Digital learning and dynamic spaces: How e-books are transforming the student experience at Itchen College

With an underused library and an untapped e-books platform, the team was determined to maximise student learning and create an inclusive environment that met the needs of today’s students. Adrian explained:

“The e-books were there, but people didn’t know about them.”

With limited library staff and a tight budget, Adrian and the senior leadership team focused on promoting existing resources. To address this, the team created subject-specific e-book lists, distributed them to teaching staff, and embedded direct links into Google Classroom. “Reducing clicks was key,” Adrian highlighted. Students wanted quick, easy access to information, and by streamlining the process, the college met students where they were.

"The key with the e-books was simply making people aware that they existed. At the time, many staff and students weren’t aware of the resource. So, the leadership team focused on a straightforward promotional strategy. They then communicated this to staff through the directors of departments and the leadership group, who passed it on to their teams."

The results were immediate. Teachers began integrating e-books into their lessons, making them an indispensable classroom tool. Courses like health and social care, where expensive textbooks can be a barrier, saw a particularly strong uptake. “Students who couldn’t afford a physical textbook could now access it online, anytime,” Adrian shared. “It’s a cost-effective solution that ensures no one is left behind.”

Andrew Jackson, product owner for e-books for FE at Jisc, added:

“The team’s proactive approach has resulted in a significant increase in the usage of the Jisc e-books for FE collection, which Itchen College accesses for free as part of their Jisc core subscription. User sessions have soared from 162 in the 2021-2022 academic year to 4,466 in 2023-2024, equating to an annual saving of £6,260 in e-book purchases. Jisc also provides a range of promotional materials to support e-book usage, including a guide on how to use the service.”

Transforming the learning space

The strategy didn’t stop with the promotion of e-books. The senior leadership team saw an opportunity to transform the library which needed a refresh, not just in aesthetics but in purpose. “It was an underutilised space,” Adrian recalled. “The team's priority was to get more people into the study centre and to make it work for them.”

Today, the centre caters to diverse learning needs, featuring collaborative areas for group work, quieter nooks for focused study, and accessible technology like Chromebooks. Adrian said:

“It’s not about silence anymore. The entire team have worked very hard to create a welcoming environment where every student feels comfortable to learn in their own way.”

The centre also features a sleek, modern design with white tables and wooden legs, aiming to create an office-like environment that helps students transition to university or work.

The impact of these changes is evident not just in usage statistics but in the stories of students whose learning experiences have been transformed. From learners accessing textbooks they couldn’t otherwise afford to those gaining the independence to study at their own pace, the college’s strategy has helped cater to all types of learners.

Adrian noted that the most loaned items are now Chromebooks and PCs, rather than physical books. This shift reflects the changing needs of students and the importance of digital resources in modern education. He explained:

“We’ve done that pivot from it being a library to a study space because there are all sorts of connotations that go with a library.”

Additionally, the study centre includes a room for study mentors who assist students struggling with organisation, research skills, or workload management. Adrian explained:

“We can book in seven or eight students to work with a mentor in this little classroom, and they can sit and work on Chromebooks.”

This setup not only provides academic support but also fosters peer-to-peer learning.

Inclusion is key

Itchen College is particularly proud of how the study centre supports students from diverse economic backgrounds. Adrian noted:

“Not all students have a quiet space to work at home. Providing a comfortable and accessible study space at college is really important.”

The centre’s inclusive design ensures that all students, regardless of their home environment, have a place to study and succeed.

The promotion of e-books has also had a significant impact on students who might not have been able to afford textbooks. Adrian shared:

“We’ve had students who couldn’t afford a textbook talk about how they could access it online and use it where they otherwise wouldn’t have had access to it.”

This access to digital resources has been crucial in promoting equity and supporting students’ academic success.

Promotion doesn’t have to cost money

In a sector often constrained by budgets, Itchen College’s journey is a testament to the power of resourcefulness. By embracing digital tools like e-books and rethinking how spaces are used, the team has created a model of sustainable success.

For other colleges looking to adopt digital resources, the college offered some practical advice:

“Promotion doesn’t have to cost money. It’s about building awareness and engaging your colleagues. When educators see the immediate benefits, they’ll champion the cause.”

As the college continues to evolve, the team is optimistic about the future of digital resources. Their next goal? Building digital capabilities among staff and students to ensure they’re prepared for the demands of a technology-driven world.

“We want to continue to best equip them with the skills they need - both now and in the future.”

For more information about eBooks for FE and to stay updated on upcoming changes to the collection, contact your relationship manager.