Library and computing updates for 2026–27

Find out what’s new in Herts libraries and computing for 2026–27, including study spaces, computers, digital skills, Library Search and IT support.

On this page:

Find a study space

The Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) provide study spaces, computers, printing, books and other resources for your studies.

Our Learning Resources Centres (LRCs) are your one stop shop for study spaces, computing, printing, books and resources.  We’ve listened to what you’ve told us and have acted on your feedback to make the following improvements to our services and spaces to help you succeed in your studies.   

Education collection

If you study Education, you can now find the main Education book collection on the first floor of the College Lane LRC.

The Teaching Experience Collection has moved to room 1J112A, a dedicated school library-inspired space where you can explore resources and prepare for placements and teaching practice.

Creative Arts technology suite

The redesigned Creative Arts technology suite is now open on the ground floor of the College Lane LRC.

Designed with student input, the space includes:

  • group and individual study areas
  • noise-reducing individual study pods
  • height-adjustable desks.

Find out more about the Creative Arts technology suite

Take a study break

From mid-October until Christmas, activities will take place on the ground floor of both LRCs, including pet therapy, sports and games, craft sessions and video gaming.

Check the Student Calendar and LRC digital screens for the latest information.

Accessible study spaces and support

You can:

Computers, software and printing

Whether you use your own device or a University computer, there are several computing updates for 2026–27.

Engineering and Computer Science PCs

Engineering and Computer Science PCs are now together in a larger dedicated study area on the first floor of the College Lane LRC.

The area includes PCs with larger and dual monitors to make it easier to access and use specialist software.

Check software availability at Herts.

Free Adobe Creative Cloud

All students have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Express for creating presentations, videos, social media content and more.

Find out about Adobe Creative Cloud at Herts.

£5 printing credit

Every student receives £5 printing credit at the start of the academic year. You can use this on LRC printers for printing, copying and scanning.

Specialist printing support is also available from Document Services.

Find out about printing on campus.

Borrow a computer

Long-term PC loans are available to all students, subject to availability.

You can also borrow a Chromebook for 4 or 12 hours and use it anywhere on campus.

Find out about computer loans.

Find out about using computers in the LRCs.

Herts Mobile app 

The Herts Mobile app gives you access to University information and services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can use the app to:

  • access your virtual ID card
  • find information through Ask Herts
  • receive reminders for library book reservations, returns and overdue items
  • find your way around campus using Maps
  • receive timetable, event and other notifications
  • find available computers by building, floor and zone
  • check how busy the LRCs are before you visit.

Download the Herts Mobile app.

Picture of a map on a mobile phone 
Picture of a map on a mobile phone

Digital skills support

Build the digital skills you need for studying at Herts and beyond.

If you're new to Herts

Use the get started with Herts digital checklist to become familiar with the everyday digital tools you'll use at Herts.

Build your digital skills

Use digital essentials to develop and assess the key digital skills you need for your course.

You can also:

Student Technology Mentors are available Tuesdays and Thursdays, 14.00 to 16.00.

For questions or feedback, email digital@herts.ac.uk.

Study and library skills

Need help with your assignments, finding information, referencing or academic writing?

Visit a Study Success Hub

Speak to a member of the Library team at the Study Success Hubs in the LRCs:

Monday to Thursday, 13.00 to 15.00.

Use Library SkillUP

Looking for extra help with your assessments and assignments?  

Library SkillUP on Canvas provides practical guidance on:

  • searching for information
  • reading
  • evaluating information
  • referencing
  • academic writing.

If you're not sure where to start, use the Get started unit or download the Library quick start checklist.

Get help online

If you can't attend a Study Success Hub, you can:

Outside these times, you can continue to book a 1-to-1 appointment or ask at the Welcome Desk if a librarian is available on campus.

Find out more about Library SkillUP.

Find books and online resources

Find and access print and digital resources to support your studies.

More eBooks and e-textbooks

The University's digital collections continue to expand, giving you access to more eBooks and e-textbooks wherever you are studying.

New Library Search

Library Search has a refreshed design from September 2026 to make finding resources easier.

You can continue to search for and access the books, journals, articles and online resources you use for your studies.

Read for pleasure

Explore the Reading for Pleasure collections in the LRCs or use the free Libby app to browse and borrow digital magazines, eBooks and audiobooks.

Browse the Herts collection on Libby.

Reserve books

You can reserve books and collect them from the campus that's most convenient for you.

Find out about borrowing and reserving books.

Stay safe online

All students must use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when logging in to University services.

We recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Authentication changes from 1 February 2027

From 1 February 2027, SMS and phone call authentication options will no longer be available.

If you currently use SMS or phone calls, switch to Microsoft Authenticator so you can continue to access your University account.

This is particularly important for international students, as the app works regardless of your location and does not rely on mobile phone signal or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Protect yourself online

Stay aware of online scams, phishing attempts and other cyber threats.

Use the staying safe online checklist for practical advice on protecting your personal information, devices and finances.

Your safety and security are important to all of us at Herts. To help protect your account and University systems, all students are required to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) when logging in to University services. 

Check IT maintenance and service availability

Check the planned IT maintenance dates to plan around scheduled maintenance.

You can also check the service status page for the latest information about University systems and services.

Get help and support

There are several ways to get help with library and computing services at Herts.

Get help in the LRCs

At the start of term, look out for additional Welcome Desks in the LRCs.

Library staff and Wi-Fi Warriors can help with:

  • Wi-Fi
  • books and library services
  • computers
  • StudyNet
  • the LRCs
  • other University services.

Get help online

Search Ask Herts for University information, guidance and support.

24/7 telephone support

The Helpdesk provides telephone support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Call 01707 284678.

Find out more about the Helpdesk.

Check service availability

Visit the service status page for information about planned maintenance or issues affecting University services such as StudyNet and Wi-Fi.

You can also follow @uniofhertslibrary on Instagram and TikTok for library news, events, study tips and service updates.

 

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