Information for new students

Find out more about the Library

Our handbook is available online and in print (pick up a copy at the Library & IT Help Desk) to give you an overview of our services and facilities:

#UoYTips

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

Getting started

Study spaces

There are all kinds of study spaces in the Library, from group areas in the Fairhurst where there are walls you can write on, to bookable single study rooms in the Morrell.

Request a book

Despite being able to borrow up to 75 items at any one time from the Library - for up to eight weeks unless they are requested - sometimes all the copies of the book you need are out on loan. Don’t be shy about requesting a copy if there are none available! The sooner you place a request, the sooner the book will come back for you, and we will review whether to buy additional copies. This is a request service rather than a reservation service - you should only request a book that is out on loan or if you want it delivered to an alternate library site (such as King's Manor Library).

  • From Yorsearch, click Place a request or booking on the item that you need and we’ll email you as soon as a copy becomes available.

IT applications to suit you

IT Services provide a range of software for free, including Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps for Education. 

Keep yourself safe online

Don’t login to a website after following a link from an email - visit the site separately, and check that it’s legitimate. University staff will never ask you for your password, and neither should any other organisation. Find more information about IT security.

New PhD students

The Library also provides dedicated support for research students. Find out more about managing your research data, publishing your work, protecting and respecting copyright, and monitoring the impact of your research.

Know where to get help

There are lots of people around to help when you need it including your Academic Liaison Librarian and our dedicated teaching and research teams. Find out more on our webpages:

 

  • Subject guides - We have guides designed to help you find information and access materials relevant to your department. 
  • Skills guides - You will find videos, interactive tutorials, workbooks and links to specific help for developing your digital and information searching skills.