Changes to library services from Monday 19 July

Everything you need to know about using our libraries following step four of the UK Government roadmap on Monday 19 July.

Visiting our libraries

Whilst government guidelines mean that the wearing of face coverings is no longer mandatory, the government expects and recommends that you wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces. This helps you to reduce your risk to others and helps others to reduce their risk to you.

We ask that you continue to follow good hand hygiene measures, clean surfaces before and after use and give people space where it is sensible or requested. Visit the Safety on Campus page for guidance on keeping the university community safe.

Please be considerate of others when using our spaces as some people may be more comfortable with the lifting of restrictions than others.

You should continue to take an asymptomatic Covid test at least once a week before coming on to campus. If you experience any Covid symptoms you must isolate, notify the university and book an NHS PCR test.

For more information about the lifting of Covid restrictions at the University, please visit the Coronavirus hub.

Changes in libraries

We will be making some changes to our libraries and services over the coming weeks to reflect the latest Government guidance. Signage in our libraries and guidance on our website will be updated as soon as possible.

• Face coverings are no longer mandatory, but the government expects and recommends that you wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces.
• We are removing some of the one-way routes in our libraries.
• Food cannot be eaten in our libraries, however, you are welcome to bring in drinks.
• We are in the process of reintroducing walk-in study spaces, including group spaces.
• You can continue to book individual study space online via Click and Study or alternatively, drop-in and use any available non-bookable space.
• Our dedicated Study here individual and group study spaces at Trent, Pope, Xu Yafen, Dearing and Si Yuan buildings will no longer be available.
• Books will no longer be quarantined and can be returned either to the boxes outside libraries or via the self-service machines.
• We will be extending our opening hours from 2 August. Check the Libraries website for more details towards the end of the month.
• We are reintroducing visitor and external borrower access to our libraries (except College/NUAST students). Please note, the SCONUL Access Scheme is still suspended and is not expected to restart until September.

For more information about visiting our libraries, please visit the Libraries website or contact the Library Helpline via email, phone or live chat.