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Library Services: your 'one-stop shop'

In line with government advice and university guidance, we have resumed certain aspects of Library Services that were curtailed as part of the initial response to COVID-19. This webpage will act as a 'one-stop shop' for information and support. 

We advise you to revisit or bookmark this page to keep up-to-date with the latest developments.

Use of Libraries and Study Spaces during Teaching Block 1

What to expect when accessing our physical collections, libraries and study spaces in Teaching Block 1.

Study seat booking system

From Monday 5 October 2020, the study seat booking system is available in all our open libraries and study centres. This is open to all students but to use it a booking must be made before your visit. Please see the study seat booking system page for more information.

Discussion Zone

Senate House Study Centre is now available as a discussion zone. While all other library and study spaces remain silent zones, the 4th floor of Senate House is now available for individual online discussions during online learning sessions. Please respect the University social distancing rules when carrying out group work. 

Study spaces will need to be booked through the library study seat booking system in advance.  

To keep these spaces safe to use, students must wear a face covering at all times and must not consume food while seated at a study desk.  Bottled water or lidded drinks are permitted. There will be cleaning stations available to sanitise your desk before and after use.  

Accessing electronic resources

Guidance on how to access the library's electronic resources when working off-campus.

What to do if you think you have coronavirus

If you have coronavirus symptoms, you should:

  • Stay at home: don’t attend classes and avoid socialising with others
  • Get a test if you haven’t already done so – you can find out how here
  • Tell us

We’ll then let your school know, as well as your halls (if you live in university residences), to make sure you can get any support you need. If you have any questions you can contact the Information Point.

What to do if you have to self-isolate for other reasons 

You may also need to self-isolate for other reasons. These could include:  

  • Being advised to do so by NHS Test & Trace because you have been in contact with someone who is confirmed to have coronavirus  
  • Travelling to the UK from a country not on the list of exempt countries

In these circumstances you should tell us using the self-reporting form. 

For any other short-term absences you should follow the university’s normal absence processes. If you are going to be studying online for a longer period (for example, because of travel restrictions which mean you can’t come or return to the UK) you can complete the location of study form here. 

Keep in touch

Use our 'Ask the Library' live chat enquiry service on our contacts page if you have questions about library resources or procedures.

Alternatively, you can email us at library-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.

Accessibility and support

Find out about the services and support we provide for disabled and dyslexic learners. We can also support part time learners or those with caring/parental responsibility where time on campus is limited. 

Subject support

Get help with subject-related enquiries and advice about library resources.

Study skills

The Study Skills team are running online tutorials and workshops for all students, including an interactive online resource on studying from home.

Freely available resources

Many publishers are providing temporary additional access to online resources, including ebooks, ejournals, and databases to help support you during the period of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Suggest a book purchase

Send us your book purchase suggestion and help us develop the library collection to meet your reading needs.

Special Collections

Special Collections enquiries should be sent to special-collections@bristol.ac.uk or voicemails can be left on 0117 928 8014. The Reading Room remains closed for the time being but staff can provide a copying service and will undertake some initial research on your behalf. Please see the Special Collections webpage for more information about the collections.

Frequently asked questions

Are all libraries open as normal?

All our spaces are now open but there are changes to the way we need to operate to ensure Covid safe working. See here for information of how we have adapted our spaces and services to make them COVID safe.

Can I access physical books and journals?

Yes, most of our libraries are open for ‘walk in’ access to books and journals. If you would also like to use a desk to study, you must book this in advance using the online booking system. Three of our libraries (Physics, Queen’s and Wills) have restrictions on browsing times for accessing books to support social distancing, due to the proximity of study desks to the bookshelves. At these libraries there are dedicated times for browsing and you may also request books to be set aside for collection using Click and Collect via the Library Catalogue. Library staff will collect books for you, and you will be notified by email when your order ready.  You can find more details here.

Where can I return my library books?

Books can be returned to any library during their opening hours. We ask that you try to return them to the correct library where possible to minimise the delay on books being returned to the shelves.

  

Can I use any library or study space (not just my subject library)?

Yes. The study seat booking system will show you all available seats across the campus. Please feel free to book any slot that suits your needs but a slot must be booked in advance.

Can I listen to my lectures/online teaching in the library?

Students are welcome to book a study seat to access lectures but will need to use headphones to avoid disturbing others, won't be able to interact vocally, and will need to be mindful of others when using video.  Senate House Study Centre is now a Discussion Zone. Seats booked in this space can be used for online interactions during seminars or meetings with tutors. Please wear headphones to keep the disruption to others to a minimum.

Can I meet to work with a group in the library?

We have had to dramatically reduce our seat numbers to maintain a safe socially distanced space for our students. Consequently we have had to prioritise all our spaces as silent study areas. Please speak to your department and discuss ways to meet safely online if you are being asked to work on group presentations or projects.

Can I print from the library?

Yes, all our libraries have printing facilities. Please be sure to maintain social distancing whilst waiting to use a machine and use the sanitisation products provided to wipe all touch points before and after use.

Can I borrow a laptop from the library?

The Medical and Arts and Social Sciences Libraries have self-service laptop lockers available for all students. These can only be used within the library you borrow them from. It is your responsibility to clean the laptop before and after use with the sanitisation wipes provided.

I need help accessing resources. Can someone help me?

Our Subject Librarians are still available to help you. Find out who to contact for your course here.

How can I contact the library?

You can email us at library-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk. Other contacts and our chat service can be found here. 

Can I suggest new books?

You can tell us which title you need and we will try to supply it in electronic format or suggest an alternative. The link to the online form is here.

Frequently asked questions - Covid-19

Do I need to wear a face covering when studying at my desk?

 
Yes. A face covering such as a mask or visor (whichever you prefer) must be worn at all times in any library or study space, including while you are seated at your desk.

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How are the libraries cleaned?

Our cleaners are doing extra sessions in the libraries and study spaces to help keep frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, clean. It is your responsibility to wipe down your desk before and after use. Cleaning products are provided at Desk Cleaning Stations located around the study space.

How are books kept safe to use?

All returned books are placed in a 72-hour quarantine before they are returned to the shelves. We ask all students browsing or using books while they study to return these books to quarantine trolleys rather than the bookshelves.  

I have been asked to self-isolate. How do I access or return books?

There is no need to return the books until you are well or your period of isolation is over and there are no fines for late returns of books. If someone has requested a book you have out on loan, email the library so we can look for a solution for the requesting student. Many books are available as eBooks so you can access them from home and our Subject Librarians are on hand to help you find alternative resources. You may not be able to physically access print books during your period of isolation, so talk to your department if deadlines are near.

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