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Get Started FAQs

To help you Get Started using the Library we have put together some of the questions we often get asked by students.

If there is a question that hasn’t been answered here that you would like help with email library at warwick dot ac dot uk or message us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and we will get back to you with an explanation.

There is a wide range of support available within the Library. You can email us at Library at Warwick dot ac dot uk at any time. During the hours of 8.30am to 9.30pm a member of the Library Team will get back to you as soon as possible. After 9.30pm you can also use our ‘Ask a Librarian Service’.

You can also contact the Library on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. You can also contact the Academic Support Librarian for your subject for help and support to:

  • Find information for essays and projects
  • Access key resources for your subject
  • Reference effectively and avoid plagiarism
  • Email: Academicsupport at warwick dot ac dot uk to set up a virtual 1:1 appointment with the librarian for your subject or contact them directly

The Library has a range of services, equipment and assistive software to support your learning. Visit Accessibility.

Within the Library, the Assistive Technology Area is located on Floor 1. We also have individual Accessible Study Rooms for those registered with the University’s Disability Services. For individual advice on how to use the Library and signpost to further support, please email library at warwick dot ac dot uk.

Accessing the Library and borrowing books and resources is completely free.

You will find the reading list for your modules in your module Moodle course, and also from the Reading List link on the Library homepage.

You can use Library Search to look for both electronic and physical books. You can search by topic, author or for a specific book title. You will also find resources for your studies on your departmental reading lists.

For more information on how to search for the readings for your course check out our Get Started Moodle Course.

When you find a book on the Library catalogue you will be provided with a series of letters and numbers called a classmark which will help you locate the book in the Library. See more information on how to understand classmarks to find the books you need.

There is no limit on the number of electronic books you can access using Library Search.

For physical books, the number you can borrow depends on your level of study.

The length of time you can borrow books for depends on their loan period and your level of study.

You can renew your books as many times as you wish, so long as they haven’t been recalled by another student. Log on to your Library account to do this.

Books can be recalled at any time if they have been requested or reserved by another student. If this happens you will receive an email from the Library asking you to return it.

We do not charge fines for late books. However if a book is recalled (another student has requested the book) you will need to bring the book back. If a recalled book is not returned by the new due date, your access to borrowing will be temporarily blocked. If after two weeks of a recalled item being overdue, the item isn’t returned, you will be invoiced for a replacement. For the most up to date information make sure you are check the Library website.

You can return a book using the returns machine on floor 1 of the Library.

You will need your University of Warwick Student card to access the Library. When you arrive at the Main Library follow the signage.

There is lift access via the ground floor Café Library entrance on Library Road. Take the lift to the first floor. There are two alternative accessible entrances (if the lift is out of order). For more information on physical access to the Library including parking provision, lifts and toilets see the Accessibility.

The main library is open 24/7 for most of the year. Opening hours at our other study spaces vary. Please check up to date opening hours.

The Library has the main building, several Learning Grids and the Post Grad Hub which you can use to study. Before visiting the Library or Library spaces please check their opening times and availability.

There are a limited number of PCs available in the main Library building and Learning Grids.

Multifunctional printers can be found throughout the Library. Scan your University card or enter your IT username and password on any printer to collect your documents.

Print: first top up your printer credit online

Scan for free: to your email or H:\drive.

Yes, you can bring your own cold food and hot drinks into the Library. For full information of where in the Library food and drink is allowed see Library conduct.

The Library Associates are Undergraduate student volunteers from multiple departments who provide Library tips and advice to students, signpost to Library services and feedback to the Library on what matters to you. The Library Associates recruit in Term 3 every year.

From time to time the Library community team advertise volunteering opportunities to help them run their popular events to help students take a break from their studies such as Mindfulness, Meet Library community and Switch on and Work, so keep your eye out on the Library’s Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Find out more about Library community.