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!
Join a Library group tour
Take a tour of Main Library to find out more about the services we offer.
Book an one-on-one Library tour
We offer one-on-one tours of Main Library for those who prefer to avoid large groups.
Join a parent and carer drop-in
Find out how the Library can support you if you have parental or caring responsibilities.
Accessibility at the Library
Join us at Main Library for a relaxed introduction to Library accessibility.
Chat to Library staff at the Start of Year fair
The essential event for all new and returning students!
Pick up a free textbook from Textbook Rescue
Visit the Spend Smart Fair on Thursday, 24 September to pick up a free textbook
Ask for Library Digital support
If you have any IT or Wi-Fi questions, our friendly digital support team is here to help on Blue Ground, Main Library.
Race across the Library
Join us at Main Library for a relaxed introduction to Library accessibility.
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 access materials relevant to your subject
Reading lists
If your module has a reading list, you can access it in Canvas via the ‘Reading Lists Online’ link in the left-hand menu. For course textbooks outside your required reading, use our free Order a Book service.
Core textbooks
If your course tutor has identified a core textbook, the library will provide you with your own eTextbook, usually hosted on Kortext
Library spaces
Using our study spaces
We have over 3,000 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 from 15 September
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.
Workshops, online guides and drop-ins
We offer workshops, online guides and drop-ins to support your academic and personal development.
Using Generative AI
Guidance, support and other information to help support you with these tools while you are at Manchester.
Training for Researchers
Learn about training and workshops designed for researchers.
Printing and digital support
We can help you with IT and digital issues
We can help with digital support and getting started with key University digital services, such as:
- IT account set up
- Duo 2FA
- Microsoft 365/email
- Connecting to eduroam/WiFi
- Printing.
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 recreational 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 Library Experience and student teams in purple and red! They'll be around the Main Library to help you out from Monday to Friday, 11am to 2pm.
Life at University: a transition resource
Explore a transition guide for brand new students, produced by the Library's own Student Team.
Get Started at University Reading List
The Library, working with the Student Team, has created a reading list of useful resources to help you get started.
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