Accessibility statement

Information for new students

Welcome to the Library

The Library will play a big part in your experience while you’re at York. There’s a lot to take in if you’re new, and we’ll take you through some ways to get started on this page with a step-by-step Library To-Do List. Want more detail on any of these? You'll find detailed information on our #UoYTips guide. 

1. Find your space 

The main library buildings are the Morrell, Burton and Fairhurst, all together on Campus West - and everyone is welcome. We’ve got Silent Zones, Quiet Zones, Studious Buzz Zones; bookable spaces, non-bookable spaces; group spaces, and individual spaces. 

Find out more about all of these, and the link to book your space, by going to our Study Spaces page. 

Embedded below are a 1 minute introduction to what we do, and our new Virtual Tour.

2. Access incredible resources 

Our books are for everyone. You don’t need to be a Postgraduate or member of staff, you don’t need to put in a special request - just find what you need on the shelves, and borrow it using our self-issue machines.

YorSearch is our catalogue - search by keyword and find out what we have on any topic, in print and online.

3. Bookmark these essentials

What do you really need, right from the start? 

  • The VLE. Otherwise known as Yorkshare, the learning platform with all your modules on - including, crucially, your Reading Lists! Not sure what to read for Week 1? Head to the VLE.
  • MyUoY app. Download the University app and you'll find your personalised schedule, upcoming events, library study space bookings in one place. You can use it to get in and out of the library and use the self issue machines too… (We still recommend always keeping your University Card with you though, to borrow laptops and other useful things.) 
  • YorSearch. As mentioned above, YorSearch tells you what resources we have including literally millions of books and articles online.  

Once you’ve settled in, come back for these:

  • Library room bookings. Book study spaces and study rooms in our buildings. 
  • Subject Guides. There’s one for each Department, put together by your Academic Liaison Librarians. Here you’ll find the databases we think are most useful for your particular subject and area of study.
  • Skills Guides and Training calendar - there's more about these in number 5, Boost your skills, below.

4. Ask us anything 

We can’t stress enough how much we want you to ask us questions. Absolutely no one expects you to know how things work already, so just get in touch with us to find out!

5. Boost your skills 

Our online Skills Guides allow you to learn in your own time and at your own pace. We provide videos, slides and interactive tutorials to help you develop your information skills, learn to code, work with data and get creative with digital technologies.We’ll also show you how to follow good academic practice and develop your digital skills for effective reading, note-making, essay writing and problem solving.

We offer workshops every week throughout term-time to help you enhance your academic and digital skills. Find out more on our training page.

#UoYTips

Search #UoYTips on Twitter, Instagram, and the Library website for tips and advice from the Library, IT and YUSU, on making the most of life at York. Remember to share your own tips too! Find out more on our #UoYTips Guide.