University of York libraries

JB Morrell Library (JBM)

This is the main University Library and is named after John Bowes Morrell, a former Lord Mayor of York and a leading figure in the local movement to establish a university in York.

The JBM Library is on the Heslington campus adjacent to University Road and is within easy walking distance of departments and colleges. Members of the public can use the Library for reference.

The JBM houses collections to support your study and research in all subject areas. The resources we provide include:

  • More than 1 million print books and 3,500 print journal titles
  • 10,000 electronic journal titles plus a growing collection of electronic books
  • Over 100 databases which index the content of thousands more journals
  • 3,350 DVDs, videos, CDs and tapes
  • Over 131,000 microfilms of early and specialist printed sources
  • Music scores, maps, theses by York students and other specialist resources
  • Special Collections of rare and valuable items

All resources can be found by searching the Library Catalogue which is available on dedicated PCs in the library and on the Internet.

Most of our physical collections are available on open access and can be borrowed. We also have a growing collection of electronic resources including journals, books and databases. Most of these are available through your own Internet connection as well as on University network computers.

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Raymond Burton Library for Humanities Research (RBL)

The RBL was officially opened in September 2003 and was funded by a generous benefaction from the Raymond Burton Charitable Trust, supplemented by a significant contribution from the University.

It shares an entrance with the JB Morrell Library and contact information, opening hours and access arrangements are the same. The quiet reading room and silent study room provide an attractive and conducive working environment for humanities researchers.

Collections housed in the RBL include the 18th Century microfilm collection, the Elton collection of history books and the Humanities Research reference collection. All the material in this library is for reference use only.

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Whinfield Library

Chemistry journals and chemical reference books are housed here. It is located in the Chemistry Department and is open to members of the University when the department is open. All material is for reference use only.

The King's Manor Library

The King's Manor Library is part of the city centre campus at the University of York. It houses collections relating to

  • architecture
  • building planning
  • conservation of historic architecture
  • gardening & landscape design
  • heritage management
  • history of architecture & building
  • stained glass
  • town planning

It also has smaller collections on the medieval period, archaeology and the "long" eighteenth century, a large collection of slides and some photographs.

All items are on the online Library Catalogue, except the slide and photograph collections.

Non-book materials

Photographs and slides

These cover medieval art and architecture, especially stained glass. Photographs are for reference only. Slides may be borrowed for seminars by students but otherwise are for reference only. The part-time Digitisation Assistant (whose responsibility includes slides) is available to answer enquiries on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Library staff can help you with your slide enquiries at other times.

Microfilms

There are a number of early English newspapers on microfilm, as well as 17th and 18th century women's journals, advice books and almanacs, which are for reference only.

The Library has a microform reader/printer which will read and print from fiche and film in both 16mm and 35mm formats. Costs are 20p for A4 and 30p for A3. Payment is by University Library photocopy card which can be purchased from Library staff.

Photocopying and Printing

There is a multifunctional device for copying and printing in the King's Manor Library.

The King's Manor Key Texts Collection

There is a small Key Texts section of the King's Manor books which are on reading lists. Items may be borrowed for up to 4 hours during the day, or overnight from 5pm for return 10:00am the following morning

The King's Manor Journals

The King's Manor Journals may be borrowed from 5pm for return 11:00am the following morning

Contact the King's Manor Library

  • Telephone: +44 (0)1904 323969
  • By email

Borthwick Institute for Archives

The Borthwick Institute is one of the biggest UK archive repositories outside London. During its 50-year history the collections have grown to include archives from around the world, from the 12th century to the present day. It also provides access to the Library's Special Collections of rare and valuable items.

The Borthwick Institute shares an entrance with the JB Morrell Library and is open to the public.

For more information see the Borthwick Institute for Archives website.