Full service and self-service hours
Essential information
Due to the current lockdown, the information on this page is not currently accurate. The Library is operating self-service hours whenever it is open (9am to 7pm, seven days week): for more information about library services during the pandemic, see our Visiting Us page.
The University Library’s opening hours during Autumn term 2020 will be 8am to midnight every day:
To enter the buildings, you must have a valid University or Library Card or sign in at the Library reception.
Visitors who are not registered with the Library cannot currently enter our buildings. Anyone wishing to join the Library will need to do so during full service hours.
Opening times are split into full service hours and self-service hours:
Autumn term 2020 service hours
These hours take effect from Monday 28 September.
Full service hours
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Virtual service
Saturday & Sunday: 9am to 5pm (via phone, email and chat)
Self-service hours
Monday to Sunday: 5pm - 12 midnight
Vacation hours
The Library Help Desk will be closed on Sundays through the Summer vacation period.
Service hours
Our vacation service hours vary on an annual basis, mainly around Easter and Christmas. You can keep up to date by checking:
- our News section and;
- our Twitter feed, for more information
Closures
We will announce any planned or unplanned closures:
Full service hours vs self-service hours
Full service
During full service hours you have access to the full range of Library services including help from staff.
Self-service
During self-service hours you can:
- Borrow items using self-issue machines
- Return items using the return point
- Borrow To Be Collected items you've requested, which you'll find on the hold shelf on the ground floor of Morrell
- Borrow DVDs and other audio-visual items
- Renew, request and book items via the Library Catalogue
- Pay outstanding library fines and charges using the self-issue machine with self-service payments attached (card only, 50p minimum charge) or the online store
- Use all the open access collections in the Library as well as online resources
- Copy, print and scan using York Print Plus, and top up your account online or at the cash kiosk
- Borrow keys for lockers on the ground floor of Morrell (except for the accessible lockers)
- Eat and drink in the Library Cafe
- Ask staff for guidance about our services
However, you can't:
- Take out items if your charges are over £20, unless you pay via self-service payment options
- Take out "Reference-use only" Interlending items, keys for accessible locker or lockers in the Fairhurst Postgraduate lounge, or other equipment
- Get specialist help from Library staff or the IT Support team