Schools' Visits: What you can expect from your visit

Library and Learning Services (LLS) can provide visits to its library spaces from school pupils studying for A levels and for the EPQ.  These visits can provide school pupils with experience of using an academic library and finding and evaluating the resources needed for their studies. Bespoke learning development taught workshops can also be provided.

• A pick and mix approach to a programme of offerings (see left), including a workshop from a Librarian (up to 1 hour) and a workshop from a member of the CLaSS team (up to 1 hour) with a maximum of 40 students per visit

• Un-staffed independent research time in the library (length of time dependent on the time of year and room availability)

• There are times when capacity (space and staffing) mean that we cannot facilitate a visit.  These times may include:

  • September, October and November

  • Lead up to and during exams (Beginning/mid February to around the end of May).

• A risk assessment specifically for school visits

We are unable to facilitate:

• Visits of LLS staff to school premises to provide support.  Any workshops will take place at the Kimberlin Library only  

• Due to licence restrictions, access to computers, printers and our subscribed electronic resources

• Wherever possible, a recommended notice period of 6 weeks prior to the visit to ensure rooms and appropriate staffing can be found

• Teachers to supervise students at all times and be actively involved in the workshops.

• Students must abide by library regulations

Library and Learning Services can offer the following elements.  Schools can choose a pick and mix approach or go for the whole programme.

Introduction to searching and finding information (member of Academic Liaison Team), including:

• Using the online catalogue

• Effective searching for information

• Evaluating search results

• Accessing good quality material via the Internet

• Referencing

• Tour of the library

Up to 1 hour

Academic skills (member of CLaSS Team)

This could include elements such as:

• Deciding on your topic

• Effective essay writing

• Structuring your report

• Critical thinking and writing

• Using evidence in writing

Specific content can be decided in discussion with CLaSS and can be tailored to the type of research/discipline of the students

Up to 1 hour

Independent research time in the library

Use of our print resources for reference purposes whilst in the library and a base room for students to use whilst in the library

Length of time may depend on the time of year and room availability

Please contact us to discuss your requirements