Keeping our libraries safe - changes from 22 January

Compliance with Covid-19 essential safety measures

Our library buildings remain open to provide vital support to those returning to – or who have stayed on – our campuses following the latest government guidance.

To allow us to continue providing these essential services, including access to study space, it is vital that everyone using them follows the University’s Covid-19 safety measures. This is for the safety of everyone – our students, staff and the local community.

From Friday 22 January, anyone failing to follow the mandatory safety measures while using our libraries will be:

• asked to leave the library
• unable to book or use study space for seven days

Failure to follow the safety measures will be considered a breach of the Code of Discipline for Students.

Those with an exemption are asked to wear a sunflower lanyard or display an exemption card, if possible.

What are the safety measures?

The health and safety of our library staff and visitors is our absolute priority and it is more important than ever that we do everything we can to keep each other safe.

Please make sure you:

• bring your University Card for access to the library.
• wear a face covering at all times, including when using study space (unless exempt) - this is university and government policy
• sit at your pre-booked study space and do not move furniture. Study space is for individual, silent use only and we are unable to provide space for group study in our libraries
• keep two metres distance from others when entering and leaving these space, including those in your own household or bubble
• do not eat in our libraries; drinks can be consumed but please replace your face covering as soon as possible
• wash your hands regularly and thoroughly - and wipe down surfaces before and after use
• follow directional signage in the library, including one-way routes

All staff and students have access to the University Testing Service. The University recommends that those on campus regularly consider taking a weekly asymptomatic test.

Access to our libraries and resources

During the national lockdown period, we ask that you visit our libraries to use study space or access resources only when essential – for example, if you don’t have access to appropriate study space elsewhere. 

• Many of our resources are available online; check if the resource you need access to is available online via NUsearch.
• We can provide scans of sections of books and journals (within copyright restrictions).
• For access to essential print items from our libraries, please use our Click and Collect service.
• No fines will be charged for overdue items throughout the national lockdown period.
• Return book boxes are available outside our libraries for those already on campus and we offer a postal returns service for those off-campus.

Thank you for helping us to keep the university community safe. If you have any questions about our library services or accessing resources, please contact the Library Helpline by email, phone or Live Chat.