32 Student services
• Senate House Library: with about 2 million items, Senate House Library constitutes one of the largest humanities and arts-focused libraries in the UK higher education community, and includes collections of national and international importance. Situated next door to Birkbeck, the library is available free of charge for reference (borrowing depends on which department you are studying with).
• Other University of London college and institute libraries: there are a number of specialist collections located in Bloomsbury. You may be permitted to use many of these libraries for reference.
IT Services
We have a full range of computing facilities to support you in your academic work, including:
• high-speed connectivity to the internet
• purpose-built computer classrooms (at least 1 is open 24 hours a day)
• a wide range of general software applications as well as specialist academic packages
• Wi-Fi network to connect your laptop, tablet or smartphone to the Birkbeck network
• facilities for students with special needs and advice on the use of assistive technologies for specific disabilities
• IT service desk with extended opening hours
• practical, hands-on training workshops, with self-training materials to enable you to work at your own pace
• mobile and remote access to College electronic resources and services from home or work
• Birkbeck Moodle – an online learning environment to support teaching and learning.
Access to all IT services is via a username and password (issued by email) and includes personal storage space on a networked server.
You will need to provide and maintain an email address that can be used for all College correspondence. Alternatively, you can request a Birkbeck Gmail account. You will be expected to access the ‘My Birkbeck Profile’ website to update your email address and other personal details and to access information about your programme of study.
To find out more contact the IT service desk on 020 7631 6543, email [email protected] or visit bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck
The Birkbeck Library
The library is housed across 5 floors of our main building overlooking Torrington Square. Richly resourced, it has 423 study places and provides a quiet, comfortable environment for study, while the library website provides a gateway to almost 25,000 electronic journals, e-books and databases. Alongside extensive computer access, our Wi-Fi network allows you to use your laptop, tablet or smartphone to access the library catalogue and electronic resources.
Our facilities and services are specifically designed to meet your needs and help you maximise the time that you have to spend on reading, studying and writing.
The library is conveniently open 7 days a week in term-time, from early morning to late, and is also open in College vacations. An enquiry service is available during the day, at evenings and weekends, plus telephone, email and web-based enquiry services. We have 24-hour book return bins, while book renewal is available online and by phone.
Search our online catalogue to check what’s in stock, which books you’ve borrowed and to renew and reserve books.
The library offers a range of specialist services and facilities to support students with disabilities and dyslexia, including an assistive technology centre.
For further information and full details, see bbk.ac.uk/lib
Additional library resources for degree students London, and Bloomsbury in particular, contains one of the world’s greatest concentrations of specialist, research and general libraries, to which Birkbeck students have access. Many offer reference-only services (on production of your Birkbeck student ID card), but we do have borrowing arrangements with some. The Birkbeck Library is also a member of schemes that give you access to libraries across London and the UK.
Other academic libraries
• SCONUL access: as a Birkbeck student, you can use this scheme to join and borrow from over 140 higher education libraries in the UK, including over 25 in the London area. Registered part-time and distance-learning students may join as borrowers and can use any other participating libraries for reference.
Student services 33 Centre for Film and Visual Media
Located in Gordon Square (WC1), the Centre for Film and Visual Media provides a range of facilities for teaching, research and conferences, including a state-of-the-art, 70-seat cinema with film and digital projectors. The Centre also hosts the London Screen Study Collection – an archive of London’s moving image heritage.
Students’ Union
Birkbeck Students’ Union promotes welfare issues, represents students’ interests on College committees and provides social activities via events and societies. All students are automatically members, although you can opt out if you wish.
Facilities and services include student representation and advocacy, a student bar with regular
entertainments, clubs and societies, and a shop selling light snacks and drinks, stationery and Birkbeck-branded items. To find out more, visit bbk.ac.uk/su
In addition, the University of London Union (ULU) is right next door to Birkbeck’s main building and students can access ULU’s excellent sports and social facilities, including a large indoor swimming pool. Find out more at ulu.co.uk
Disability support
We have a dedicated team to support students with disabilities and dyslexia. In order for us to assess your needs and make reasonable adjustments, you should declare any disability and outline any needs you may have when you apply. The College may not be able to make the necessary adjustments until any disability is formally declared.
Where you state that you have additional needs, Birkbeck will contact you to discuss your needs, agree the support to be provided and make the necessary funding arrangements, with the aim of having support in place before you start your programme.
If you have a mobility difficulty, we will endeavour to ensure that your course is held in an accessible building.
If you have a hearing impairment, we have a range of portable and fitted induction loops available.
If you have a visual impairment, we may be able to provide you with handouts in accessible formats.
There is an extensive range of specialist equipment in Birkbeck’s library and computer laboratories, which you may be able to access.
34 Student services
The Disabled Students’ Allowance
Students with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria may apply for the Disabled Students’
Allowance (DSA). The type of assistance that can be funded depends on the nature of your disability, but may include special equipment, computer software or hardware, non-medical personal helpers (such as note-takers, sign language interpreters and dyslexia tutors), or help with additional travel and book costs.
The DSA is non-means-tested and there are no age limits. An application form is available from the Disability Office and we can help you complete it. The form must be signed and stamped by the Disability Office before it is sent to Student Finance England.
To find out more, visit bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck, contact the Disability Office on 020 7631 6316, or email [email protected]
Nursery
The College has an evening nursery, which is open 5.30pm–9pm, Monday to Friday during term-time and is staffed by qualified nursery staff. Children aged 2 to 10 years are welcome. It has a fully equipped playroom and an all-weather playground. To find out more, visit bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck
Catering services: central London campus (WC1) Catering services are offered at our main teaching sites in central London, so you can easily get something before classes or during class breaks in term-time. A wide range of food and drink is available at the following locations:
• The Fifth Floor Eatery, Torrington Square
• Café on the Square, Torrington Square
• Gordon Square Snack Bar
• Vending machines are located in Torrington Square, Gordon Square, 26 and 30 Russell Square, the Clore Management Centre and Senate House
• There are also a large number of coffee shops, cafés and restaurants near the College.
Catering services: University Square Stratford (E15)
There is a café in University Square and a large number of food and drink outlets nearby.