Student Services: LiSS

The Library can seem like a daunting place when you first step inside. There are different zones, and special codes for books, and it can sometimes seem like it’s going to be hard to find the resource you were looking for. However, the Library and Student Services (LiSS) at the University of Cumbria are there to make this experience very easy for you.

LiSS is responsible for libraries, information advice and guidance, employability and information and academic skills, student health and wellbeing and development. The learning advisers will always be eager to help you, and will always point you in the right direction - you can find them in the main lobby of the library.

What can LiSS do for you?

Although LiSS are there to assist students, it is very simple for students to access self-help resources, which are available online (at the University website) and on Blackboard. You can access these services anywhere, 24/7 and this has proven to be incredibly helpful.

- online learning materials – FAQs, tutorials, podcasts and guides – these are available on the website at: www.cumbria.ac.uk/skills

- dedicated subject resource web pages are available at:www.cumbria.ac.uk/subjectresources

- Quest, the easy to use online discovery tool will help students search the University's journal collections, bibliographic databases and library catalogue from one search box at: www.cumbria.ac.uk/quest

- online resources are also available on the skills@cumbria tab of the University’s Blackboard site including access to the online version of Cite Them Right and the Turnitin test area.

These are incredibly useful to students, especially when the library is closed – perfect for those late nights essay writing! The opening times for the library, should you need to speak to somebody in person are available at http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/StudentLife/Learning/Resources/Libraries/LancasterCampus.aspx.

Students can also take part in group workshops – in liaison with course tutors – where the Learning Enhancement Advisers deliver skills development workshops, tailored to the subject discipline and level. You can request these workshops by emailing skills@cumbria.ac.uk.

You can also get individual advice and guidance (this is generally prioritised for students with specific identified needs, e.g. referral by tutor, borderline pass grades or reassessment). If you have accessed the online resources, and still don’t feel 100% about how to improve your grades, or want to discuss a specific issue you can arrange an appointment by either arranging an appointment at the LiSS desk in the library, or by emailing skills@cumbria.ac.uk. The initial appointment lasts 30 minutes, to determine priorities, next steps etc. This individual advice is available through face to face, telephone, email or virtual (e.g. Skype) appointments.

The Learning Advisers in LiSS have also created subject specific resources to assist students with learning. Follow this link, www.cumbria.ac.uk/subjectresources, and click on the relevant subject area. This will direct you to useful websites, news feeds, journals, books and e-resources.

To find out more about LiSS and the services they offer, please go to: http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/AboutUs/Services/LiSS/Home.aspx.

Alternatively, if you want to contact LiSS here are the contact details:
Tel: 01524 590871 (internal 5871)
Email: liss@cumbria.ac.uk