Get Started
with the Library
A guide to using the Library,
for students
What does the Library do?
Welcome to The University of Manchester Library!
We're here to support you throughout your time here. Here's how we can help:
- Resources: We offer access to a wide range of books, journals, and databases to help with your studies.
- Training: We offer training workshops to help you build the personal and academic skills you need to succeed in your studies and research.
- Study Spaces: If you're on campus, we have eight Library sites where you can study.
- Support: Our Library staff are always available to answer your questions.
Before you get started, have you collected your student card and set up your IT account?
Your student card lets you access Library sites and check out books
Your University IT account lets you log in to monitor your book loans
The Library is comprised of eight sites across campus and in the city centre.
Welcome Week events at the Library
We’d love for you to join us at one of our Library Welcome events and get to know us better!
Drop-in for parents and carers
Join a drop-in session about the Library designed for students who are parents or carers. Children are welcome.
Collections Encounter
Visit the Main Library foyer on 1 and 2 October, 12-2pm, to see original items from our Special Collections that are rarely on display!
Main Library Welcome stand
Come say hello when you walk into Main Library and pick up a giveaway!
Visit our IT support zone
If you have any IT or Wi-Fi questions, our friendly digital support team is here to help! Just head over to the Main Library to find them
Library Escape Room
Join us for some fun and excitement as we escape from the Library during Welcome Week!
Textbook Rescue
Swing by the Spend Smart Fair on Thursday, 19 September and grab a free used textbook donated by a previous student!
Accessing books and other resources
Accessing our resources
Our Library offers one of the largest collections of physical and digital resources in the country, including an extensive selection of books, journals, and databases across a wide variety of disciplines.
Explore our range of resources to support your assignments, projects, dissertations, or research.
Using Library Search
Use Library Search as a starting point to explore our collections
Your subject guide
Use our subject guides to help you find information and access materials relevant to your subject
Reading lists
If your course tutor has added a reading list to our online system, the library will provide electronic access to all items where possible
Core textbooks
If your course tutor has identified a core textbook, the library will provide you with your own eTextbook, usually provided by Kortext
Library spaces
Using our study spaces
We have over 3000 study spaces for you to use.
Most of the spots are first come, first served, but we’ve got a few that you can book ahead of time.
Book an individual workspace
Individual work spaces can be booked in the Muriel Stott Building at Main Library
Book a group study room
You can book a group study room in Green 2 in Main Library
Bookable space for parents
Group Study Room 1 is a designated space for parents who need to bring their child(ren) to campus
Use our interactive map
Use our interactive map to help find your way around Main Library
Training and support
Developing your academic skills
We offer in-person workshops and online training to assist new students, enhance skills for continuing students, and support postgraduate research projects.
Strategies for Effective Learning resource
New to university? Take a look at our resource to help you study effectively
Book a workshop
We offer training sessions on a broad range of topics to support your personal and academic development
Training for researchers
Learn about workshops and training designed for researchers
Library drop-ins
Drop-ins give you the chance to ask any questions you may have and get support and guidance on a number of different topics.
Printing and IT support
We can help you with IT issues
We can support you with IT issues including accessing Wi-Fi, using the printers, and providing you with a laptop or iPad to borrow.
Guidance on how to use our multi-function devices, which print, scan and copy
Guidance on how to use our multi-function devices, which print, scan and copy
Wellbeing
Wellbeing at the Library
- Heat and eat your food in our Cosy Campus space in Main Library and Alan Gilbert Learning Commons.
- Take a break and unwind from your studies in the Library Living Room in Main Library. You can chat and play a selection of board games with your friends.
- Refill your water bottle at the water refill stations available in our Library sites.
- Step away from your academic reading and check out some of our curated reading lists on the Libby app where you can borrow e-books for free.
- Relax and unwind with free films from BFI Player, a streaming service from the British Film Institute. You can easily sign up with your University of Manchester email address to enjoy hundreds of movies for free.
Contact us
The Library is here to help support your study, teaching or research. Check out our website to find out about the different ways you can contact us.
Library Help
Keep an eye out for our friendly support staff in purple and red! They'll be around the Main Library to help you out from Monday to Friday, 11am to 2pm.
Check out our FAQs using LibAnswers.
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