer art, contemporary crafts, fashion and photography.
If you are looking to the past for inspiration, the ‘Old Library’ special collection contains books published before 1955 and acquired mostly by donation since the foundation of the college in 1854. This special collection offers an insight into the history of the college and its benefactors and the broad mix of disciplines that once contributed to a ’liberal education’.
Borrowing Books
If wish you to borrow a book you can email LibStaff@wmcollege.ac.uk with your request. Don’t forget to give us your Learner ID number when you contact us.
The online catalogue is available here.
When the book is available, the Library team will let you know that you can pick up from Reception.
Buying Clay and Wood Tokens
They can be purchased from Learner Services at the Library.
Computers
We offer access to networked PCs, laptops and Macs all with a range of software to support course work and learning. Free internet access and wifi are provided. PCs can be booked in advance for an initial use period of up to two hours. A scanner and printers are also provided (printing charges apply).
Supporting learners with special needs
There is step-free access to computers in the Learning Centre. Additional equipment and resources to assist learners can be provided through referral to the Learning Support team.
Inductions
Learn about the services available to you by attending an induction arranged by your tutor or request a personal induction from a member of Library staff, email: libstaff@wmcollege.ac.uk
Library Resources
WM College learners have access to a wide range of online catalogues and resources, these are available to current learners only.
Accessing Library Resources
To access the online resources you will be asked for your WM College learner log in details.
Not sure what your learner details are?
Email address: Each learner is assigned a college email address with their student number. For example, if your student number is 256124, your email address becomes 256124@student.wmcollege.ac.uk.
You can find your student number on the WM College student ID card you will have been given when enrolling.
Password: When first using your learner log in details you will have been asked to change the password to something memorable. If you have not done this yet you can find information on how to initiate you first login here.
Library Catalogue
Click the button below to access ‘Heritage’ the WM College online library catalogue. You can search for all books in the library here.
General eBooks
Ebooks for FE collection via Jisc & purchased titles / ProQuest Ebook Central platform.
Click the button below to find authoritative eBooks that support your course in the collection at Ebook Central.
eBooks: Classic Novels
Fiction – 19th & 20th century ‘classic’ novels purchased titles / VLeBooks platform.
Click the button below to read classic literature and great novels online using the collection at VLeBooks.
Britannica ImageQuest
Need images or inspiration for your work? ImageQuest provides millions of rights-cleared, safe and appropriate images for educational use. Click the button below to access.
Vogue Archive
Get the latest from the world of high fashion or dive into the past with the full archive of Vogue, including last month’s issue. Click the button below to access.
