Library Tour

Library entrance and barriers

Welcome to the Main Library at the heart of campus. In the Library you can borrow materials, get support, learn new skills, meet your peers, study, and much more.

Swipe your University ID card against the barriers to enter and exit the Library. It is a one-way system, so keep left when approaching and follow the signage. If you experience any issues, please speak to the staff at the Helpdesk.

The barriers will detect books that have not been checked out properly and sound an alarm, so reminder to do this before exiting the building. Ask at the Helpdesk if you need support.

Helpdesk

The Helpdesk is usually open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. Our friendly and professional staff are fully trained and here if you have any questions about the Library or need assistance. If you have a subject specific enquiry, we can put you in touch with your Research and Academic Support Librarian (RASL), or you can find their contact details on our website.

Library Search

Use these dedicated Library Search machines to find where your books are. Books are arranged by classmarks (a combination of letters, numbers and decimal numbers.) You can find where the books for your subjects are located using our handy guide which can be collected from the Helpdesk. You can also access Library Search on your own computer or device so you can see what is in stock and you can access our huge range of online materials, including e-books, e-journals and databases.

Self-issue machines

You can borrow books using the self-issue machines. Scan your University ID card and sign in, and follow the instructions on the screen. When you're finished print a receipt. This logs you out of your account and will tell you when your books are due back.

Remember, you may have to return a book early if another user needs it - this is a 'recall'. You'll get an email to your University account giving you the new due date. Ask the Helpdesk if you need support.

Returns machine

Return your books here at any time. Put each book on the conveyor belt one at a time when the light turns green. Don’t forget to get a receipt too! If you have any problems, please speak to the Helpdesk or email: library@warwick.ac.uk

Click and Collect

You can order books from our shelves using the Click and Collect function on our Library Search via the Library website. You’ll be emailed when they are ready for you at the collection point where they will stay for four days. The books will be in classmark order and will have a receipt with the first five numbers of your University ID number on. Scan the books onto your card with our self-service machines before leaving the Library. The Click and Collect function also recalls books that are out on loan to others. If you have any problems, ask at the Helpdesk for assistance.

IT Services

Contact IT services for help with printing, setting up Wi-Fi, your University email account, and much more.

Accessible study rooms

There are six Accessible Study Rooms in the Main Library and one for postgraduate students in the PG Hub. These rooms are bookable by students registered with Disability Services. They are specifically curated for those students with accessibility needs. The rooms can be booked for up to three hours per day. The rooms can be booked on our website or via the panel on the doors. The rooms are private but not soundproof so please be mindful of noise when using the rooms.

Breathing Space

This is a popular spot to relax and take a break from study. Take a breath in a tranquil setting without having to leave the building. Use the comfy seating, listen to nature sounds, or explore the Leisure Reading Collection. Please respect the people around you in this quiet space.

Accessible Library

There are two Assistive Tech areas in the Library, one on Floor 1 and the other on Floor 2 extension. They offer a wide range of assistive technology and software to support your study needs, including scanners, adjustable furniture, and wide screens. Anyone can use these spaces, but we give priority to those with a specific need. You can also access assistive software, such as text-to-speech and mind mapping, from the Software Center on Windows 10 or Company Portal on Windows 11 on any University owned and networked computer. We have bookable Accessible and Sensory Study Rooms in the Library, for those registered with Disability Services. There is also a Sensory Study Room on Floor 2 Extension which is open for anyone to use.

Printers

Print, photocopy and scan on all 5 floors of the Library.

Pick up your printing from any printer by scanning your University ID card or entering your ITS username and password.

You can print from a University computer, or your own laptop or mobile device. (You will need to set your device up first!)

Buy printer credits online or via the MyWarwick app.

Facilities

There are toilets located on every floor of the Library, including the extension floors.

Ground Floor – Gender Neutral
Toilets and Accessible Toilet

First Floor and Second Floor
Extension – Female Toilets and Accessible Toilet

Second and Fourth Floor – Male Toilets

Third and Fifth Floor – Female Toilets

Third Floor Extension – Male Toilets and Accessible Toilet

The two lifts beside the toilets are for use by all students. The lift on the other side of the lobby is prioritised for those with accessibility needs and staff members. There is also a lift between the second and third extension floors. Behind the two lifts through the double doors are the central stairs. There are also north and south stairwells that can be used when the central staircases are busy. In each lift lobby is a drinking fountain to fill up your reusable bottles. Please do not drink directly from these fountains.

Mobile shelving

On the second and third floor extension we have some mobile shelving units. These are electronically operated and allow us to pack more books into a small space. To use the shelves, you will first need to check if anyone is using them. Once confirmed that the shelves are clear, check to see if any of the middle lights on all the shelves in front of you are flashing. If they are, press them until the flashing stops. You can then use the arrows to move the shelves that you need to. If you have any issues or require any assistance with the shelves, please contact the staff at the Helpdesk.

Study rooms

On the Floor 2 Extension are two study rooms. A Silent Study Room for those that need complete silence to study, and a Sensory Study Room for those that would like to study in a sensory environment. This room includes dimmed lighting, adjustable furniture, individual desks, and more. On the Ground Floor is our Eating Place. This is the only place in the Main Library where hot food is allowed. It also has microwaves and hot water taps for hot drinks. On Floor 1, before entering the Library is our Study Lounge, a popular spot to read and relax. This lounge is intended for study, so please respect the study needs of those around you. There is also a postgraduate only study space called the PG Hub located in the Junction.

Digital Library

We have a variety of online services and resources that you can utilise for your studies. You can find all this and more on our website.

• E-books, e-journals, and databases
• Special collections
• Online Learning Courses
• Reading Lists
• Get It For Me

Higher floors / Go further

Are you wondering where the rest of the books are? There are three more main floors and the third-floor extension to explore. You will find the books for your subject upstairs. Use the Library Information Guide or the Library website to find where the books for your subject are!

Safety and security

There are fire exits labelled around the building which lead to the north, south, and central stairwells in the Main Building and Extension. The Library is a public building that anyone can access, please be aware of this and do not leave your belongings unattended. If you have lost an item, please head to the Helpdesk for further information.

MRC / Go beyond

The main Library building isn’t the only Library space. Our other study spaces include the Learning Grid situated at University House, and Rootes. We also have the PostGrad (PG) Hub at Junction specifically for our Postgraduates, and the BioMed Grid up at the Gibbet Hill Campus for our Life Sciences and Medical students. Located on the other side of this building you will find the Modern Records Centre (MRC), which houses an exciting collection of historic archives. It has 15 kilometres of unique archive sources – a historical collection of international importance on your doorstep with key sources available online. It is open to the public and you can find more information about it on their website.