Introducing the Library: access to a world of information and the skills to exploit it

At Reading, the University Library and Collections Services provide vital support for students, researchers and staff, complementing academic activities. We arrange access to the world of information – whether online, multimedia or in print – and the training and support to exploit it to the full. Come and make the most of us!

Help and training from information experts

Our staff are happy to help!

• You can ask us for help at Information Desks or by email. 
• Read our online online guides on understanding your reading list, finding information in your subject, searching databases effectively, citing your references, and more.
• Take advice and training on finding subject specific information from our professional liaison librarians serving students and researchers in each University school. 
• Take general training on using the Library’s Unicorn catalogue or using the EndNote package to search and manage references. 
• Disabled and dyslexic students may ask our Disability Co-ordinator for help with using the Library. See our Information for disabled users for details of the help we can offer.
• Busy part-time students can ring ahead and ask to have items put aside. Further help is available on our Information for part-time students page.

Providing resources

University collections are rich in resources

• Frequently used printed texts are held in our Course Collection. This ensures texts in heavy demand are shared more quickly and fairly between students.
• The Library arranges access to many electronic resources including reliable databases directing you to articles and books, and over 17,000 e-journals, easily accessible via our ‘E-journals finder’ software. Working with your tutors, we also make selected essential reading available in Blackboard, the University’s ‘virtual learning environment’.
• You can view the University’s rare books, manuscripts and archives collections at Special Collections Services, Redlands Road. They include three collections ‘Designated’ for their national and international importance: the Archive of British Publishing and Printing; the Samuel Beckett Collection; the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) and its library.

And there's more...

We also offer the following facilities.

• Study areas including quiet and silent study areas, group study and discussion rooms, and a comfortable, communal ‘Knowledge Exchange'. 
• IT facilities including open access PC areas, PC training rooms, a presentation practice room, specialist equipment and a staffed ITS help multimedia loans point.
• General and maths Study Advice.
• Cafélibro – relax and refuel with our own Fairtrade fare or bring your own.

Reaching beyond Reading

Our service extends beyond our own collections. 

• Our Inter-library loans service can bring you articles (most via electronic delivery) and books from other libraries. 
• We can also help you use other academic libraries in the UK, through reciprocal access schemes. The national British Library in London is also within easy reach of Reading.