Getting to know us
Libraries at the University of Leeds – where should I start?
Hello and welcome to the new year at Leeds! You’re finally here and things are looking up.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about using the Library - for now, here is a quick guide to get you started.
Which Library is for me?
There are four campus libraries that hold different subjects – as part of the University, you can use any or all of them for group or individual study and take our books. It’s up to you which you prefer!
The Laidlaw Library on Blenheim Terrace is dedicated to our undergraduates – this is where most of your core texts will live, if they’re not available online. It’s also the home to the Skills@Library service and our Skills Zone, where you can find books about how to improve your academic skills.
You can find The Brotherton Library inside the Parkinson Building. This is where we keep all the books about languages and arts. It’s probably your lecturer or supervisor's favourite library, and almost definitely where their staff picture was taken.
Our Special Collections Research Centre is based here too, but we’re currently making some improvements, so a temporary research space is available in the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery.
With the most room for study space; the Edward Boyle is our biggest library, found just off Red Route. This is the home to research collections for science, engineering and social sciences. Level 13 is a dedicated space for staff and postgraduates.
The Health Sciences Library is on level 7 of the Worsley Building, perfectly placed to be near to the School of Medicine and LGI. This is where we keep our main medicine and health-related collections.
Using the Library
You’re welcome to come in, browse for books and use the study spaces whenever you’re ready. Just scan your University ID at the gate and come on in. We’re currently using one-way systems on the stairs, so please check the signs to make sure you’re travelling the right way.
Most study spaces are available for drop-in, with some dedicated booked study areas in each library.
To use drop-in spaces, scan your University ID card at the Library entrance and find an available study space. If you’d rather book your space before you arrive, visit study space to find out more.
Your reading lists
You can find your reading lists in your module area in Minerva and right here on the Library website too. To find your module, enter your module code or a key phrase from the module title into the search box.
Where possible, we’ve included links to these items to make finding them as easy as possible. We are working to add more links every day.
Academic support for you
Our Skills@Library service are here to help you.
If you’re an undergraduate or a taught postgraduate, Skills@Library have you covered - with workshops, one-to-one sessions, and even maths and statistics support available from our experts.
There are loads of online guides to help you too, covering a range of topics including academic writing, critical thinking, note making, and referencing.
The first batch of academic skills workshops is live now.
Visit our galleries
We have two galleries, found in the Parkinson Building.
The Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery and the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery show key items from our Special Collections and the University Art Collection. Visit Galleries to see what’s on now.
Need anything? Just ask
If you have any questions about the Library at all, we’re here to help. You can chat to us at the enquiry desks in all libraries, talk to us through webchat, or use the enquiry form.
