Welcome to the Library in 2022
Library buildings, your reading list and more – everything you need to start loving your library
Hello and welcome to the new year at Leeds! We’re so happy you are here and really look forward to getting to know you as you settle into university life.
The best way to stay informed is to sign up to our mailing list for useful info on support, guidance and workshops straight into your inbox.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about using the libraries on our Instagram (follow us for loads of great content!) and here on the Library website – for now, here is a quick guide to get you started.
Useful links:
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 in the heart of campus 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.
Useful links:
Using the Library
You’re welcome to come in, browse for books and use the study spaces whenever you’re ready. Your student card is also your library card so you’re already registered. You’ll need your student card to swipe in and out of the library buildings, and to borrow books.
Most study spaces are available for drop-in, with some dedicated booked study areas in each library.
To use drop-in spaces, scan your student 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.
Useful links:
Your reading lists
You can find your reading lists in your module area in Minerva. We’ve worked with your lecturers and course leaders to add links to online resources and ebooks – we’ve also created digital course readings so that you can access a lot of your reading without having to purchase it yourself.
Useful links:
Academic support for you
Our Skills@Library service is here to help you develop the academic skills you need to succeed.
If you’re an undergraduate or a taught postgraduate, Skills@Library has 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 and you can book your places now.
Useful links:
- Skills@Library homepage
- Workshops landing page
- Sign up to the mailing list to be the first to know when workshops are available
Visit our galleries
Need a place to chill or escape for a while? Spend some time in one of our 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.
We’re here to help you
If you have any questions at all about the Library, there are lots of ways you can speak to our friendly team.
When you’re in the buildings, look out for our roaming Library Experts – you’ll be able to spot them easily in their bright colours and big smiles, or stop at an enquiry desk – we’re happy to help!
You can also chat to us through webchat online or contact us by email.
