Academic Resources

The MCC Libraries, located in Bedford and Lowell, house more than 55,000 books, as well as magazines, and video and audio recordings. The collection at each campus has been developed to support the research needs of the courses offered there. As a member of the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE), Middlesex participates in a cooperative program allowing our students to borrow from a shared collection of more than 1 million items in a wide variety of formats.

Each MCC library subscribes to approximately 150 magazines and journals. This print collection is supplemented by Internet access to more than 10,000 others through the libraries’ databases. These databases are available to search within the libraries or can be searched remotely from any computer having Internet access to the college website: www.middlesex.mass.edu/Library.

Librarians at both campuses are available to assist students with finding materials and conducting library research. They provide group instruction on all areas of information literacy in the electronic classroom available in each library.

In addition to these academic resources, all computers for general student use – both for the purposes of library research and to complete course assignments – are located in the libraries. These computers have been integrated throughout the libraries and are reserved for use by MCC students only. Wireless network access is available in both campus libraries.

The Bedford Campus Library is located in the Academic Resource Center (Building 1); 781-280-3708. The Lowell Campus Library is located in MCC’s Federal Building, 50 Kearney Square; 978-656-3004. Visit the MCC Libraries online at: www.middlesex.mass.edu/Library. 

MCC students are provided access to the Middlesex Community College Portal (myMCC) on the college website (mymcc.middlesex.mass.edu), e-mail, the Internet and the World Wide Web, and have open access to computers at various locations on campus. Campus computers are equipped with software for word processing, spreadsheet and other applications to work on academic projects and assignments.

In Bedford, open computer access is available in the library and Writing Center, located in the Academic Resources Building (Building 1). In Lowell, computers are available in the library (Federal Building), the Writing Center (City Building, LC 406B), the Language Arts Center (City Building, LC 403) and in the Derby Building (88 Middle St., Room 204). Please check the specific hours of availability for each facility on the myMCC Web portal, as times may vary and are subject to change.

In addition, wireless network computer access is available in most areas of Middlesex, including the libraries and cafeterias on both campuses. To read MCC’s Computer and Network Usage Policy in full, see Policies & Regulations.

Flexible Studies at Middlesex provide an alternative learning environment to traditional classroom instruction. Flexible Studies courses provide flexible scheduling, accelerated pacing, extended study options and continuous enrollment. Most courses are available days, nights and weekends.  

Students in Flexible Studies courses select convenient class hours from many available course-meeting times, learn at their own pace, accelerate or take extra time, work with an instructor who specializes in the subject, and use a variety of learning tools – such as texts, videos, computers and online resources. A new “hybrid option,” combining on-site and online learning, adds to the flexibility of many courses. The Flexible Studies format is adaptable to diverse learning styles, incorporating Web-based technologies, computer programs, audio-visual material, and one-on-one or small-group instruction.

Flexible Studies offers more than 80 credit courses, in subjects such as reading, writing, math, ELL (English Language Learner), computer applications, behavioral sciences, social sciences and many different foreign languages.

Flexible Studies is located in Bedford in the Academic Resource Center (Building 1, First Floor), and in Lowell in the City Building (Room 406A). For more information, visit the Flexible Studies website or call 781-280-3736 (Bedford) or 978-656-3350 (Lowell).

The goal of MCC’s Academic Support Department and its Centers for Learning is to help students “learn how to learn” and thereby develop the skills necessary to be successful students. MCC learning centers provide a challenging and supportive environment, where students can work independently and collaboratively. They can achieve academic success by gaining an understanding of their learning styles, and by mastering learning strategies that can be applied to their courses.

Located on both the Bedford and Lowell campus, the Centers for Learning offer drop-in help, as well as group and individual appointments, depending on the subject matter. Tutoring and support in writing, reading/study skills, math, science, computer applications, computer science, accounting, business, economics, nursing and ELL (English Language Learner) courses are offered. Online tutoring and support is also available in many subjects.

Students are encouraged to visit the Centers for Learning early in the semester. Hours and locations differ. For more information, call 781-280-3724 or visit our website: www.middlesex.mass.edu/tutoringservices.

The Disability Support Services (DSS) Office at Middlesex provides support for individuals who have physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities. Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations and/or services which could include testing accommodations, note-takers, pre-registration advising, assistive technology and/or tutoring. For further information about disability support services, call 781-280-3630.

Note: For students with significant learning disabilities who would find traditional college-level academics too challenging, even with extensive support services, MCC offers the Transition Program .