Important Notice
Last updated on 4 January 2023 at 9:15 with information about availability of hot water and microwave in Scholars' Rest.
The Library is open! You are welcome to use the Library, abiding by the University's Covid-secure guidelines.
Here are the full details of the service available, and guidelines for safe use.
Please see our Opening Hours page for the most up-to-date information on open and staffed hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go to study for my exams?
If you need peace and quiet to study, you may wish to sit in one of our Silent Study zones. The whole of Floor 2 is Silent Study, as are sections of Floors 5 and 6.
Alternatively, if you want to get together to study with your friends, feel free to book a group study room. These are popular, so it's a good idea to book in advance!
For those who need a little background noise to concentrate, the majority of the library is "quiet study" – so expect a studious buzz in these areas. Or, feel free to listen to music or ambient noise, so long as you wear headphones! If you forget yours, in-ear headphones can be purchased for £4 from the library help desk on floor 4.
If you're feeling stressed or anxious and need to get away from it all, head to the new Calm Zone on Floor 5. You will find this at the end of the Silent Study area (near the lift). This is a space with no technology, no noise and no conversations. Please respect others who may be using this space at the same time.
Is there anywhere in the Library I can join an online class or meeting?
You are welcome to attend online classes from a computer or laptop in the Library, so long as you are wearing headphones and not disturbing other Library users. This may mean contributing to class discussions using the chat box rather than speaking, for example. In-ear headphones can be purchased for £4 from the library help desk on floor 4.
The Online Learning Suite on Floor 2 (room SB2/04) is a dedicated space for online study. Please note you will still need to use headphones in this room.
Please do not join online classes in any of the Silent Study areas (all of Floor 2, and the Silent Study areas on Floor 5). You are welcome to use any other area of the Library, including the Group Study Rooms (please note these must be booked in advance).
Can I use the bookable study rooms?
Group study rooms are available at full capacity. Maximum occupancy is clearly displayed upon booking.
Group study rooms can be pre-booked for up to two hours at a time. You can make one booking per day, and up to three per week.
Can I eat and drink in the Library?
You are welcome to bring in cold, bottled drinks. There are water dispensers on every floor of the Library where you can refill water bottles.
Scholars' Rest, the break area on floor 5, is the only area in the Library where food and hot drinks are allowed. There are also microwave and hot water facilities in Scholars' Rest to heat your own food and make your own drinks.
Are the printers and scanners available?
Printers and scanners are available as normal. Please wash and/or sanitise your hands before and after using the printers.
Please note that the printing system has changed; you now have to choose Mono (black & white) or Colour when you send to print. Please consult the posters in the Printing Hubs for more information.
Can I browse and borrow books?
Yes, you are welcome to browse the shelves and borrow books. Remember that you can search Summon before visiting the library, to identify useful books in advance and reduce the amount of time you need to spend searching the shelves.
What if I need a book that someone else has on loan?
If you need a book that someone else has, please use the "request" link in Summon. Full instructions are available in this video.
I can't get to the Library to return my books. Will I be fined if I don't return items on time?
If a book you have out has been requested, and you are unable to come in to return it by the due date, please contact us on library as soon as possible. Late returns are subject to fees.
I need a book and can't get to the Library. Can you post it to me?
You can request any book that is available in the library using our door-to-door service. There is a small charge for this service.
Can I borrow a laptop?
Laptops are available to borrow from the lockers outside the library entrance and in the 24/7 labs, during opening hours. Laptop loan periods have been extended, so you can now borrow a laptop for up to seven days at a time.
You can check how many laptops are available to borrow on our computer and laptop availability page before you travel to campus.
How can I get help with Library and IT queries?
You can get face-to-face support at the Library Help Desk during staffed hours, and you can also access IT Support via 01484 473737 on a 24/7 basis.
You will also find answers to commonly asked questions on HudHelp.
If you need help with your research, literature searching or referencing, please send your queries to our librarians via library, or book a one-to-one online appointment.
I'm a member of teaching staff. Can I order books/update my reading lists?
Yes, we are ordering books as normal. When ordering new books, we are prioritising items available electronically. These should be available online within a few days of ordering. Print items can still be ordered but may take longer to arrive.
I'm an external member/member of the public/SCONUL user. Can I use the library?
The Library is open to public users, including Alumni, public members, and SCONUL Access users.
How can I keep in touch with the library?
We are keeping all of our social media channels up to date with news, developments, and tips for studying remotely. Follow us to see the latest news, we are @hudlib on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
We also have useful videos on studying, literature searching, using Summon and more on our YouTube channel.
Please use HudHelp to find answers to other commonly-asked questions and to request support.