Your 2020 Library

Click and collect, bookable study spaces and much more - Everything you need to know about the Library in the new academic year.

Welcome, one and all, to the new year at University of Leeds. Your 2020 Library is here for you, even though everything is a bit different than before. We’ve gathered the key things you need to know about the 2020 Library below.

Library Quickstart is the best place to start to get acquainted or reacquainted with the Library basics.

We’ve done our best to make the Library as safe as possible for you – this means you can’t just pop in to grab a book or a few hours study. You’ll need to request books through click and collect and book your study space in advance.

Do you have any questions about your 2020 Library? Library Essentials live Q&A sessions will run online at the start of term. Our friendly library experts will be ready in person to answer your burning questions. Look out for details on how to join these sessions on Library news and our Twitter account.

Click and collect borrowing

We’re working to make as much of your reading available online as possible, but there will probably be some items that are only available in print.

Use Library Search to find the books and other resources and request the items you need. There’s tips on how to do this effectively in Library Quickstart and on the Search Help webpages.

Once you find what you’re looking for, request it. We will retrieve it from the shelves and issue your books to you – all you need to do is pick them up from the Edward Boyle Library.

See a full guide to using the click and collect service on our What can I borrow and Returning items pages.

Reading list items

Your Minerva reading lists have links to recommended reading. Some of these will link to ebooks, while some will be physical books. If there isn’t an online version, there may be one in print that you can order using the click and collect service.

Keep checking your list – if your text isn’t online at the start of term it might be available later on, we’re making more texts available online every day.

If the books are out on loan, try using Library Search to find alternatives – our search help guide will assist in finding similar books.

Studying with us

We’re open for study seven days a week, but you must book your study space in advance. See our study space webpage for up-to-date information on how to book a study space in the library.

Covid safety

Along with the rest of the University, we are closely following all government guidance on creating Covid-safe spaces. Check our Covid Safety webpage for up-to-date information about measures in the Library.

Online resources to help you cope

There will be a lot of online learning this year – but we can help.

Visit Becoming an Online Learner for guidance on how to manage your time, effectively communicate with your lecturers and other students, be active in online classes and to make the most of your free time to ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Whatever year of study you’re in, there is a Skills@Library resource that can help you.

Academic skills for everyone

Our Skills@Library service offers one-to-one appointments and a full online workshop programme to help you build up your academic skills. Workshops include critical thinking, essay writing techniques, public speaking and loads more. There is also a wide range of online resources that can support you throughout your degree.

Maths and statistics support is available through one-to-one sessions and the Maths and Statistics Support group on Microsoft Teams. It’s a great chance to engage directly with our dedicated tutors on any of the questions you have about maths or statistics.

Student advisory panel

Join the Study Advisory Panel to have your voice heard in the Library. We’re always listening and looking at ways we can change and improve. We changed our drinks policy to include all drinks with lids, we’ve improved our accessible study areas and installed a hot water dispenser at the Edward Boyle Library — all in response to user feedback.

Getting involved with the advisory panel gives you the opportunity to help shape the way we do things — and there are rewards!