Learning Resources
Library Handbook 2014/15
Contents
02
Additional Support 16
Learning Environment
Academic Liaison Librarians
18
Library Catalogue 10
Access to your LRC/Library
17
Library Guides 18
Services From Home
12
Library Services 14
Borrowing 14
Opening Hours 06
Code of Conduct
22
Other Libraries 12
Computer Skills Training
18
Photocopying 11
Computer Software and Equipment
13
Printing 11
Customer Service 18
Professional & Academic Development 18
DISCOVER 10
Renewals 14
Document Supply 15
Reservations 14
Let’s Keep In Touch
23
Resources 10
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
10
Safety 22
Getting help away from the University 18
Self Service 15
Help 18
Study Hub 20
ID Card 22
Tell Us 23
IT Accounts 08
Top Tips 24
IT Resources 11
Welcome 03
Just a minute videos
While You Wait 15
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Welcome
We have fantastic facilities and excellent staff who will support you throughout your academic journey and create the best student experience.
We can offer you: • a variety of superb learning spaces which can be used individually or in groups • an extensive collection of resources to support your academic reading • a wide range of learning opportunities to develop your academic skills • up to date IT facilities We look forward to working with you during your time at University. If you’ve got a question please come and ask. We’d love to talk to you in person, via email or on the phone.
This handbook is an overview of the range of services and support available. Full details are on our website: lrweb.beds.ac.uk The University has made significant investment in its library resources to improve access to materials and study spaces. All of this is aimed at making your experience as positive and productive as possible. We wish you every success with your studies.
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It’s your library.
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“The IT Suite is modern with new PCs, I can socialise work in a group or work in peace” Kyle (Sports Therapy) With a range of different study spaces for you to use in the LRCs/Library, you can choose which will suit you for the work you’re doing. So whether you’re looking for a place to work in peace on your assignment or with your classmates for groupwork you’ve a choice of silent, quiet, groupwork and IT based study spaces.
“I love that the library is now 24/7. It gives us a chance to access the library at unusual times” James (Journalism)
“DISCOVER is amazingly easy to use, it is so much quicker to find the information I need”
“They did an excellent job of bringing out the best in me; a more academic me”
Emily (Criminology)
Stephanie (Midwifery)
If you work best at night, in the early morning, need to fit your studies around work and family or need to make that fast approaching deadline, you can use library resources around the clock.
Explore the full range of print and online books, journals, articles, databases, exam papers and dissertations through DISCOVER – an online single search tool that lets you search most of our electronic resources and the library catalogue in one go.
You’re not on your own – just ask any of our staff for help! Whether you’d like expert help with searching for the best materials for your subject, referencing, advice on note taking, planning and writing your assignment, creating a presentation or formatting your dissertation there is someone to help.
We’re open 24 hours a day, everyday of the week at Luton LRC and Bedford Library. The library catalogue and online resources are also available 24/7 via your PC and mobile devices. You are welcome to use any of the campus LRCs/ Library.
It shows you what’s available in the library so you can find it on the library shelves, reserve it from another campus LRC/Library or read it online.
The Customer Services, Academic Liaison Librarians, Professional and Academic Development and Computer Skills Training teams are all part of Learning Resources and here to support you.
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Opening Hours
There are LRC/Library facilities at each main campus of the University and you can use any of them. Contact details are given below. These are for guidance only and you are advised to check our website: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/opening for the current opening hours as they vary throughout the academic year. Bedford campus, Polhill Avenue, The Library, University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue, Bedford MK41 9EA 01234 793189 Luton campus, University Square, Learning Resources Centre, University of Bedfordshire, University Square, Luton LU1 3JU 01582 743488 Putteridge Bury campus,Putteridge Bury Learning Resources Centre, University of Bedfordshire, Hitchin Road, Luton LU2 8LE 01582 489079 Butterfield Park campus, Butterfield Health Care Learning Resources Centre, University of Bedfordshire, Unit 270 Butterfield Park, Hitchin Road, Luton LU2 8DL 01582 743895 University Campus Milton Keynes (UCMK) Saxon Court, Milton Keynes, 502 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 3HS 01582 489727 Buckinghamshire campus, Aylesbury Health Care Learning Resources Centre, University of Bedfordshire, Oxford House, Oxford Road, Aylesbury HP21 8SZ 01296 734301
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Bedford OPEN 24/7 Luton OPEN 24/7 Putteridge Bury (Mon -Fri) OPEN 09.00 - 18.30 Butterfield Park (Mon -Fri) OPEN 08.00 - 17.00 Milton Keynes (Mon -Fri) OPEN 08.30 - 18.00 Aylesbury (Mon -Fri) OPEN 08.00 - 18.00 07
IT accounts
With one username and password you can access all IT services. To help with your studies at the University of Bedfordshire you are given a number of computer based services. You have a single Username and Password for easy access. USERNAME: the registration number on your ID card PASSWORD: your default password is your date of birth in the ddmmyy format. Please change your password the first time you log in so that your account is secure. LRC/Library – to reserve and renew books, use databases and other information. library.beds.ac.uk Network – to create and store your files on the University network. Print/Copy – keep this account topped up to use the University multi function printers. printcredit.beds.ac.uk BREO – is the virtual learning environment used to support course units throughout the University. You’ll use BREO to find documentation to support your lectures and assignments. BREO includes: PebblePad, Blackboard Mobile Learn, Turnitin, Campus Pack, Blackboard Collaborate and Facilitate Pro.
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You’ll also find Study Hub on BREO which is full of help, guidance and advice on developing your academic skills as part of your learning. beds.ac.uk/studyhubonline Email – Google Mail account for all official communications with the University, including Document Supply. mail.study.beds.ac.uk Your email address is: firstname.surname@study.beds.ac.uk To access eVision you need: USERNAME: the registration number on your ID card PASSWORD: this will be sent to you separately. Student record/e:Vision - gives you access to your academic record, exam results, top sheets for your assignments and more. sits.beds.ac.uk SiD – Student Information Desk. The University wide helpdesk for any problems you may have. beds.ac.uk/sid Please don’t share your account details with anyone else. For more details see the University’s acceptable use policy: beds.ac.uk/contactus/naup
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Resources
We have over 700 PCs for you to use, 6,000+ ebooks and 300,000+ books. With 80 databases to search, access to theses via the University repository and dedicated skills support teams. Reading
DISCOVER
Each of your units will have a reading list which you’ll find a link to on your BREO unit, but you can also check the Readinglists site: readinglists.beds.ac.uk
FAQs
Reading for your degree will help you develop knowledge and understanding about the topics you are studying and that you’ll have to discuss in assignments such as essays, reports and presentations.
To go beyond your reading list and find even more relevant information about your subject you can search the Digital Library. To find out more about the best resources for your subject use the relevant subject guides, written by your Academic Liaison Librarians. lrweb.beds.ac.uk/subjectguides
Library catalogue
The library catalogue is your gateway to all our print resources and the Digital Library (electronic resources). library.beds.ac.uk/search/D lrweb.beds.ac.uk/help/digital
Just a minute... Library videos
Our award winning “Just a minute” videos provide you with quick guides to Learning Resources. lrweb.beds.ac.uk/videos
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DISCOVER is a single search tool that enables you to search most of our electronic resources and catalogue simultaneously. It provides you with current availability information on library catalogue items. lrweb.beds.ac.uk/discover
If you have a question, try the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section of our website: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/faq It’s a good place to start and could save you time and stress.
IT resources
We regularly update our IT equipment to ensure we offer you the latest technology. The majority of PCs are available on a first come first served basis but there are also online booking facilities. bookapc.beds.ac.uk
Printing, photocopying and scanning
You’ll need to be in credit to begin printing, scanning or copying. There are self-service kiosks at all campuses where you can add credit to your account. Or you can top up online printcredit.beds.ac.uk
University PCs will give you access to a wide range of applications including Microsoft Office, email, the Internet and your own University network space.
You can send your print job from any LRC/Library PC, your computer via the WiFi network or from home. webprint.beds.ac.uk
We provide the following services:
Use your ID card to release your print job from any LRC/ Library multi-function printer. Your ID card also allows you to photocopy from all multi function printers.
• • • • • • •
700+ PCs 20 + Multi Function Printers Smartboards Scanners Laptops for loan (at Butterfield and Oxford House) 20 MACs at Luton WiFi: You can connect wireless laptop, Smartphone or any other portable device to the WiFi network if you have a valid University network account.
Connect to: eduroam lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/visiting/eduroam
Duplex
(double sided) Black & White A4
£0.05
£0.08
Black & White A3
£0.10
£0.16
Colour A4
£0.15
£0.25
Colour A3
£0.30
£0.50
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Services from home or when you’re on the move Most of our resources can be used from outside the University campuses via DISCOVER: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/discover or via the Digital Library: library.beds.ac.uk/search/D When you’re off campus, you’ll need your username and password to access resources. USERNAME: (the registration number on your ID card) PASSWORD: (your default password is your date of birth in the ddmmyy format) If you have a question check our Frequently Asked Questions pages on LRWeb: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/faq
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Other libraries
You can continue your studies at other universities when you are away from the University of Bedfordshire. The University is a member of a number of co-operative schemes which you can use: SCONUL Access: For undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers and staff. Each category has its own range of service benefits: www.access.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access
You can find help on using all our facilities from our website: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/help
SCONUL Vacation Access Scheme: Summer vacation access – reference only. www.sconul.ac.uk
You can call us for help on: 01582 743488 Alternatively email us: library.services@beds.ac.uk IT issues:library.technical@beds.ac.uk
M25:Consortium of academic libraries in the London/ M25 area for undergraduates, researchers and staff. www.search25.ac.uk
Computer software and equipment
All LRC/Library PCs have Microsoft facilities to customise screen appearance. These features are available: • Colour combinations on your screen • Size of text • Text reader • USB ports may be used to connect any note taking equipment • A small number of PCs have keyboards with extra large keys • If you find it easier to read from coloured paper please ask a member of staff and we will supply coloured paper for your printing or photocopying • Height adjustable tables
Software and equipment Kurzweil 1000 All campuses on a Text scanner/reader for blind dedicated PC or visually impaired students
Mind Genius / Inspiration Ideas/brainstorming software
All campuses / all student PCs
Inspiration
On dedicated PC
ZoomText All campuses on a Text scanner/reader for blind selected PC or visually impaired students Read & Write Gold Screen web reader. Useful for All Campuses on dyslexia and visual impairment selected PCs and proof-reading assignments lrweb.beds.ac.uk/readwrite
Optolec Text Magnifier Magnifies printed items with Luton, Bedford and the option of various coloured Aylesbury backgrounds
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Library services
You can borrow up to 20 items at a time with your LRC/ Library account via our easy to use self issue machines. You can return items to any of the campus LRCs/Libraries. Borrowing Standard loan: Loan period 2 weeks, 20 renewals per item – unless reserved by another person. 7 day loan: Loan period 1 week, 20 renewals per item – unless reserved by another person. Overnight loan: Return by 23.59 the following day. No renewals, you cannot reserve these items. Term loan:Teaching Practice collection (Bedford campus only), loan period is for one term. No renewals.
Renewals
Any Standard or 7 day loan item can usually be renewed up to 20 times. Overnight and Teaching Practice items cannot be renewed. You can renew items in several ways: • • • •
Via the Library Catalogue. Click on the ‘RENEWALS Sign In’ tab using your username and password library.beds.ac.uk By phone: 01582 743262 At a self service machine
Remember
You will not be able to renew the item if it is reserved by another person.
Fines
To avoid fines, renew your loans or bring them back by the due date. You will be informed by email when items are about to become overdue. There is a 7 day grace period on Standard loans and three days for 7 day loans. After this, an overdue notice
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will be sent out by email to your University email account. The fine will go onto your library account. STANDARD LOANS 50p 7 DAY LOANS 75p OVERNIGHT LOANS £1 When £22 of fines and/or billed items has built up you will not be able to borrow, renew, reserve or use digital resources. You can pay off your fines in total or by instalments.
Reservations
If you need a book which is currently on loan to someone else or is kept at another campus, you can reserve it. It will be delivered to the campus of your choice. You can reserve up to 6 items at a time via the library catalogue. This service is free. library.beds.ac.uk USERNAME: the registration number on your ID card PASSWORD: your default password is your date of birth in the ddmmyy format Keep an eye on your University email account and your library account as we use these to notify you when the item is ready to collect. “University of Bedfordshire Library Notice” will be in the subject bar of the email. You may also request an article from a journal kept at another University campus: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/intercampus
Very pleased with the services I get from the staff in the library. They help a great deal to an extent that I cannot but express how grateful I am for all the help I’ve been given
Self service
You borrow, return, reserve and renew items by using the self service facilities. The self service machines at all our campuses are easy to use and have on screen instructions. When you issue or return items you will get a printed receipt. lrweb.beds.ac.uk/selfservice You can also look at our Just a minute video guides for more information: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/videos/selfissue lrweb.beds.ac.uk/videos/selfreturns
Document supply
If you can’t find what you need for your dissertation or research and if you’re a level 3 undergraduate, postgraduate, researcher or staff you can request items from our Document Supply service. For more information and a link to the request forms see: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/documentsupply
While you wait
Children and young people under the age of 18 are not allowed into the LRC/Library. Where resources allow, a ‘while you wait’ service is available to customers with accompanying children. Please ask a member of staff at reception or the LRC/Library entrance and we will return or collect learning materials for you ‘while you wait’ with your child.
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Additional support
Additional support is available if you have particular mobility, learning or physical disabilities. All services are available at Luton, University Square and Bedford, Polhill. Most are also available at the Health sites and Putteridge Bury.
Student support – health and wellbeing
During your time at University you may need specialist support and guidance to help you succeed. The University of Bedfordshire is committed to providing a positive and supportive environment for all students and has a variety of professional teams that can help.
Counselling service
A professional service supporting students with personal or emotional problems. counselling@beds.ac.uk counsellingbedford@beds.ac.uk
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Mental health support
Specialist support for students experiencing mental health difficulties. jill.gale@beds.ac.uk
Disability and dyslexia support
Advice, information and support for students with disabilities, long-term medical conditions or Specific Learning Difficulties, such as dyslexia. disability@beds.ac.uk Luton: 01582 743 915 Bedford: 01234 793 333
Access to your LRC/Library
Each LRC/Library has staff to offer advice to customers who require additional support. Where appropriate they can make specific arrangements to help individuals. Learning Resources has text enlargement software, text readers and mind mapping packages which are available for everyone via student PCs. Learning Resources offers a range of services to support LRC/Library users with additional needs. These include mediated photocopying, unlimited renewals and book collecting. The University of Bedfordshire endeavours to make its buildings accessible to all students and staff by way of: • • • •
Ramped or other accessible means of entry Accessible toilets Automatic doors inside some buildings Lifts with voice notifications
Managing your loans
Students with assistive status are entitled to unlimited renewals (unless the item is requested by another customer). All other customers may renew their loan items up to 20 times. Other sanctions associated with borrowing, library account blocks and charges for replacement or missing items still apply.
Access arrangements do vary by campus so you are advised to ask staff for more detailed information if required. It is important for health and safety reasons that staff are aware of customers with mobility difficulties. Please inform a member of staff if you may require assistance in leaving the building in the event of an emergency evacuation. You can return any LRC/Library items to any campus. If you wish to collect items from a specific campus request this when you reserve your item.
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Help
Staff are here to help you get the most out of the library services, finding information resources, enhancing your academic skills and developing your computer skills. Customer Service
Customer Service Desks are staffed through core LRC/ Library opening hours. Please check the website for details. lrweb.beds.ac.uk/opening
Academic Liaison Librarians
The Academic Liaison Librarians are here to help. Each of the librarians is an expert in their subject and can support your learning by providing the help and advice you need to produce high quality academic information to get the best grades possible. • What information you need for your essay, presentation or dissertation • The best resources you can use to find that information • Developing excellent search skills to find high quality academic information quickly • Referencing and how you can avoid plagiarism The Academic Liaison Librarians are here to support you throughout your University career. You’ll see them as part of your course but they also run workshops, drop-ins and tutorials as part of StudyHub where you can learn to use the resources we have on offer. Find out who your Academic Liaison Librarian is here: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/help/alls Subject specific information can be found online by visting: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/subjectguides
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Computer Skills Training
Learning Resources offer free ICT training to all students to help you develop the necessary skills to produce better assignments. Beginner and more experienced IT users welcome. lrweb.beds.ac.uk/cst
Professional and Academic Development
The Professional and Academic Development Team are here to help you enhance your academic skills (such as assignment interpretation, planning and writing, referencing, maths and statistics, note-taking, presentation skills, critical thinking, time management and exam techniques). Regardless of your level of study, we will be able to help you to become a more efficient and effective learner. lrweb.beds.ac.uk/pad
Help away from the University
You can find help on using all our facilities on our website: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/help You can also ask for help by calling: 01582 743488 Alternatively email us: IT issues: library.technical@beds.ac.uk Service queries: library.services@beds.ac.uk
Library guides
Learning Resources have created expert guides for you to use while you study. Find out how you can read ejournals, ebooks, search databases, check the catalogue and get subject guides from home using: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/guides
lrweb.beds.ac.uk
The library website is always the first place that I look for information and it has never let me down.
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Study Hub
Improve your assignment grades by visiting the Study Hub and accessing free professional support to develop a wide range of relevant and valuable academic skills. Three teams of specialists: Academic Liaison Librarians, Computer Skills Trainers and Professional and Academic Development (PAD) Tutors can help you develop your academic skills and improve your assignment writing and preparation techniques; leading to better grades and enhanced employability. Learn what information you need for your assignments, how to find it and assess if it’s relevant and reliable. Then use the techniques you have discovered to manage your time effectively and improve your academic writing style or your presentation skills. On BREO you will find a wide range of online guides to help you. These cover key areas for success such as library resources, referencing, academic writing, maths, study skills and how to optimise your use of Microsoft Office products. Take advantage of what’s on offer by attending a workshop, or visiting a drop in session or book an appointment with a specialist. Having excellent academic skills on finding, reading and using information for those assignments can really help boost your confidence and your abilities at University. Phone: 01582 489027 Email: studyhub@beds.ac.uk Web: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhub
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Study Hub enhance your academic skills
Finding and using information
Referencing and avoiding plagiarism
Academic and assignment writing
Presentations and group work
Maths, statistics and Excel
Managing your own learning
lrweb.beds.ac.uk/studyhub 21
Learning environment
With 1,500 seats in a variety of learning environments look out for our social, quiet, silent and IT learning spaces at the LRC/Library you use. We all have a responsibility to help maintain the study environment. When studying in the LRC/library please remember: • Make as little noise as possible in the Silent areas; many people have great difficulty studying in noisy surroundings • Keep your mobile phone on SILENT mode while in LRC/Library. Voice conversations and ring tones are not permitted in silent areas. Silent areas will be subject to our sanctions • Return books and other materials to designated points • Don’t eat or drink whilst in the LRC/Library: foodstuffs may seriously damage books and equipment • Put rubbish in the recycling bins provided • Look after all parts of the learning environment: books, IT equipment, furniture, carpets, planters and so on • Removal of Learning Resources stock without being issued will be treated as theft lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/codeofpractice To help maintain our learning environment there are some straightforward rules and legal obligations which everyone at the University of Bedfordshire has agreed to observe. Short versions appear in posters in our LRCs/library. Full details are on our website at: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/sanctions
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ID card
Please have your University ID with you at all times as you will need it to enter and exit our buildings, identify yourself, check out books, use printers and other resources.
Code of Conduct
Safety and care: We would like everyone to feel safe in Learning Resources. To ensure a positive visit we ask you to treat all equipment with care and to observe the safety notices displayed in all the resource areas. Please note in particular: • • • • •
Don’t leave your laptop, mobile, purse/wallet or any valuables unattended If you feel unsafe or intimidated at any time please tell staff or security about it Don’t lift any floor plates or create any trip hazards Don’t open or interfere with any electrical equipment Children and young people under the age of 18 are not allowed into the LRC/Library
Access is restricted to: • • •
Ensure the highest level of personal security for under 18s Maintain an appropriate study environment for all LRC/Library customers Conform to University regulations
There is additional information to cover overnight opening at Bedford Library and Luton LRC during 24/7 lrweb.beds.ac.uk/opening/247-advice
Let’s keep in touch
There are a variety of ways to keep in touch with us, via LRWEB, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or our Blog sites. Tell Us
Your experience of using the LRC/Library is very important to us. Please let us know what you think either through the feedback post cards available at every LRC/Library or online at: beds.ac.uk/tellus
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You are also welcome to contact our senior managers with any issues you may have:
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Replies can be made directly to you and/or via the Learning Resources Blog. At your regular course committees you will have the opportunity to raise specific LRC/Library queries via your student reps. Usually one of the Academic Liaison Librarians will be there to answer your query.
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Tim Stone Director of Learning Resources & Student Support: tim.stone@beds.ac.uk Marcus Woolley University Librarian: marcus.woolley@beds.ac.uk
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Top tips • L earn how to use the library catalogue to find resources on your reading lists • Check lrweb.beds.ac.uk to read more about the services, help and guidance we provide • Find out who your Academic Liaison Librarian is and how they can help you • Remember to check out the FAQs to find answers to questions you may have at: lrweb.beds.ac.uk/faq • Make sure your username and password work for all your accounts • Try borrowing / returning a book to make sure you can use the self service machines • Make sure you read the instructions on how to print • Check your Google Mail account for important messages from the University • Avoid fines by remembering to renew your books online before they go overdue
lrweb.beds.ac.uk libraryideas@beds.ac.uk facebook.com/uoblibrary @uoblibrary lrweb.beds.ac.uk/blogs
Contact us edford campus B Polhill Avenue Bedford Bedfordshire MK41 9EA Buckinghamshire campus Oxford House Oxford Road Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP21 8SZ Butterfield Park Unit 270 Butterfield Park Hitchin Road Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 8DL Luton campus University Square Luton Bedfordshire LU1 3JU Putteridge Bury campus Hitchin Road Luton Bedfordshire LU2 8LE UCMK Saxon Court 502 Avebury Boulevard Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK9 3HS