The University Library is a central space for study, research and support. From solo studying to group work and research projects, our library has space and resources for study and work of all kinds.
There's more to our library than just books, computers, and desks – students can work collaboratively in our meeting pods and we have a dedicated study suite for postgraduate students to work in.
When you need a break from your studies, you can wind down and read for pleasure in our relaxation corner, swap your own books in our book nook, stay up-to-date with what's happening on our community noticeboard, and grab a barista-made coffee at the library café.
We've built a tradition of student-led change, ensuring students, researchers and staff enjoy facilities tailored to their needs and are supported by our friendly and responsive librarians.
For more detailed information about the services available, visit our Library website.
If you have any questions or want to know more about anything connected with the library, you can click the speech bubble button on any Library page to chat live with a real librarian or our out-of-hours support team online at any time 24/7.
Individual study spaces and study booths, drop-in meeting pods and open plan seating are available throughout the library
Around 383,000 printed books, over 476,000 ebooks and nearly 56,000 ejournals are available to borrow and access online
Equipment and facilities
- 400+ open access desktop computers and docking stations
- 410 loanable laptops with secure lockers
- Printing and scanning facilities
- Drop-in meeting pods
- Bookable group study rooms with presentation facilities
- Varied casual open plan seating for individual and group study
- Individual study pods
- Small group drop-in study pods
- 380,000 printed books
- 476,000 ebooks
- 56,000 ejournals
- Specialised electronic resources, including searchable scanned newspapers
- Dedicated map library offering specialised print and electronic map services
- Rare Books Collection offering rare prints, posters, and historical works
- University Archive offering local and institutional history
- Six faculty librarians offering expert subject research assistance
- Disability support — from scanning services and research support to assistive technologies
- In-house coffee shop
- Postgraduate study suite
- Exhibition space for staff and students
- 'Book Nook' with free donated books
- Relaxation corner with 'Quick Choice' collection of reading for pleasure books
Getting into the Library
The University Library welcomes visitors and SCONUL Access students from other institutions. SCONUL Access students should apply for a membership card via the SCONUL Access scheme. Members of the public wishing to use the University Library should apply for a free external membership card at least five days before their planned visit and collect it from the Library Reception desk during staffed hours. Your external membership card will then allow you to use the Library whenever it is open, and adult external members to borrow up to two books at a time.
Staff and students who arrive at the Library without their University card can obtain a printed day pass from the cardless visit kiosk outside the turnstiles. The cardless visit day pass only allows access through the turnstiles - you still require your student card to borrow books or a laptop and to claim any group study room you might have booked. Further information is available on our Student membership page.