Study spaces

Study spaces in the University Library

There are over 350 study spaces in the JB Morrell Library and the Raymond Burton Library. An extra 500 study spaces, ranging from open plan, group study and including a 55-seater IT classroom is available in the Harry Fairhurst building.

The King's Manor Library also has study spaces.

To check the opening times of the University libraries, please look at the Opening hours web page.

Wireless access has been improved throughout the JB Morrell Library to increase flexibility in where you can work. There is access to wi-fi throughout the Harry Fairhurst building

Please ask for help from staff at Help Desk on the ground floor of the JB Morrell Library if you are having trouble finding a space or if you are concerned about noise levels.

Different types of study spaces

We have designated some areas for specific purposes to meet your various needs. Please use these appropriately and let us know if you have any concerns. Any broken equipment should be reported to Help Desk on the ground floor of the JB Morrell Library.

Please note that food and drink is not permitted in the Studies, except bottled water.

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Quiet study

We ask you to work quietly in the following areas:

  • Raymond Burton Library Reading Room
  • The Quiet Study zone on the second floor of the JB Morrell Library (the side of the building which faces University Road, housing book collections for Art, Philosophy, Music, TFTV and Language & Linguistics).
  • The third floor of the JB Morrell Library.
  • The second floor of the Harry Fairhurst buidling is designated as a quiet study zone.

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Silent study

The following areas are designed to provide a silent place to work where you will not be disturbed by computers or conversation:

  • Raymond Burton Library Silent Study Room
  • The Silent Study zone on the second floor of the JB Morrell Library (the side of the building which faces the North Car Park, housing book collections for Literature, History, Archaeology and Religion).

Please ask for help from staff at Help Desk in the JB Morrell Library if you are concerned about noise levels.

Collaborative study

The Collaborative Study is available on the first floor of the JB Morrell Library. It has been designed as an open access space for multiple group study and conversation and does not need to be booked. The furniture and whiteboards can be moved around by users to suit individual group needs.

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Group Studies

Group Studies are available on the first and second floor of the JB Morrell Library. Each space can accommodate between 8-12 people.

You can book a Group Study, for up to 4 hours at a time, through the Library Catalogue. You will need your University card to borrow the key card at Help Desk on the ground floor of the JB Morrell Library. A fine of £1 per hour or part of an hour is charged for the late return of the key card.

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Single Studies

There are 13 Single Studies on the first and the second floor of the JB Morrell Library. Each space can accommodate a maximum of 2 people.

You can book a Single Study for up to 4 hours at a time, through the Library Catalogue.You will need your University card to borrow the key card at Help Desk on the ground floor of the JB Morrell Library. A fine of £1 per hour or part of an hour is charged for the late return of the key card.

Accessible Study

There is an Accessible Study available on the first and the second floor of the JB Morrell Library. These rooms are available for all to use, however priority will be given to those with disabilities. If you need to book an Accessible Study please contact infodir-accessibility@lists.york.ac.uk.

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Daily-use Study

There are 3 studies available on the second floor of the JB Morrell Library which can be used on a first-come-first-served basis without prior booking. The studies can be used for a maximum of 4 hours and you will need your University card to borrow the key card at Help Desk on the ground floor of the JB Morrell Library. A fine of £1 per hour or part of an hour is charged for the late return of the key card.

Please note it is not possible to renew the Daily-use Studies.

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Study space for postgraduates

As part of the Library refurbishment significant investment has been made in improving study space provision for postgraduates. Specifically we offer:

Research Study and Lounge
Located on the top floor of the Harry Fairhurst building the Research Study and Lounge offers a mix of study space exclusively for use by postgraduates. The area includes relaxed seating and more formal study desks complete with wi-fi and power points for charging laptops. Lockers are also available in this area for weekly use. To register for a key to access the Research Lounge or to borrow a locker please enquire at Help Desk in the JB Morrell Library.

Individual Postgraduate Studies
The Library has nine individual studies on the 1st floor of the JB Morrell Library that are let for approx a term at a time to qualifying research postgraduates. Application procedures are advertised periodically throughout the academic year. Please note a £5 deposit will be payable by those allocated rooms on collection of the key.

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Lockers

If you need somewhere to store laptops, issued books, or valuables whilst working in the Library, a number of lockers are available:

  • 18 lockers in the JB Morrell Library that may be used for 24 hours by any student.
  • 24 lockers in the Research Lounge of the Harry Fairhurst building that may be used for 7 days by postgraduate students.
  • 4 lockers available in the King's Manor Library that may be used during opening hours.

Keys for the lockers can be collected from the Help Desk. Please note that it is not possible to renew locker keys and that fines of 30p per day will be charged for the late return.

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Study environment

We aim to provide a safe, clean, quiet environment with a variety of areas to suit your study needs. We can only achieve this in partnership with you.

You and your Library explains what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. Please help us to help you by respecting quietness and study throughout the libraries.

To avoid disturbing people who are trying to study, please only use your mobile phone in the designated areas of the JB Morrell Library. Please do not use your phone at all in the King's Manor Library or the Raymond Burton Library.

To keep the environment clean and pleasant, please don't smoke, eat or drink in the study spaces of the Library (except bottled water) and dispose of your litter appropriately. There is a designated area (the Open Zone) on the ground floor of the JB Morrell Library for eating, drinking and group study. Hot food should not be brought into the Library.

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University study spaces

In addition to University Library study spaces, there are a variety of other places to study across the University's campuses.

IT rooms
IT Services maintains a number of IT rooms across the University. To find out where they are, please look at IT classrooms and study areas.

Group study
There are many teaching/seminar rooms that can be used for group study when not in use for teaching. To request a room for use, please contact the Timetabling Office via the Student Booking Form.