Our Library and Study Centre environments will be very different this year. Ensuring a safe and accessible experience has required us to make several changes.

Most obviously, we will be able to provide far fewer study spaces than normal. Social distancing means we need to keep a minimum distance between seats and change the routes in, out, and through our various buildings.

To give everyone fair and equitable access, seats will have to be booked in advance. All students will have the same number of bookable hours per week and we will maximise that allowance as we see how spaces are used in practice. Teaching spaces which are not timetabled will be made bookable and study spaces are also available within residences.

We have been working closely with the Students’ Union to provide the best possible experience, but I recognise that these changes will still be incredibly disappointing. This is not a situation that any of us would choose and we will continue to do everything we can to adapt and improve as we respond together to changing circumstances.

Our team will help you to get the most out of studying in a blended learning environment and we have increased digital access to our collections. You can join virtual study lounges to work collaboratively alongside others, book workshops and one-to-one appointments, and find a range of other support from atmospheric playlists to mindful study breaks.

You can visit and bookmark our restart ‘one-stop shop’ webpage to keep up to date with the latest developments in your libraries and study centres.

If you have suggestions on how we can improve your experience then please let us know, we want to hear from you!

I wish you every success and enjoyment in your studies at Bristol.

Ed Fay (Interim Director of Library Services and University Librarian)