Construction Subject guide

These resources are available on and off campus. If asked, select UK Federation login, Home Institution and/or Shibboleth, enter New College Lanarkshire then log on to the resources using your college username and password.

British Standards Online (BSOL)
Online access to a range of British Standards for best practice in areas such as building design, measurement, installation, construction and technical specifications.

ClickView
This is a video collection of over 19,000 titles including current TV recordings.   

Emerald Insight
Global publisher with a large portfolio of online journals and books including Open House International, an interdisciplinary research journal in architecture, building technology, housing, urban design and planning.

Gale News, Business and Reference
Access to a large range of online reference materials including journals, newspaper archives and e-books.

National Library of Scotland
A range of databases from the National Library of Scotland. They cover many subject areas and include e-books, newspapers, journals, audio-visual resources and images. You need to register on the website to gain access to the resources.

VADS (Visual Arts Data Service)
An online resource for the visual arts comprising over 100,000 images which have been copyright cleared for use in learning and teaching in the UK. 

Very Short Introductions
Expert authors combine facts, analysis, new insights, and enthusiasm to offer concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects.

Most of the print books for your course will be found in civil engineering (shelf mark 624 and above) and construction (690 -699) sections of the LLC, for subjects such as building, plumbing, plastering, brickwork and health and safety at work.

All books on construction can be found in the LLC catalogue.

The library also has a range of ‘English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)’ books, as well as a selection of fiction books.

E-books for construction can be found on the catalogue or through our providers E-book CentralVLe Books and E-books for Further Education. Further e-books are available through the 'Useful websites and Open Access resources' section above.


If asked, select UK Federation login, Home Institution and/or Shibboleth, enter New College Lanarkshire then log on to the resources using your college username and password.



Journals provide up-to-date information about a subject. In addition to the print title we hold below, we have access to many online titles on Gale News, Business and Reference and Emerald Insight.

Construction News (Back issues to 2020) (Motherwell)

Further journals are available through the 'Useful websites and Open Access resources' section above.


A range of academic DVD’s on various subjects, as well as a selection of movies, are available for loan. These may be borrowed for one week and can be requested from other Campus libraries if not available at your own.

Architects’ Journal Buildings Library
An essential tool for the modern architect; an easy-to-use digital database showcasing hundreds of exemplar projects, most from the last 20 years but including major projects back to 1900. 

BRE Scotland
Website providing information on sustainable development, energy performance of buildings and materials, and a construction advisory service.

Case Studies in Construction Materials
Website provides a forum for the rapid publication of short, structured Case Studies on construction materials and related Short Communications, specialising in actual case studies involving real construction projects.

Health and Safety Executive
UK agency which regulates and enforces health and safety practice, website offers links to legislation, guidance for individuals and industry, strategies and reports.

National Building Specification
Website offers specialist knowledge and knowledge tools which empower the construction industry.

The Spruce Crafts
Woodworking - free woodworking tutorials and project ideas, for beginner and advanced skill sets. Learn about common tools and woodwork techniques.

Click here to download a list of more free online resources.

All students may borrow up to 6 items for up to 4 weeks. Loans periods may be extended if no one else has requested the items. Renewals can be made in person, by phone, email or via the catalogue. Items can be reserved through our 'Click and Collect' facility on the catalogue.

Multifunctional print devices are available in each campus LLC, for black and white and colour printing, photocopying and scanning to email, and students are provided with print credit automatically at the start of the semester.

Computers in the LLCs can be booked for personal study through the 'Book a PC' link at the very top of this page or through the 'MyNCL' app.

LLC opening hours are available on the catalogue.

Contact us by email: library@nclan.ac.uk.

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