Please note the Training Room on Floor 2 will be closed for the foreseeable. All those with pre-existing bookings will be contacted by Library staff and no future bookings will be taken until further notice. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Get in your zone!

As we move into term 2, the Library gets busier as you get further into your studies. To make sure the environment is supportive of study, it’s important that noise levels are appropriate, and that everyone is respectful of one another in the space. Did you know the Library has 3 types of noise zone to cater for your needs?

Floors 1 and 2 offer collaboration spaces where you can do group and individual study. Quiet discussion is permitted, and you can take mobile calls here if you wish.

There are 2 silent study rooms on the floor 2 extension for those of you who prefer to work in silence.

The rest of the building is a quiet zone, including stairwells – this means you need to keep talking to a minimum and keep mobiles on silent so as not to disturb your peers.

Report noise disturbances

Did you know you can report noise disturbances to Library staff from your mobile phone! Save this number and simply text NOISE and the exact location of the disturbance. A member of Library staff will be along to assist: 07920 531 153

Breathing Space

We know things get busy in term 2, and sometimes relaxation time is needed. Have you visited the breathing space on floor 1? This area is specifically for those wanting a quiet moment away from work, with relaxation music, comfy chairs, and a leisure reading collection.

We really hope term 2 is a productive one for you, and thank you for respecting your Library and peers at this busy time.

Acoustic testing will be carried out in the Junction from 8:00pm to 10:00pm on 9th January. The testing will involve some level of noise, and we apologise for any disruption caused.

Please note, the library will conduct overnight alarm system testing from Monday 6th to Wednesday 8th January. During this period, the library will close at midnight and re-open at 08:00 each morning. These tests are essential to ensure the effective operation of our security systems.

As we move through the term, we have a few important updates to share with you since our last Summer improvements recap. These renovations are designed to improve our shared spaces, making your learning experiences even better. We’ll keep you updated on any closures or changes to access as the work progresses.

Welcome Desk: You may have noticed some building work on the first floor of the Library. We're excited to announce that the work for combining the Welcome Point and Helpdesk into one central hub is nearly complete. This new space will streamline services, making it easier for you to get the support you need in one convenient location.

Draught lobby: With the cold nights drawing in, staying warm is more important than ever. A new draught lobby will be installed during Christmas vacation to reduce heat loss and save energy. During this time, the main entrance on the first floor will be temporarily closed, but a temporary entrance and exit will be provided. Details will follow closer to the time.

Library Lighting Project: As part of the University's Smart Energy initiative, we are still in the process of upgrading the Library’s lighting system to energy-efficient LED lights. This project will cut our energy use by about 70%, helping to create a more sustainable campus. These upgrades will save a massive 545,584 kWh per year—that’s the equivalent of driving around the world 56 times in an electric car! Not only will this reduce our environmental impact, but it will also improve the quality of lighting throughout the Library for a better study environment.

Accessible library: A new Assistive Technology area has now been set up on the floor 2 extension, featuring height-adjustable tables, private booths, and updated technology. The space is expected to open soon once the lighting project is completed. Accessible Study rooms in the Main Library have also been given a fresh look with new paint, furniture, and storage.

As a reminder, the Library offers a number of services and facilitiesLink opens in a new window to support students with disabilities or learning differences, including bookable accessible rooms for study.

Biomed Grid: Following some light refurbishments, the BioMed Grid is now open again with extended hours of 8:00 AM to midnight, 7 days a week.

Student hub for PGT students studying Science for Sustainable Futures: As part of the STEM connect project, an area within Learning Grid 1 in University house has now been made into a student hub primarily for PGT students on Science for Sustainable Futures courses. As a reminder, the remainder of Learning Grid 1 is still open as usual to all students, as is the Learning Grid 2 space on the ground floor.