Newcastle College Library

About Us

Newcastle College has one of the largest Library Services in further education in the UK.

Term-time Opening Hours

	MAIN LIBRARY	ART LIBRARY
Monday	08.45 - 19.00	09:15 - 16.30
Tuesday	08.45 - 19.00	09:15 - 16.30
Wednesday	09.00 - 19.00	09:15 - 16.30
Thursday	08.45 - 19.00	09:15 - 16.30
Friday	08.45 - 16.00	10:00 - 16.00
Saturday	CLOSED	CLOSED
Sunday	CLOSED	CLOSED

Main Library

Situated at the heart of the Rye Hill Campus, the main library has over 70,000 resources covering subject areas from administration to sport. This branch also houses our collection of CDs, videos and DVDs. A selection of journals/magazines are available for borrowing with titles as diverse as New Scientist, Computer Active and Journal of Sport Science. Additionally, the library provides 71 open access PCs and 10 laptops for student use on a “drop-in” basis. Photocopier services are also available, including colour copying. There is a charge for this service.

Art Library

The Art Library has a range of resources that cover subject areas from architecture to sculpture. A selection of Art & Design journals / magazines is available here too, with titles such as A-N Magazine, BJP, Gap, Embroidery, Vogue and Web Designer. This library also offers a number of open access networked computers for student use; plus colour and black & white photocopying services.

Library Catalogue

You can use the Library catalogue to find out what resources we have on a particular subject. The catalogue will tell you what we have, where to find it and whether it is currently available or out on loan. It can also be used to look at your library account, renew your items, reserve an item or cancel a reservation. All this can be done by clicking the ‘View your account’ link.

e-Library

e-Library is our collection of electronic resources available on the Library Services area on Blackboard. If you are a student of the College, you have access to our growing collection of quality online information including:

Full text academic journals
Subject specific databases
Electronic books
Databases of images, maps, statistics, datasets and other resources

The e-resources are password protected. You can access the e-resources using your college username (student ID) and password. You must complete the login process on campus before you will be able to log in remotely.

Library Training Sessions

Library staff are also on hand to offer individual help or deliver whole class sessions on a range of research and study skills, including:

tutorials on how to use specific e-library databases and online resources
training on how to avoid plagiarism and how to write Harvard Standard References for assignments
advice on how to use the internet most effectively and judiciously as a research tool

For more information or to book a training session please contact the Main Library on (0191) 200 4018.

FAQs

How do I Join? [+]

All enrolled students and current members of staff are automatically members of the library. To borrow items you must have your college ID card.

Are there computing facilities in the libraries? [+]

Yes, all our branches have open access computers available on a “drop-in” basis for course related use.

What type of resources does the library have? [+]

Books, including: lending stock, quick reference (dictionaries, encyclopaedias etc), reference textbooks (key textbooks that are kept in the library), local studies collection and fiction books; popular magazines and academic journals; a careers section and University prospectuses; subject and referencing and bibliography guides; music CDs, DVD's and videos. We also have a collection of electronic resources available via e-library on Blackboard.

How do I find the books and other resources I need for my studies? [+]

There are many ways you can search for resources, including:

using the computer catalogue (i-search) available in all the libraries, on Blackboard or online.
using the subject guides (also available on Blackboard) for your course, which detail where you can find the most relevant resources.
asking any member of staff - we will be happy to help you.

How many items can I borrow? [+]

Students on Further Education courses (such as A-Levels or NVQs) can borrow up to 6 books, 3 CDs, DVDs or Videos and any 1 current magazine plus up to 5 back copies.

HE Students can borrow 10 books, 3 audio-visual items (CDs, DVDs and videos) and 1 current periodical, with up to 5 back copies.

How long can I borrow items for? [+]

Short Loan (including audio-visual items) can be borrowed for 1 week. Standard Loans are available for 4 weeks and periodicals can be borrowed on overnight loan.

You can renew items (if no-one else is waiting to use them) in person, by phone (0191 200 4020) or logging on to the online catalogue by clicking the ‘View your account’ link.

The library is closed and I need to return my books, what can I do? [+]

You can use the book return bins located at the Main Library (by the front door); the Art Library (on the 1st floor landing of Mandela Building); or at WEC Library (turn left at reception, the book bin is next to the stairs).

What happens if I keep my books and other items for longer than I am allowed? [+]

We charge fines on overdue items to encourage their prompt return, and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to use them.

The charges are Standard Loan books: 20p per item per day, Short Loan books: 50p per item per day; Magazines and CDs / DVDs / Videos: 50p per day.

What is e-Library? [+]

It is a collection of electronic resources, such as e-journals, databases, e-books and databases of images, maps, statistics, datasets, plus other online resources that are available from the Library Services pages on Blackboard.

Who do I contact if I have problems accessing electronic resources? [+]

If you have problems accessing e-resources please contact the e-Librarian at libraries@ncl-coll.ac.uk.

What do I do if my e-library password does not work? [+]

If your e-library password does not work please contact the e-Librarian at libraries@ncl-coll.ac.uk

I need a book, journal or article that you do not have, what do I do? [+]

We participate in the Inter-Library Loan scheme that allows us to borrow from the British Library for a small fee. Delivery may take up to 10 working days.

Can I make suggestions? [+]

Yes, the only way we can fix things is if you tell us what's wrong!

If you have a suggestion or complaint, either inform a member of staff, email elaine.gardner@ncl-coll.ac.uk or fill out a Library Services Feedback form, which are available at all the libraries.

Who can help me? [+]

There are always library staff on hand who are willing to help with any enquiry you have, so if you need some information or are unsure about our systems, all you have to do is ask. If you are ill and can't return items, please let us know by telephoning (0191) 200 4020.