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Learning Resources Centres: user standards and behaviour

Find out the rules for using the Learning Resources Centres (LRCs), including study spaces, ID cards, food and drink, safety, behaviour and support available to students.

On this page:

Using the LRCs

The LRCs  are shared study space. Please use the facilities responsibly and respect other students, staff and security teams to help create a safe and productive environment for everyone.

Security and safety

Security staff are available throughout opening hours to support students and keep the LRCs safe.

  • Follow instructions from security staff.
  • Keep your belongings with you at all times.
  • Report lost property to Security.
  • Speak to Security if you are concerned about your own safety or someone else's.

Security contact details

  • Non-emergency: 01707 281010 (ext. 1010)
  • Emergency: 01707 285555 (ext. 5555)
     

Find out more about student safety.

Entering the LRCs and using your ID card

You need a valid UH ID card to access the LRC.

You can use:

  • Your physical ID card
  • Your digital ID card in the Herts Mobile app

You must use your physical ID card for:

  • Borrowing books
  • Borrowing laptops
  • Using printers

Visitors must bring photo ID and sign in at the Security Desk.

Lost or forgotten ID card

If you forget your ID card and do not have the digital version, Security may allow you to sign in as a visitor.

If your card is lost, report it to the LCS Helpdesk and visit an Ask Herts Hub.

International students: You must use your physical ID card to register attendance in line with UKVI requirements.

Important

You must not:

  • Lend your ID card to another person
  • Borrow someone else's ID card
  • Copy, reproduce or alter an ID card

Misuse of a University ID card may result in disciplinary action.

Study spaces and study zones 

Choose a study area that matches your needs.

Please:

  • Respect the study zone rules
  • Keep noise to an appropriate level
  • Use headphones when listening to audio

The top floor of the College Lane LRC and designated silent study rooms are for individual quiet study only. Students causing disruption may be asked to move.

Online meetings, filming and recording etiquette

Many students use the LRC for online teaching and meetings.

  • Be considerate when using webcams and microphones.
  • You may appear in the background of another student's online session.
  • Filming or audio recording is only permitted in Group Study Rooms. Find out more: Filming on campus.
  • Do not deliberately record or share images, video or audio of others without their permission.

Food and drink

You can eat and drink in the LRC, but please be considerate of others.

  • Use lidded drinks containers where possible.
  • Eat hot, messy or strong-smelling food in café seating areas.
  • Dispose of rubbish responsibly.
  • Alcohol is not permitted.
  • Food deliveries cannot be accepted at the LRC.

If you spill food or drink, contact the Helpdesk immediately.

See: food and drink at College Lane and at de Havilland for more information.

Scooters*, skateboards, and fold-up bicycles

Scooters, skateboards and bicycles

You must not ride scooters, skateboards or bicycles inside the LRC.

Foldable bicycles, scooters and skateboards may be brought inside if:

  • They are stored in a suitable bag.
  • They remain with you.
  • They do not block walkways or exits.

E-scooters are not permitted on campus and e-bikes/e-scooters must be stored in designated cycle parking areas.

*This does not refer to 'mobility scooters'

Smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping are not permitted:

  • Inside any University building
  • Within 10 metres of a University building

Accidents, incidents and emergencies

Report accidents, damage, safety concerns or emergencies to Security immediately.

If the fire alarm sounds:

  • Leave by the nearest fire exit.
  • Do not stop to collect belongings.
  • Follow instructions from Security and staff.
  • Do not re-enter until instructed.

If you are a witness to or involved in, an incident or accident that requires urgent attention, please report it immediately to LRC Security Staff who are available 24/7.  

  • Go to the Security Desk at the LRC entrance or call 01707 281010 - internal extension 1010,
  • For immediate assistance in an emergency call 01707 285555 - internal extension 5555

If there has been any damage to computing equipment, furniture, or book stocks this should be reported to Security and the Helpdesk on 01707 284678 as soon as possible. 

Behaviour and conduct

All students, staff and visitors are expected to behave respectfully.

If behaviour does not meet expected standards, staff may:

  1. Explain the rules and offer support.
  2. Give a warning.
  3. Ask the individual to leave the LRC.
  4. Refer the matter for further action where appropriate.

Student wellbeing and welfare

If you're struggling, support is available.

Simple ways to support your wellbeing:

  • Get enough sleep
  • Eat and drink regularly
  • Take breaks
  • Get fresh air and exercise
  • Talk to someone if you're finding things difficult

If you cannot get home safely

Speak to Security. They can help and direct you to appropriate support services.

Support services

  • Student Wellbeing
  • Residence Life
  • Community and Safeguarding Team
  • Student Finance Support
  • Herts SU Advice and Support
  • 24/7 Student Assistance Helpline

Sleeping in the LRCs

The LRC is not intended for sleeping.

If Security finds you asleep, they will wake you to check on your welfare.

If you need support, accommodation advice or help getting home safely, speak to Security or access one of the University's support services.

 Bullying, harassment and threatening behaviour

Herts is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment.

The following are not acceptable:

  • Bullying
  • Harassment
  • Sexual harassment
  • Discrimination
  • Abusive or threatening behaviour

Report concerns to Security, the Helpdesk or through the Speak Out reporting service.

Key recommendations

  • Remove all repeated "Top of page" links.
  • Reduce the number of sections from 12+ to 8-10 logical themes.
  • Make "ID card", "study spaces", "food and drink", "sleeping in the LRC" and "LRC rules" easier to find.
  • Surface support and wellbeing information earlier for students looking for help.
  • Use concise, search-friendly headings that are more likely to be surfaced by Google and AI tools.

Top of page 

Contact Us

Helpdesk - Library and Computing Services

Library and Computing Services

Today - Open 24 Hours
Please refer to the LCS Service Status page for updates on service availability. https://status.herts.ac.uk. Online and telephone support is available 08:00 to 18:00 Monday - Friday and 9:00 - 17:00 Saturday - Sunday (Late August - Early May) with telephone support only available outside of these times.

Security

Today - Open 24 Hours
Security Control Room, College Lane and de Havilland

Herts SU Advice and Support

Herts SU

Today 10:00 - 16:00
Herts SU, College Lane
Our team aims to respond to email queries within 2 working days or less. Pre-booking appointments is advised. Please contact the team via email or complete our online appointment request form to do this.