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Self Service hours in the library
The Morrell Library & IT Help Desk is open 10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, the library is considered Self Service. This page will explain what that means and answer many common questions for anyone looking for information when the Help Desk is closed.
The library is open 8am to midnight, seven days a week - except during the last four weeks of each Semester when we open 24/7. Whenever the library is open we have staff working on site, and there will be someone at Reception who can help you with questions about the building, our services and our policies.
The physical Help Desk in the Morrell is open 10am - 4pm during the week, and staff can provide answers to more detailed questions about your account and about finding resources.
If you find yourself needing guidance and the Help Desk is closed, you may be able to find answers to your questions below.
Getting support
Our phone and text numbers, email address, and Chat can all be found on our Contact page.
When can I phone the library?
Due to short-term staffing issues, we have temporarily paused our phone service. You can still contact us via Chat or Email (see below), and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
When can I contact the library via Chat or Email?
You can email us at any time and we will still be working towards responding within 3 working days.
From 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday, our Chat Service is run by Help Desk Staff. Outside these hours the Chat service still runs 24/7, but it is supported by our Chatbot. Chatbot isn't AI, but can answer a variety of questions you may have about the Library's services and buildings. If you can't get the answer you're looking for, or would prefer your query to be handled by a member of the Helpdesk team, you can choose to create an email ticket that will be answered as soon as possible.
How can I get IT Support?
You can still get basic IT Support from the Reception point between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. If staff at the reception point are unable to help you with your query, you can ask them to contact IT Support for further in-person help. If we can't resolve your query initially, we may need to make an appointment.
Between 9am-12pm and 2pm-4pm on weekdays you can also contact IT Support.
Below are some direct links to specific useful info:
- Connecting to the University wifi / Eduroam when on campus
- IT Security - Two Factor Authentication (2fa)
- Your IT Account
You can find more information on IT Support on their webpages.
I’m an external visitor and not a member of the University.
You’re very welcome! We have a page full of useful information for visitors here.
Books, borrowing and your library account
You can find out more about how many books you can borrow, for how long, and how to access online resources on our Find and Use Resources page.
How do I find and borrow books in the library?
You’re welcome to browse the shelves, which are arranged by theme - you’ll find a list of subjects and what floor they’re on, over on the large signs at the bottom of the stairs up to Floors 1 - 3. We have over a million books in this building so it may be easier to search for what you need on YorSearch - type in some keywords and it will tell you what we have, and how and where to access it.
To borrow a book, you don’t need to bring it to the desk - just use one of our Self-Issue Machines. You’ll find two on Floor 0 and one on Floor 2.
There’s more information on Borrowing here.
How can I return books and other items?
Use the Self-Return Machine on Floor 0 of the Morrell, or you can post items into the bookdrop outside (to the left of the exit).
I need to check on my current loans.
You can do this on YorSearch - login via the link at the top right corner of the YorSearch homepage then click on your name and go to My Loans - you can also access requests, saved items and search history via this menu.
I need to collect a hold / reserved item.
You’ll find this on the Hold Shelf, which is next to the Self-Return Machine on Floor 0 of the Morrell.
I need to collect an interlending item.
Come speak to us at Reception! If your Interlending item is borrowable, we’ll be able to show you how you can issue the item to your account. If the item is “For use in Library only” you’ll need to come back and visit us across service hours, Monday-Friday 10-4: this is because the library who owns the book has stricter conditions on how the item can be used, and our Help Desk staff will need to issue it to you.
Our buildings and facilities
Find out more about the library buildings on our Visit and Study page.
Can I book a study space? Do I need to?
You’re welcome to book a study space: one floor of each building contains bookable spaces (Morrell Floor 2, Fairhurst Floor 1 and Burton Floor 1); the rest are first-come, first-served and don’t require booking.
Can I see a map of the library?
Yes, we have Interactive Library maps here. If you’d prefer, we also have Library floor plans as a PDF (1,601kb)
Where is the Creativity Lab and YorCreate?
Our digital labs are both on Floor 1 of the Fairhurst. Find out more about our Labs on our Research & Digital Creativity pages.
Where is the Student Kitchen?
You’ll find our Student Kitchen with hot and cold drinking water taps, microwaves, and sink, on Floor 1 of the Fairhurst.
Where is the Family Study Room?
This is on Floor 0 of the Burton; you can find more information about the Family Study Room here.