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This introduction to learning centres explains what they are, how to establish, manage and market them, what open learning is, how to provide learner support and outreach and how to evaluate learning materials. In the United Kingdom (UK), learning centres are one of a number of flexible approaches to providing access to learning. The overall objective of a learning centre is to overcome the barriers which many learners face: time (resources being available when the individual is free to take advantage of them); pace (courses of study which allow the learner to study at the speed which suits them best); and place (courses which allow the learner to choose where they want to study). The very clear benefits to both the organisation providing the centre and the individual learner are: cost-effective delivery of learning; increased participation in learning; developing individuals, which also develops the business; individuals accepting greater responsibility for their own development; reduced staff turnover; greater productivity; integration with and value adding to other approaches to learning; and a visible central point of contact for the organisation's learning initiatives. The major benefits to the individual are: a convenient location; opening times to meet learners' needs; access to high quality learning materials, equipment and support in a variety of forms ranging from information about other opportunities to links to tutors for assistance with subjects being studied.