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  etc 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,, reserve and renews your books,  click the following link for: Guidance  This information is provided by West Lothian Council.    Please note as a student your username is your student number  (8 DIGIT NUMBER)   Your PIN number  is the first  4 digits of your date of birth   Eg. If you were born 4th May your pin number will be 0405

   

• Finding Information Page
• OpenAthens Page
• How to Join and Borrow Books From the Libary Page
• What can I borrow from the library Page

Facilities

• Computer Facilities

  The library currently has 30 PCs and 8 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 (£12.50) 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.

• 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. 

Study Skills

• Recommended Reading and Online Resources File

  A list of books and ebooks to help give you a better understanding of Study Skills. Also includes a list of web sites to give further tips and information.

• 10 of the Best Study Skills Apps URL

  Recommended by the London School of Economics a list of useful apps that may help your studies. They include Study Planners , help with referencing and a  flash card app for revision. (most are available on iPhone and Android).

• Essay Writing Skills File

  Useful information on How to Interpret the Question, Plan your Research and Write and Edit your Essay.

• Report Writing: a Brief Guide File

  Writing a report can seem daunting. We have broken the process down into manageable chunks that may help you understand it better.

• Report Writing Checklist File
• Example of a Scientific or Practical Report File
• Example of a Business or Social Science Report File
• Presentation Skills File

  During your course you will probably be asked to give a short presentation to your class or colleagues. Many people find it very difficult to do this especially the first time! Don’t despair… the following notes are aimed at not just helping you to put together a good presentation but also to improve your presentation techniques

• Note Taking Tips File

  Everyone is different and will make notes in different ways, that’s why it is important to make your own notes in your own words. The three main types of notes you take will be from handouts , during class and when doing research. Click here for further information to help you improve your note taking skills.                                                                                                    

• Note Taking Template File
• Exams File

  For most students exams are extremely stressful. In order to reduce the stress it is important to develop good revision techniques. Read on for further information.            

• 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
• Create a Questionnaire - Checklist File
• Using Google Search File
• Using Google Scholar File
• Tips for Evaluating Information File
• Time Flies: Time Management Tips ClickView Video
• Reading Skills File

  Reading effectively is one of the most important skills for students and will help you perform better. Follow our techniques and tips to help you get the most out reading books, articles, reports etc.

• Learning Styles File

  Learning styles are the different ways people learn. Understanding and identifying your own learning style can help you learn, problem solve and make decisions in work. Read on to find out more about each style and learn how to identify your own learning style.

• Study Guru - Learning Styles URL
• Time Management File

  Time Management is setting and following a schedule of study. This will help you organise and prioritise your studies around the competing activities of work, family etc.

• Listening Skills File

  Next to reading, listening is one of the most important skills you can develop to help you do better in college. In order to improve your listening skills in class it is important to concentrate on what is being said at all times - try not to day dream! Follow our techniques and tips to become a better listener!

• Fake News? URL

  To help in the fight against fake news, the BBC has compiled  a collection of activities and resources to help students be more discerning when looking at the news

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

  A short powerpoint to support a workshop on harvard referencing.

• 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.   

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.

• Complete Issues URL

  This resource covers a wide range of topics such as Climate Change, Mental Health, Drugs, Alcohol and many other social issues in the form of Articles, Statistics and Related Web Links.

  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 Curriculum Mapped URL

  hairdressing training curriculum  mapped to Level 2 and 3 Vocational Related Qualifications (VRQ)   Maybe some interesting information even if you are not doing these specific courses. 

• 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.

• National Learning Network URL

  Funded by the UK Government to support learners and organisations in the post-16 sector, the NLN Materials represent one of the most substantial and wide-ranging collections of e-learning materials in the UK - hundreds of small, free, flexible 'bite-sized' episodes of learning.

  To easily share the resources with learners, sign-in or register, then select a resource and click the collect button. If you're new to XtLearn, click here for an introduction.

• National Library of Scotland - Digital Resources URL
• 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
• Open Education Resources Page

  Open educational resources include full courses, course materials, modules, textbooks, ebooks audiobooks, streaming videos and films that are all available free to everyone.

• Directory of Open Access Journals URL

  DOAJ is a community-curated online directory that indexes and provides access to high quality, open access, peer-reviewed journals. DOAJ is independent. All funding is via donations, 40% of which comes from sponsors and 60% from members and publisher members. All DOAJ services are free of charge including being indexed in DOAJ. All data is freely available.

• OAPEN URL

  The OAPEN Library contains freely accessible academic books, mainly in the area of humanities and social sciences. OAPEN works with publishers to build a quality controlled collection of open access books, and provides services for publishers, libraries and research funders in the areas of deposit, quality assurance, dissemination, and digital preservation.

• Directory of Open Access Books URL

  Directory of Open Access Books is a joint service of OAPEN, OpenEdition, CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université

• VOGUE URL

  A searchable archive of American Vogue, from the first issue in 1892 to the current month, reproduced in high-resolution colour page images.

Social Information File

• Aids and HIV File
• Alcoholism and Drug Abuse File
• Alzheimers and Dementia Services File
• Arthritis File
• Autism Spectrum 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 Health 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 (A TO C)

• Accounting File

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

• Addiction File

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

• Advertising/Public Relations File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Anatomy & Physiology File

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

• Aromatherapy File

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

• Art File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Beauty Therapy File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• British Standards File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Building Regulations File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Built Environment File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Business Administration File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Business Start-Up File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Challenging Behaviour File

  A list of Book, Ebooks and websites to support this topic.

• Chemistry File

  A list of Book, Ebooks and websites to support this topic.

• Child Development File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Child Observation File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Child Protection File

  A list of Books, Ebooks and online resources to support this topic.

• Civil Engineering File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Coaching (Sport) File

  A list of Books, Ebooks and online resources to support this topic.

• Communication File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Construction File

  A list of Books, Ebooks and web based resources to support this topic

• Contemporary Arts File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Cookery (Professional) File

  A useful list of Books, Ebooks, Journals and Websites to support this topic

• Corporate Strategy File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Counselling File

  A list of Books, Ebooks and online resources to support this topic.

• Criminology File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• CV Writing File

  Content will be available in the near future.

Subject Hub (D - F)

• Digital Art File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Digital Photography File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Discrimination File

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

• Driving Theory Test File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Economics File

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

• Electrical Engineering File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Engineering File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Engineering Mathematics File

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

• Equal Opportunities File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• ESOL File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Events Management File

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

• Family File

  A list of Books, Online Resources and Websites giving additional information to support this topic.

• Fashion File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Film File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• First Aid File

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

• Fitness & Exercise File

  Content will be available in the near future.

Subject Hub (G - L)

• Graphic Design File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Groupwork File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Hair Removal File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Health & Social Care File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• History File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Human Resource Management File

  A list of books, ebooks and electronic resources to support this topic

• Human Biology File

  A list of books, ebooks and electronic resources to support this topic

• International Business File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Jewellery Making File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Joinery/Carpentry File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Language & Literacy Development File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Law File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Leadership (Early Years) File

  A list of Books, Ebooks and Web based resources to help support this topic

• Leadership (Management) File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Local History File

  Content will be available in the near future.

Subject Hub (M - P)

• Make-up File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Mathematics and Numeracy File

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

• Management & Organisational Behaviour File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Marketing File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Massage File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Mechanical Engineering File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Media File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Medical Conditions File

  A useful list of Books, Online Resources and Websites to support this topic

• Medical Dictionaries File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Mental Health File

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

• Motor Vehicle File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Nails File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Nursing File

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

• Nutrition File

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

• Outdoor Play File

  A list of Books, Ebooks and Electronic resources to support this topic

• Philosophy File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Photography File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Play File

  A list of Books, Ebooks and online resources to support this topic.

• Plumbing File

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

• Project Management File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Psychology File

  A list of books, ebooks, videos and web sites to help support you in your studies.

Subject Hub (Q - Z)

• Religion File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Rights of the Child File

  A list of Books, EBooks and Online Resources to support this topic.

• Salon Management File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Sculpture File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Seasonal Foods File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Social Care and the Law in Scotland File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Social Policy File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Sociology File

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

• Special Needs/Disabilities File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Sport & Fitness File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Stretching File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Study Skills File

  A list of Books, EBooks and websites to help support this topic.

• Teamwork File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Textiles File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Theorists (Child Development) File

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

• Training File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Travel & Tourism File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Welfare State File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Woodwork File

  Content will be available in the near future.

• Writing Skills File

  Content will be available in the near future.