What's new in the Library and Computer Service for the new academic year?
Find your perfect study spot
We're continuing to improve our learning spaces, so they work better for the way students’ study today. This year, the Education Collection and Teaching Experience Collection have moved from de Havilland to College Lane, making resources easier to access.
We have also given the Creative Arts Technology Suite in the College Lane LRC a refresh. The space was redesigned with input from students, alongside postgraduate design students who shaped the new look and feel. Keep an eye out for our new "What's On" screen in the College Lane LRC foyer too. It will be your go-to place for information about events, activities and important service updates. And it's not all about studying.
Throughout the year, we'll be working with the Dean of Students team and Herts Students' Union to bring you a range of activities including pet therapy sessions, crafts, e-gaming and Herts Activator events - Check out the Student Calendar to keep updated. New students can also explore the LRCs through our Virtual Escape Room challenges, combining physical clues and online resources to help you discover what the Library has to offer in a fun and interactive way.
Better technology when you need it
We've upgraded many of the PCs in our Learning Resources Centres to improve performance and make sure you have access to the tools you need. Engineering and Computer Science students will also find specialist PCs grouped together in a dedicated space on the first floor of the College Lane LRC.
Every student receives £5 of free print credit at the start of the academic year, and we've expanded the range of specialist software available on LRC computers. Don't forget that all Herts students have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Express, making it easier to create presentations, videos and creative projects. Need a device? You can borrow a Chromebook for four or twelve hours and use it anywhere on campus.
Don't forget to check your multi-factor authentication settings. From 1 February 2027, SMS and phone call verification methods will no longer be available, so students should switch to Microsoft Authenticator to continue accessing University services.
Herts in your pocket
The Herts Mobile app continues to be one of the easiest ways to stay connected to university life. You can access your virtual ID card, view library reminders, check your timetable, find available computers, navigate campus and even see how busy the LRCs are before you visit. It's available 24/7 and keeps everything you need in one convenient place.
Build your digital and study skills
Whether you're joining Herts for the first time or returning for another year, there's plenty of support available to help you succeed. The Get Started with Herts Digital Checklist and Digital Skills. Essentials resources are great places to start to become familiar with using the key digital tools you'll need throughout your studies.
Google Workspace for Education is now available for all students, giving you even more ways to learn, create and collaborate using Google Gemini for Education and NotebookLM. The Technology Mentors are available in the LRC Study Success Hubs to work with you to make the most of the digital tools available at Herts to succeed in your studies and reach your career goals. You can also get help with finding information, referencing, academic writing and other study skills. Library Skill UP on Canvas is packed with useful resources, and support is available both online and on campus through Module Chat and one-to-one appointments.
Easier access to resources
We're continuing to expand our collection of eBooks and e-textbooks, making it easier to access the resources you need wherever you are. From early September, you'll also see a refreshed Library Search experience. It will have a cleaner, more user-friendly design while keeping all the familiar features you already rely on. Looking for something beyond your reading list? Explore our Reading for Pleasure collections, along with digital eBooks, audiobooks and magazines available through the Libby app.
Support whenever you need it
Our Learning Resources Centres are designed to be inclusive spaces, with a range of accessibility features, services and technology available to support students and staff with disabilities, whether or not they have a formal diagnosis.
And if you ever need help, support is never far away. You can contact Ask Herts Online, access our 24/7 Helpdesk, or check the University Status Page for service updates and planned maintenance.
Starting University is an exciting time, but it's also important to stay aware of online scams, phishing attempts and other cyber threats. For practical tips on protecting your personal information, devices and finances, take a look at our Staying Safe Online Checklist.
Here's to a great year ahead
Whether you're looking for a quiet place to study, access to the latest technology, support with your academic skills or opportunities to connect with others, LCS is here to help make your time at Herts as successful as possible.
Don't forget to follow @uniofhertslibrary on Instagram and TikTok to keep up to date with the latest library news, events, study tips and service updates.