Collaborative Room
The MCA Library Collaborative Room provides a dedicated environment for students and other authorised users who need to undertake academic work together.
The facility is intended to support group study, academic discussion, collaborative assignments, presentations, research discussion and other appropriate learning activities.
What Is the Collaborative Room?
The Collaborative Room is a Library facility designed for academic activities that require users to work together rather than study entirely on an individual basis.
It complements the Library's quieter individual study environment by providing a suitable space for constructive academic interaction.
Suitable Uses
Group Study
Work together on course-related reading, revision and preparation for assessments.
Academic Discussion
Discuss academic topics, concepts, assignments and learning activities in an appropriate collaborative environment.
Group Assignments
Use the space for planning, developing and reviewing legitimate group academic work.
Research Discussion
Collaborate on research-related discussions, literature reviews and other scholarly activities.
Presentations and Preparation
Prepare academic presentations and rehearse collaborative presentations where permitted.
Peer Learning
Support constructive peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing.
Who May Use the Room?
Use of the Collaborative Room is intended for eligible MCA Library users and other authorised users in accordance with the applicable Library arrangements.
Priority should be given to legitimate academic and research activities that genuinely require collaborative space.
Using the Collaborative Room Responsibly
A collaborative room is still part of the Library environment. Users must therefore balance productive group discussion with consideration for other Library users.
- Use the room for legitimate academic, learning or research activities.
- Keep discussions at a reasonable level and avoid creating unnecessary disturbance outside the room.
- Respect other users and Library staff.
- Keep the room clean and orderly.
- Do not damage furniture, equipment or other Library property.
- Follow instructions provided by Library staff.
- Leave the room ready for the next authorised users.
Booking and Access
Campus arrangements may differ
The availability and booking arrangements for Collaborative Rooms may vary by campus and according to Library operations.
Users should confirm the current booking or access procedure with their campus Library before planning a collaborative session.
The Library will publish campus-specific booking information here when the applicable procedures have been confirmed and standardised.
Before You Use the Room
Please make sure that your activity is appropriate for a Library environment and that the Collaborative Room is the appropriate facility for your intended use.
- Confirm that the room is available through the applicable campus arrangement.
- Bring only the materials and equipment required for your academic activity.
- Respect any instructions concerning the use of room furniture and equipment.
- Keep personal belongings secure and do not leave valuables unattended.
Collaborative Learning and Academic Integrity
Collaboration should support learning and legitimate academic work. Users remain responsible for complying with their programme requirements and the College's academic integrity expectations.
Group discussion and peer assistance must not be used to misrepresent another person's work as one's own or to facilitate academic misconduct.
Care of the Facility
The Collaborative Room is a shared Library resource. Users should help protect the facility so that it remains available to other students, staff and researchers.
- Keep tables, chairs and other facilities in good condition.
- Report damage or faults to Library staff.
- Do not remove Library property or room equipment without authorisation.
- Leave the facility clean and ready for the next users.
Campus Libraries
MCA provides Library facilities across its Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu campuses. Availability of collaborative facilities may differ between campuses.
Blantyre Campus
Collaborative study arrangements are provided as part of the Library's learning environment, subject to campus facilities and Library procedures.
Lilongwe Campus
Users should confirm the availability and current arrangements for collaborative study with the Lilongwe Campus Library.
Mzuzu Campus
Users should confirm the availability and current arrangements for collaborative study with the Mzuzu Campus Library.
Need Help?
If you need assistance with access to the Collaborative Room, ask a librarian through the MCA Library's Ask a Librarian service.
The live chat widget on this Library Website can be used to contact Library staff when the service is available.
Find Other Library Facilities
The MCA Library also provides study spaces and other services to support learning, teaching and research.