Introducing the Library: gateway to a world of information

Our mission

The purpose of the Library is to support teaching, learning and research in the University, by developing and promoting access to information resources; and also to contribute to the wider world of scholarship, and to the transfer of knowledge, by collaborating and co-operating with other organisations.

Providing information skills and resources

The Library and its staff are here to support students in their studies. Not just a collection of books, the Library gives access to a world of information in electronic and printed form. Students are provided with information skills to make effective use of them. These transferable skills provide a firm foundation for students’ future academic or professional development.

Information skills help and training

Students can get advice from the Library’s subject liaison librarians. Serving each University school, they have built up a knowledge of courses and students’ needs.

There are Information Desks at each Library site, including desks on each of the Main Library’s subject floors. Students are offered training and guidance in the use of the Library and its electronic information services.

Additional services are provided for students with special needs.

For more information go to Finding information.

Resources

The Library holds over 1.2 million books, plus journals, pamphlets, and multimedia material. There are special Course Collections at each site sharing items in heavy demand. Many databases and journals are made available electronically, usually on the web. The Library’s catalogue (called Unicorn) is quick and easy to search online. It allows users to renew or reserve items from each site themselves.

Further information is available on the following pages:

• E-resources - includes databases and e-journals
• Unicorn - further information about our Library catalogue

The University also has important collections of rare books and archives - for further information see the Special Collections website.

Sites

• Main Library Whiteknights covers most subjects taught in the University.
• Bulmershe Library at Bulmershe Court specialises in material supporting education, health and social care. It also has good collections in art, literature and music.
• The Special Collections Service gives access to the University's rare books and archives, many of national and international importance.

Other facilities

• Various Study zones including the refurbished Knowledge Exchange, group study rooms, quiet and silent study rooms at Main Library.
• Photocopying – there are self-service black and white photocopiers at all sites.
• Inter-library loans services can usually get books and journal articles not held by the Library.
• CaféLibro at Main Library. Refuel and relax here with our fairtrade fare, or bring your own . 
• Study advisers based at Main Library can advise on study and mathematical skills.

• IT facilities

  – On the Main Library’s 1st Floor, the S@iL Facilities provide banks of open access PCs, other specialist IT equipment, PC classrooms and presentation practice room. At Bulmershe Library, there are further IT and multimedia listening facilities.

• An IT Help Counter is provided by the University’s IT Services at Main Library to help with technical IT queries.