Learning Resources
Library Facilities
The University of Manchester Library
The University of Manchester Library provides you with the resources and support you need throughout your programme. The Main Library houses all of the essential text books whilst the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons provides a 24/7 learning environment in addition to study skills workshops. The Library also has an extensive collection of eBooks, databases and journals available online.
The My Library tab in My Manchester has quick links to all of the Library’s resources and services available to students.
Getting Started
You will need your student card to access all library sites around campus. Many of our services and resources also require you to confirm that you are a registered student. This authentication can be your student card, the ID number on the card, your Library PIN, the central username and password you use to log on, or a combination of these.
There is a library guide for Dentistry students giving all of the latest information on resources and learning and research services available. This is a good starting point if you are looking for any library resources or information related to your course.
Each course module in Blackboard includes an online reading list, so you can quickly check availability and directly access e-books, digitised chapters and e-journals or articles.
The Main Library
The University Library has an extensive collection of printed books relevant to members of the Division of Dentistry. These are housed in the Main Library and the Stopford Library.
The main collection of books on dental topics, along with those for other health related subjects such as Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy, are located in Blue 2 of the Main Library.
The Main Library offers group study rooms, individual study space options and computer clusters. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building and a cafe lounge can be found on the ground floor. The Library has long opening hours and extends these during exam periods. Please check Locations and Opening Hours for full details on opening hours and facilities.
The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons
The Alan Gilbert Learning Commons is a state-of-the-art learning environment with 24/7 opening hours throughout term-time. The Learning Commons has flexible open learning spaces with multimedia facilities, computer clusters and 30 bookable group study rooms with whiteboards and media screens.
There is a series of training workshops covering a variety of academic and transferable skills hosted in the training room at the Learning Commons. These workshops include training on revision/study skills, note-taking and other topics and have been developed by the Learning Commons staff in partnership with other teams across the University. Full details of training sessions are available in the My Learning Essentials Calendar.
IT Facilities
University Computer Facilities
The University has one of the largest academic computing facilities in Europe, with a wide range of IT Services for students.
Students at the University have access to a wealth of resources including research support services, PC clusters, email and Internet access, wireless access, Microsoft applications, printing facilities, network document storage, student portal, eLearning environment and the extensive electronic resources managed by John Rylands University Library.
You will find the most up-to-date information about our services on the IT Services website, so throughout this guide you will find web addresses which direct you to more detailed information on the web site: http://bmh-elearning.org/technical-support/
Packed full of information, the website provides details of the services available to users including useful information about day-to-day help and support and information about protection from the latest viruses etc. We recommend you visit the ‘Getting Started’ section of the site first.
University PC Clusters
The University’s Public PC Clusters are available for any staff or student to use. Operated on behalf of the University by the IT Services division, they are present at various locations on campus and also in some Halls of Residence. Opening times for each cluster will vary but at least one cluster operates 24/7 and two clusters operate 23/5 plus extended opening times at weekends.
Some clusters will be booked for teaching and learning purposes at various times, therefore you are advised to visit the website: http://www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/pcclusters/pcclusterlocations/ or the Central IT Service Desk for the latest opening times and PC Cluster information.
Student IT Support Helpdesk http://www.itservices.manchester.ac.uk/
Division Computer Facilities
Postgraduate dental students have access to a computer cluster in the Postgraduate Suite located in the Dentistry Division. Printing is free of charge in these facilities. Use of printers elsewhere in the University will incur a charge. Personal printing and sending printing to the clusters from remote locations is strictly prohibited.
Access to the computers is via a standard University username which is obtained from any of the main campus computers displaying the standard blue logon screen or from the registration computers at University Place, by answering the questions when prompted students can gain access to and receive their username and password. This will enable them to use any of the computers to which any student has access.
Photocopying Facilities
Photocopying facilities within the Division of Dentistry are free of charge. See your administrator for access.
There is a charge for using photocopiers in the University Library. Only material that cannot be removed from the library should be photocopied using these machines.
Student Support
Although the Programme Administrator is always available for non-academic advice, no support is offered with respect to word-processing, typing or photocopying. Funds, however, are made available to students for photography, photocopying and inter-library loans as required via the Programme Administrator.
Social Space
There is a student common room on the second floor of the Dental Hospital. The Division asks that you keep the room tidy. The Division is not responsible for students’ personal items left in the room.
Please note that this social space should not be used for the purposes of prayer. Details of nearby worship facilities can be found on the Interactive Campus Map
Lockers
Lockers are available in the Dental Hospital. A £10 deposit is required to secure a key which is refundable upon return of the key at the end of your studies. Keys can be obtained from the Accounts Office on the ground floor of the Dental Hospital (via the staff entrance).
Policy on use of telephones, faxes, computers, e-mail
The use of mobile phones in clinical areas is prohibited and phones must be switched off during lecture/seminar sessions. The use of landline phones and faxes is only permitted for official business.
Access to Coupland 3 Building and the Dental Hospital
Division of Dentistry: The doors to the Coupland 3 building will be open from 8.30a.m.- 5.00p.m. but ‘out of hours’ access to the Postgraduate Study Area is available via your swipe card.
Dental Hospital: The front entrance to the Dental Hospital will open automatically at 8.15 a.m. and close at 5.15p.m.