Library developments

Tue, 13 Sep 2016 02:00:00 BST

The Library team has been working over the summer to introduce a number of improvements for users for the coming year.  They would like to acknowledge the contribution from colleagues elsewhere in the University, especially the Estates and Facilities Team, without whose help they could not have achieved so much, in such a short time.

Spend more time with your books

From September 2016, the Library will no longer be charging unnecessary fines. Users may keep items as long as they are needed unless the item has been requested by another person (laptops and AV equipment are excluded from this scheme).  The process remains the same for requesting books online via Summon. If someone requests a book, users will have seven days to return it before fines will be issued. Please click the FAQs for further details about the changes and what they mean.

Loan laptops

Laptop loans are a popular addition to the Library service and new laptops have been ordered, increasing the number from 72 to 96, with plans to add another 12 during the coming year.

Additional study areas 

The former Careers area on Floor 4 has been re-developed into new study spaces for groups and individuals.

Postgraduate study room

A dedicated postgraduate study room has been set aside on Floor 5 and equipped with 24 brand-new PCs.  Access to the room will be by card swipe for postgraduate card holders only.

Library Café

The old Convivium area on Floor 5 is currently being developed into a café area. There will be vending machines, free hot and cold water and seating areas which will be open during Library hours.

Additional power sockets

As more users are bringing their own devices into the Library, additional plug sockets with integral USB connectors have been installed on Floors 3 and 6.  The 143 PCs replaced as part of the regular upgrade programme are all-in-one devices, freeing additional power sockets for users’ own devices.

24 hour opening

From early November to late May the Library will be open 24 hours a day 7 days a week except over the Christmas closure days.  The 24 hour PC rooms will remain open every day, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

There are a number of other improvements that have taken place in various parts of the Library.  Visit the Library and see what’s new.

Further details on all services including opening times are available from the Library website.

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