Supporting Student Study
Canterbury
Christ Church recognises that practical support is vitally important for
students to assist them with their studies and ensure that they are able
to make the best use of their time. All of the following facilities have been established with this in mind and are constantly reviewed and updated to provide the best service possible.
Bookshop
The
University has its own academic stockholding bookshop, which has grown
to become one of the leading educational bookshops in East Kent.
The Bookshop is a convenient, user-friendly service that is tailored to meeting the needs of students. Over 29,000 textbooks are sourced through us every year by our customers. The Bookshop offers a 10% discount on almost all titles, and any book currently in print from Harry Potter to Practical Haematology, can be obtained, many in 24 hours!
We don’t just do books! Our services Include:
- Reading list price-check
- Second-hand Book Exchange
- Book Tokens, stationery, greeting cards, postage stamps
- Audio/visual material (USB pens, acetates, laminates etc)
- Parking vouchers and phone cards
- Memorabilia (everything from Teddy Bears to Clothing to Umbrellas)
- CDs, DVDs and gaming software – all at very competitive prices
Our Booksellers are always happy to help. With close links with Library and academic staff, the Bookshop is able to keep recommended titles in stock as well as checking library holdings and searching for out of print titles.
The main Bookshop is situated in Canterbury and there is a smaller branch at Broadstairs. Items can be delivered post-free from either branch, for collection at the Salomons or Medway Campuses. For more information – such as opening hours and order forms – please visit our website www.canterbury.ac.uk/bookshop or better still, come in and see us sometime!
The Library
Libraries
or learning centres are located at each of the University campuses, and
in addition there is a specialist theology library, housed in the
Canterbury Cathedral precincts. All students have access to the range of
resources and services available at all sites; although the Drill Hall
Library is aimed primarily at students registered at the Medway campus.
Each library has an extensive range of books and periodicals. In addition, some campus libraries have collections of media resources, such as videos, DVDs and CDs. The library subscribes to an increasing range of electronic resources and these are accessible through the e-Library gateway, a single point from which you can search for information to support your studies.
We have a web-based catalogue which lists all library stock, and gives you the ability to check the availability of resources on reading lists. You can reserve and renew material by logging in to the library catalogue using any PC on campus or any PC connected to the internet.
All libraries provide computers for your use. These are connected to the University network, providing Internet, e-mail and word-processing facilities. Areas of the Library at Canterbury also offer wireless access for students who want to use their own laptops.
Staff at all libraries are here to provide support and guidance to help you make the best use of all the library resources and services available. In addition, the team of Faculty Liaison Librarians, based at Canterbury, can provide specialist help and advice in specific subject areas. They offer workshops and training sessions to help you find resources relevant to your studies.
Find out more about the Library from the website: www.canterbury.ac.uk/library
Audio-Visual Services
The Audio-Visual Services Unit provides services for students at the Canterbury and Broadstairs Campuses such as group video viewing rooms and an equipment loans service. You will be able to borrow a range of portable AV equipment – cassette recorders, cameras and camcorders – to use in your studies. The unit technicians are happy to advise on the choice of equipment and its use.
Computing Facilities
All students have access to a wide range of computing facilities and support to assist their studies. The network is constantly being upgraded to incorporate the latest in computing technology including use of the most up-to-date word-processing software, internal and external e-mail facilities and access to the Internet.
Students are automatically registered for a computing account when they start, and are then able to use the many Personal Computers made available for student use. These are situated in computing rooms in a range of locations across the campus network, and include open access areas for private study. You will therefore be able to enhance and develop your computing skills throughout your University life which will not only assist in your studies but will also be of great benefit to you in your future career.
With the exception of some specialist labs, all the systems run Microsoft Windows and have Microsoft Office general software applications available as well as a range of more specialised packages, and also internet access, email, Library catalogues and database resources. All computing labs are networked and this allows students to use PCs across the campus network.
The teaching computer laboratories are open throughout the working week. There is extended access to computers in specified labs or the library outside class hours at all campuses; the Help Desk is also open for extended periods outside office hours to provide assistance and advice to students both on- and off-campus. Related resources available (depending on lab location) include scanners, CD-writers, colour printing, and computing support for disabled users, and the Canterbury Library Open Access Area contains additional non-networked CD-ROM machines with a wide range of multi-media, bibliographical and full text CD-ROMs.
Student Study Support Unit
The Student Study Support Unit offers an academic support service for all students at the University. Its friendly helpful staff ensure that, if you have a problem with your academic work, help is available in a supportive atmosphere to enable you to take positive steps to address your study needs. The Unit provides help through its workshop programme to address various issues related to study skills (such as time management, note taking, essay planning and writing), as well as a range of guidance notes and other resources, together with on-line materials available through their pages on the University website. There is also the opportunity for some small-group tutorial support.
The Study Support Unit has a role in helping and advising students with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, and in conducting initial screenings.