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Learning Resources Centre |
Welcome to Lowestoft College’s brand new Learning Resources Centre, where we hope you will spend a great deal of your time whilst studying here at the College.
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The LRC now includes areas for group study, for silent study, increased open access computing areas, dedicated computer class space and many social and relaxation areas. The LRC is also packed with all the resources you will need to help with your studies and to make your time at the College as productive and as enjoyable as possible.
We now have free wifi throughout the LRC areas and the first thing you will notice as you enter through the main doors is the open feel. This area has been opened up to accommodate the main reception desk, but this is only one of four desks throughout the LRC areas where you can receive help and guidance. At this desk you can pick up your printouts, for which there is a small fee, and purchase stationary from our shop, including books, which we can order for you at a slight discount.
You will also find here a considerable range of learning resources which can be loaned out through your tutors, for example, laptops, netbooks, mobile devices, still cameras, flip video cameras, projectors etc. The tables and benches opposite provide access to library catalogue machines where you can search for resources, and also space for you to use your own laptops, tablets and mobile devices. |
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As you move through into the LRC you will be struck by the magnificent learning pods that have been installed on the right. There are 3 of these glass fronted pods that each contain a single PC with large screen monitor and soft seating for up to 15 people. These group study areas need to be booked by your tutors, who can also book laptops, netbooks and mobile learning devices that can be used within the pods. At the end, on the right hand side, there are 2 smaller glass fronted silent study areas each with space for up to 5 students to work in peace and quiet. These are drop in areas, but strictly for silent study.
Between the pods you will notice steps leading to the Core and staff and students will now be able to purchase drinks and cold food and bring them into the LRC where, as you turn around, you will see the new social, cyber café style, area by the windows. Food and drink won’t be allowed in the large pods, but drinks can be taken into the silent study areas, hot food must not be brought into the LRC. You will find books and DVD’s on shelves throughout the LRC areas, but the main concentration will be on the stage, where you will also see more social seating and reading space. Wheelchair access is through a door at the end of the stage leading out to the Core. |
Our open access computers are on the mezzanine and the stairs have been moved to the middle of the room, near another of our help desks. There is also a lift for those who cannot manage the stairs. There are now 34 dedicated open access machines on this floor and another 16 in the Higher Education (HE) room at the end, which also acts as an overflow open access area when not being used as a study room. The HE study room also has an Interactive whiteboard. Back on the mezzanine you will notice more social seating areas with some tables overlooking the stage.
A wonderful new look and feel and excellent resource, I hope you will agree, but that’s not all. The LRC has now been extended to include a second area upstairs in the Horizon Center.
This area also includes space for group work, for individual quiet study and for socializing and relaxing, as well as access to many of the resources available in the main LRC, including free wifi. As you enter at the top of the stairs you will see in front of you the main dedicated computing area. This area can be booked for group or class study but will also act as a drop in open access area when not booked. There are break-out tables for group or individual work and to the left there are individual quiet study spaces. On the wall opposite the computers is an Interactive whiteboard which will often be used as a text wall. Along the right-hand wall you will see a collection of books and DVD’s which are mostly dedicated to construction and engineering. As you turn around you will see the help desk, where tutors can collect printouts, and a smaller collection of Audio Visual resources.
Behind the stairs is an extensive cyber café social meeting area and laptop bar. You will also find here a collection of reading books and a display area for LRC displays and events as well as for student displays. There are also vending machines for hot and cold drinks and for snacks. |
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We really hope you will enjoy your time here at Lowestoft College and that you will make full use of the Learning Resources Centre and find it helpful, exciting and fun. We aim to provide as many of the resources that you require for your studies and enjoyment as possible and to help you to succeed, and to exceed your expectations. However, if there are resources that you can’t find, then please talk to us and we will do everything we can to help. As well as talking to our friendly staff directly, you can contribute to Text Walls, to Blogs and to Discussion Boards which you will have access to through our learning environment built on Microsoft Sharepoint and Web 2.0 technology.
We aim to be:
An outstanding college at the heart of the community which inspires and challenges students to succeed.
Main LRC Opening Times |
Horizon Opening Times |
| Mon 8.30 – 5.00pm
Tue - Thrs 8.30 – 8.00pm
Fri 8.30 - 4.30pm
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Mon – Thrs 9am – 5.00pm
Fri 9am – 4.30pm |
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