Welcome and About Us

Finding Information & Using the Library

• Library Catalogue URL

  By far the best way to find out what books, electronic books, dvds we hold, is to check the Library Catalogue. As we work in partnership with West Lothian Council Libraries, when you search the catalogue, you will also find books held in the libraries throughout West Lothian, including the High Schools. You can request books from any of these libraries. For guidance on how best to use the Library Catalogue click the following link for: Guidance  This information is provided by West Lothian Council.

  Our Electronic books are also available via the Catalogue. Once you find the ebook title you are looking for, simply click on the link provided and use your OpenAthens username and password to access the book online.

• Finding Information Page
• OpenAthens Page
• How to Join and Get Your Library Card Page
• What can I borrow from the library Page

Facilities

• Computer Facilities

  The library currently has 36 PCs and 15 laptops all with Microsoft Office and fast internet access. The college wireless network also allows you to use your own mobile devices, ie mobile phones, laptops to connect to the internet.

  A few of our PCs also have specialist software installed, for example, Sage  Accounts and Payroll,  Autocad, Microsoft Project,Inventor and Revit.

  You will need your student matriculation number (usually 8 digit number on your student card) to access the PCs. Generally your student number is your username and,the first time you log in, your password. You will then be prompted to create your own password.  Once you have accessed the PCs you will have access to a printing allowance and space on the college network where you can save your college work. Staff are always on hand to demonstrate this process.  

• Computer Booking System

  We have a computer booking system within the library. However, all computers are generally available for up to 2 hours without booking. If the library isn’t busy, this time can easily be extended on request. To ensure you have access to a computer when you want it you can book in advance either as an individual or for a group. Up to 6 PCs can be booked for group work. All bookings are done through the library staff. Our booking system also allows us to monitor use of our computers.

• Quiet Study Facilities

  We have 8 study booths and a quiet room facility within the library. The Quiet Room is for silent study.  Anyone using this facility should respect the request for silence.

• Support

  Library staff can help with finding relevant resources, computer access and basic IT problems. We offer guidance on referencing, research and study skills. Please do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

• Printing and Photocopying Facilities

  We also have photocopying printing and scanning facilities.  From the PCs use the print command as normal. To collect your prints or do any photocopying you will need to log onto the photocopier/printer using your Matriculation number.  Monies will be deducted from your printing allowance to cover the cost of your work. If you use up your printing allowance we have a top-up machine within the library. 

Harvard Referencing

• Harvard Referencing Handout File
• Harvard Referencing Examples File
• Harvard Referencing Template File
• How To Reference Using The Harvard Referencing Guide SCORM package
• Harvard Referencing Powerpoint File
• Using Microsoft Word for Harvard Referencing File
• Links to Good sites for referencing information File

  Provides a selection of useful tools and websites to help your understanding and use  the Harvard Referencing System.   

Study Skills

• Report Writing Checklist File
• Example of a Scientific or Practical Report File
• Example of a Business or Social Science Report File
• Learning Styles File

  

• Essay Writing Skills File
• Report Writing: a Brief Guide File
• Presentation Skills File

  

• Reading Skills File

  

• Recommended Reading File
• Listening Skills File

   

• Note Taking Tips File

                                                                                                            

• Note Taking Template File
• Find Out Your Learning Style URL
• Time Management File

  

• Exams File

                      

• Google Search Techniques

  It would now be difficult to think of how we would find information without Google, we use it so much in our everyday lives. At College, finding the right information is often critical to passing your course and therefore developing good search techniques is invaluable. The following will provide you with information on what you need to think about before using google and then tips on how to get the best from your search results.
• Using Google Advanced Search File
• Using Google Search File
• Google Scholar File
• Tips for Evaluating Information File
• Create a Questionnaire - Checklist File
• Time Flies: Time Management Tips ClickView Video

Online Resources

• Electronic Books Page
• Anatomy TV powered by Primal Pictures URL
• Clickview URL

  Access on line videos and on demand TV to support your research and studies.   Please note while at college the above link will automatically take you into Clickview. Outwith the college use the following link: www.online.clickview.co.uk 

  You will need your OpenAthens username and password for access. If you are asked for an email address use student@west-lothian.ac.uk

• Copac URL

  Copac brings together the catalogue of over 80 major UK research libraries: national, academic and specialist.

• Encyclopaedia Britannica Student and Adult edition Page
• Essential Articles URL

  This resource supports work across the curriculum especially in areas such as communications, social sciences and general studies. It suits both class work and individual research.

  Username:   westlothian

  Password:   westlothian

• Geospatial Data URL

  Commercial quality mapping and spatial data for universities and colleges. To access this resource you will need you OpenAthens username and password.  To find out more watch the short video from JISC

• GoCitizen URL

  Practice online for the British Citizen test.  Sign up for free.

• Hairdressing Training Resource URL

  Hairdressing Training provides exemplary step by step guidance videos, self evaluation tests, worksheets and guides relating to an expanding collection of hairdressing styles and techniques. All video content has been created by those who teach hairdressing in the UK FE colleges. These resources are openly available without the need for institutional subscription or login.

• ISSUES ONLINE URL

  This is an excellent resource covering contemporary social issues such as poverty, equality, homelessness etc.

  Username:  Hartley

  Password:  9039

• Jisc Journal Archive URL
• JSTOR URL

  Access to journals, primary sources and now books courtesy of the National Library of Scotland    You need to register with NLS to use this resource. Registering details below:

  Registration Information

  You will probably have to click on the link to JSTOR twice before you can log in.

• Knowledge Network URL

  The knowledge network is available to students who go on placement within the NHS and selected teaching staff. Registration details are available from the above link. If you need any assistance accessing and using this resource please speak to the college library staff.

• RB Digital = Free Online Magazines URL

  A selection of online magazines courtesy of West Lothian Council.  Initially you will need to register for the service. You will also need your library barcode number to access. Also available as an App.

• News Library - Newspapers for Schools URL

  Access to over 140 UK newspapers

  One-stop-shop for researching leading UK national and regional newspapers.

  Username:   library@west-lothian.ac.uk

  Password:    Student2017
• National Library of Scotland - Digital Resources URL
• Suncat URL

  A free tool to help you find journals in the UK with links to articles and tables of content.

• Vogue Archive URL
• ZETOC URL

  Free access for UK HE and FE to the British Library Electronic Table of Contents database of over 20,000 current journal titles.

Social Information File

• Aids and HIV File
• Alcoholism and Drug Abuse File
• Alzheimers and Dementia Services File
• Arthritis File
• Autism and Aspergers File
• Babies, Young Children and Families File
• Bereavement Support, Cot Death and Counselling File
• Big Picture File
• Cancer File
• Carers File
• Cerebral Palsy File
• Child Protection File
• Counselling Services File
• Cystic Fibrosis File
• Depression File
• Diabetes File
• Disability File
• Discrimination File
• Down's Syndrome File
• Dyslexia File
• Eating Disorders File
• Elderly Support File
• Epilepsy File
• Health and Counselling File
• Health Conditions File
• Hearing Impairment File
• Heart Care and Stroke File
• Homelessness - Housing Support File
• ME/CFS/PVFS File
• Men's Support Groups File
• Mental Illness File
• Multiple Sclerosis File
• Safety File
• Sexual Health File
• Smoking File
• Spina Bifida File
• Vision Impairment File
• Voluntary Organisations File
• Women's Support Groups File
• Youth Support Groups File

Subject Hub

• Anatomy & Physiology File

  A list of Books, Ebooks, Videos and Websites to support this topic.

• Engineering Mathematics File

  A list of Books, Ebooks and Websites to support this subject.

• First Aid File

  A list of Books and Websites covering First Aid theory and practice.

• Mathematics and Numeracy File

  Information to support you in your studies, including books, ebooks, useful websites and online materials.

Section 8