Library services and resources

AMBS has its own library accessible for all Business School students. This library is located on the second floor of the AMBS building. As a University of Manchester student you also have access to all the libraries available on campus. The University of Manchester Library provides you with the resources and support you need throughout your programme. In addition to books, there are iPads for loan. Your My Manchester portal 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.

Library guides for business and management students provide 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. In addition to this, 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.

Study spaces

As well as the library and clusters in AMBS, additional study spaces are available at the Main Library and the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons (see below). These are also bookable via MyManchester.

The Main Library

The Main Library holds the principal collection of other schools’ books and journals. It also contains additional bookable 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 Main Library has long opening hours and extends these during exam periods. It also has an extensive collection of eBooks, databases and ejournals. Please check Locations and Opening Hours for full details on opening hours and facilities.

Alan Gilbert Learning Commons

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 are 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 Learning Commons staff in partnership with other teams across the University. Full details of workshops are available via My Learning Essentials.

Find out more:

Business Research Plus

Get expert help, advice and assistance on business and management resources from our hugely popular blog featuring database tips, app reviews and much more.

Bloomberg

Bloomberg is a financial database platform which provides access to Equities, Commodities, Foreign Exchange and Price Indices data, for example. In addition, there are Charts, News Service and comprehensive Help features.

Why MLE?

My Learning Essentials is the Library’s programme of skills support, including both online resources and face-to-face workshops which will aid you in your personal and professional development.

The workshops offer a relaxed group environment where you can try out new strategies for yourself while learning from and with peers.

The online resources cover everything from referencing, to managing your procrastination, to writing a CV and you can access them through the Library website from wherever you are, whenever you need to!

What makes My Learning Essentials great?

• My Learning Essentials offers support to the whole student community, regardless of your subject and at all stages of undergraduate and postgraduate study.
• It’s all about gaining new skills to help you through your studies as well as developing the abilities you already have!
• You choose to develop skills and interests which are relevant to you, at times and using the methods that suit you best.
• It’s a great way to get the most out of your time at Manchester; helping you to make the best use of all of the specialist resources and support the University has to offer.
• Their partnerships with services across campus, such as The University of Manchester Counselling Service and Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS) connect you to the vital support that you need, when you need it.
• Dedicated careers sessions, combined with the opportunity to select the skills and competencies you would like to develop, means My Learning Essentials can help prepare you for the world after your degree!

Alliance Manchester Business School has a group subscription to FT.com

Visit the Financial Times website via the AMBS intranet and fill in your details for unlimited access to FT.com articles and tools.

The University of Manchester Library has a Study Skills Website where you will find sources of information, hints & tips and practical activities to help you develop your study skills and become a better learner.

You’ll also find advice about how to prepare for lecturers, tutorials and seminars, how to deal with exam stress, organizing yourself,and on personal development and career planning.

Alliance Manchester Business School has its own IT facilities for students comprising a number of clusters of networked PCs. Printers are available in all of the clusters and print credits may be purchased on-line.

Wireless network connections are available in many areas of the School for students wishing to use their own laptops.

Read additional information about University IT Services and IT courses on the University Intranet.

The computer clusters in AMBS are working environments and you are expected to behave with proper respect for the equipment and staff and students working in the cluster. Food and drink are not permitted in any computer cluster.

Please read The University of Manchester’s regulations relating to the misuse of Computing Facilities and Software Copyright which are set out in the University of Manchester Student Guide.

All general IT queries can be answered by visiting the IT Services website.

These quick links may help to answer the most frequently asked questions:

• Anti-virus
• Eduroam
• Printing
• Mobile email for UG/PGT students
• Hornet