Information for new Library users
Welcome!
The University Library and its staff are here to support your studies, providing you with access to information – online, multimedia or printed – and the skills to make the most of it.
Learning how to use the Library
A large academic library can be confusing and hard to find your way around. Get a head start by...
- coming to a one-hour Finding your way workshop at the Library to find out how to search Unicorn and find items on the shelves
Or
- logging on to CyberLibrary
to find out how to use the Library and search Unicorn, the Library catalogue. Available 24/7 on Blackboard, the University's online learning system
Or
- watching our Videos
including Welcome to the Library and Finding a book
Also, watch out for any Library induction sessions that your School might have arranged. These will show you the basics of using the Library tailored to your subject.
Basic information you need
- Opening hours - find out when the Library is open
- Joining the Library
- Unicorn (the Library catalogue) - search this to find out what's available in the Library
- Borrowing - everything you need to know including, how many books you can borrow and for how long
- Course Collection - how to get hold of the most popular books on your reading lists
- Jargon buster - Library words explained
- Online dictionaries, encyclopedias and other reference sources - for summaries or definitions
- Study areas - we have an number of different types of study area available to allow you to work in groups or work quietly
- Code of Conduct and Library rules (PDF)
Help
Your librarian
Each subject has a liaison librarian who can help you with any subject related enquiries.
Information desks
Staff on our Information Desks can help you with general enquiries - don't be afraid to come and ask for help! There are Information Desks on the Ground, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Floor of the Library.
Guides
- Making the most of guide (PDF) - provides a general introduction to the Library.
- Finding information in your subject - use the 'Getting started' section if you're a Fresher; if you're a new postgraduate try the 'Beyond the basics' and 'Specialist resources' sections for your subject.
- Understanding your reading list - how to find items on your reading lists.
Help for disabled and dyslexic students
New research postgraduate or member of staff?
- Our Information for researchers page gives pointers to our resources for supporting your research.
- There is also a wealth of guidance for staff, including ways in which we can provide resources to support your teaching, on our Information for staff page.