Accessibility statement

Visiting us - Covid-19

The Library is open to students and staff during the pandemic, although not currently to external visitors. The reduced space we have in the Library is in high demand from our own students; we hope in the future to allow non-University members back into the building, at such a time when social-distancing reduces and our capacity increases.

Most of our services are operating, and this page gives some more information on what to expect when you visit.

Services we're offering

The Library on Campus West is now open, but it will look and feel a little different to the way things were before the buildings closed.

  • We're currently open 8am until midnight, seven days a week for studying (more details on available study spaces), browsing the shelves and borrowing/returning books, and printing. 
  • Face coverings must be worn in the building to help keep everyone safe. All the bookable study spaces are 2m socially distanced and for individuals - we can't legally allow you to study in groups, even if you live in the same households. Please be nice to Library staff about these rules even if you don't agree with them; we're doing our best to protect everyone as much as possible. Because you can't eat a meal with Face Covering on, there's now dedicated space to eat in Vanburgh every weekday lunchtime: more information can be found on the Eat at York webpages.
  • King's Manor Library is now open for study space and to browse the collections, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 5pm on Saturdays. 
  • You can get Library and IT support from our Help Desk. Our physical Help Desk is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but you’ll find it quicker to contact us online. You’re also helping to keep our users and staff safe. We continue to offer a virtual Help Desk from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.
  • The Borthwick Institute for Archives has reopened for University of York staff and students. Visits are by appointment only, Mondays to Wednesdays. Contact the Borthwick for more information or to make a booking.
  • The Library Cafe is now open for a takeaway service with a reduced menu.
  • You can now book places to study in the Piazza Learning Centre via the booking calendar.
  • York Minster Library remains closed for the time being, but we’re now once again able to access the books located there. You can request them via YorSearch for collection at either the Morrell or King’s Manor Library, or request a postal loan using our Book Takeaway service.
  • Laptop loans are available, at the Morrell and the Piazza Building.

Safety measures

Our main priority is making our services work for everyone whilst keeping everyone safe. Here are some of the things we’re doing:

Face coverings

Following government guidelines and University policy, all users (and Library staff) are obliged to wear a face covering when you’re in Library buildings. We will provide you with a face covering if you don’t have one or forget it.

Book quarantine

Books will be quarantined for 72 hours after they're returned to ensure infection control.

Study spaces

We’re offering a reduced number of spaces available to individual students for 2m socially distanced studying (no group study areas due to social distancing guidelines). These include PC study spaces, and are bookable in advance.

Track and Trace

When you enter the buildings please make a note of the link to our online Track and Trace form, which we’re using to support the national Coronavirus Track and Trace system.

Soft furnishings

Soft furnishings like our sofas are out of use - this means that (at least initially) the Morrell Lounge, Living Room and some of Fairhurst will be out of bounds.

Library staff

We have marshalls in the building to direct you and give advice about social distancing.

Hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser has been provided at specific location points throughout the building.

Find out more

We hope that this gives you a better understanding of what is happening when. As soon as we have useful information on any of these topics we’ll let you know via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Library News section of the website.

The pandemic is currently going through one of the most difficult periods yet, so we need everyone, staff and students alike, to help us make this work. The wellbeing of our community at York is always the priority. Please help us keep everyone as safe as possible! 

If you have any questions about any of this, please get in touch.