Accessibility statement

Reopening the Library and Archives buildings

Posted on 8 June 2020

Since we closed the Library buildings in March, we've continued to provide online access to resources and support, but we know that access to onsite Library services is important to you. We're now planning how we will reopen our buildings.

We're planning a phased return to the delivery of onsite services in order to protect the wellbeing of students and staff. We expect Phase 1 to begin on Monday 13 July.

  • Phase 1: work with Estates and Campus Services to bring some staff back to the Library to increase provision of digitised material and begin to make changes to the physical space to accommodate new services.
  • Phase 2: our book takeaway service will launch allowing you to choose the right service for you: this will include click and collect, which will enable you to request items that we have in stock and collect them safely, and a postal loans service for those unable to come onto campus. We will also continue to operate our scan and send and direct delivery services.
  • Phase 3: reopen the Library buildings with appropriate social distancing measures in place - for example, prescribed routes, reduced seating and a booking system. We are working with Estates and Campus services to provide more study spaces across campus to help offset reduced spaces in the Library. We aim to have this in place before the start of the Autumn term.

We'll continue to keep you updated as each phase is implemented. If you have any queries in the meantime, please get in touch.

You can also find out more about our response to coronavirus and the services that we're currently offering.