Noise in the library

Throughout the library we have different study spaces with different noise level expectations, outlined below.

 

Reading Room

The Reading Room on the 1st Floor is a dedicated silent study space for individual work. You must book a seat to study. To prevent disturbing others we ask that you refrain from speaking, do not take any phone or video calls or eat in this space. If you are found to be disturbing others, a staff member may remind you of our guidelines or ask you to leave the space.

Please note that the Reading Room does have an enquiry desk where staff respond to queries from individuals. We do our upmost to maintain the silent study environment and keep conversations to a minimum during these times. 

If you have been disturbed by others, you can speak to a member of library staff in person or contact us online via LiveChat.

 

2nd Floor & Postgraduate Research Lounge

The Postgraduate Research Lounge and 2nd Floor computers outside of the lounge area is dedicated as a quiet study space. This space was requested and implemented through feedback from our customers, it is for individual work rather than group work.

The Postgraduate Research Lounge has bookable seats, you must book a seat to study. Please note that this space is only open to Postgraduate Research Thesis students.

The 2nd Floor computer space is open access with seats available on a first come, first served basis. The 2nd Floor to the East includes soft seating areas, a collaborative computer for group work, group learning rooms and teaching rooms 5 & 6. If you would like a silent space to work as an individual, we recommend booking a seat in the Reading Room.

 

3rd Floor, 4th Floor, 5th Floor, 6th Floor 

We have open access study seats for individual study on 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th floor of the library. You do not need to book these seats, instead they are available on a first come first served basis. You can find an avaliable seat using PC finder

3rd Floor through to 6th Floor, you can also find soft seating and circular tables for collaborative study in the middle of each floor, all have power sockets available.

Study spaces available on these floors are not subject to silent study rules. However, please bear other users in mind. Please see section 32 of the library regulations for expected guidelines on behaviour. 

 

Group Learning Rooms

Throughout the library building you can find Group Learning Rooms, which are private spaces for group projects and collaborative study. Group Learning Rooms are booked on a first come, first served basis through our webpage Book a Space up to 2 weeks in advance. 

Each Group Learning Room is fitted with a whiteboard. If you would like to borrow a set of whiteboard markers during your booking, please speak to a member of library staff on the Welcome Desk.

Please note that we do not offer single occupancy private study spaces. If you would like a silent space to work individually, we recommend booking a seat in the Reading Room.

 

The 7th Floor Observatory

The 7th Floor Observatory is a social learning space, where you will find open plan tables and chairs, as well as soft seating around the perimeter. You can study as a group, or use the space to relax and enjoy the view. You can also listen to an audio tour about the views from the Observatory. Please note that the group tables are open plan, so you may find this floor noiser than others.

The Observatory is not subject to silent study rules. However, please bear other users in mind. Please see section 32 of the library regulations for expected guidelines on behaviour. 

 

Eating in the library

There are two spaces within the Library dedicated to eating and socialising.

Student Kitchen

The Student Kitchen is accessible throughout the library's opening hours, and contains a microwave and facilities to make a hot drink. You can find the Student Kitchen opposite the Welcome Desk on the Ground Floor, please speak to a member of staff if you need directions. You must be a registered student to use this space and will need your student card to gain access. 

Library Cafe

The Library Cafe is a publicy accessible space located on the Ground floor near the South Entrance of the library. The Cafe sell a variety of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks. Next to the Cafe, you will find soft seating, chairs and tables where you can eat and drink. You can find the Library Cafe opening hours here.

 

Contact the library

We're always keen to talk! If you want to discuss anything further with the Library, please contact us

If you have been disturbed by other students whilst studying in the library, you can speak to a member of library staff in person or contact us online via LiveChat during staffed hours. Outside of these hours, please send us your feedback.