A Shelf-Help Guide to the Library

Your first few weeks at Warwick will no doubt be spent drinking, tending the resulting hang over, making friends, trying to cook and finding your way around campus. However, we also know that eventually you’ll need to do some work. The Library is a weird and wonderful place, housing the university’s collection of over a million books. Follow our handy guide to find your way around the five floors of ‘The Lib’.

Borrowing and returning

The Library is open 24/7. To borrow books from this papery wonderland, you will need your ID card. During my first week of term, my lecturer set us compulsory reading. I didn’t have the book yet, so I knew that I had to go to the Library. I had the classmark. I knew the floor number.  Up the concrete steps I went, through the sliding doors. Reaching into my bag as I faced the electronic barriers, a sudden sinking feeling consumed me. “You shall not pass” shouted the tiny Gandalf in my head, as I realised I had forgotten my ID card. I urge you not make the same mistake. The walk of shame is similar to dragging yourself back from goodness knows where after Pop!

I realised I had forgotten my ID card. I urge you not make the same mistake.

To borrow a book, you will need to find it using the reference system. You can look up the classmark of a book by searching on Encore, the online database. Some texts are also available to read online. Once you’ve found your book, the rest is easy. Take it to one of the check out scanners on the first floor, scan your s ID card, then borrow the book by placing it spine down on the sensor.  

To return your book, there are scanners by the IT services office on the first floor. Just scan them in and watch them roll away. If you live further afield (I’m looking at you, Westwood) there are return bins to save your legs. Alternatively, you can renew your books online using your library account.

To return your book, there are scanners by the IT services office on the first floor.

Loan lengths

Normally you will have a fifteen books borrowing allowance on a two week loan.  High demand books tend to have limited three day loan period. Check the sticker on the spine to avoid being fined. Disabled students have an extension from three to seven days on short loan books.

Layout

In terms of floor plans there are signs everywhere, so other than in the extension (another dimension), it is hard to get lost. The first floor is the admin department, where you can borrow and return books, photocopy, access IT support and read newspapers and magazines from all over the world. The second floor is for group studying, and boasts several bookable study rooms, as well as computers and a quiet room. The third floor is frequented by humanities students and the fourth floor is for Law. Very few climb all the way to the top floor; if they do, they probably study social sciences. If you’re still finding the thought of that many books daunting, the Library run guided tours during the first few weeks of term to help you find your feet.

Very few climb all the way to the top floor; if they do, they probably study social sciences.

Online resources

The Library website is a handy tool. It is where you can pay your fines for those books you wholeheartedly intended to read, but have been using as a bedside table cup coaster. Also, if your department is on top form, they will have uploaded your course reading lists to Talis Aspire. This handy database on the Library website bookmarks all of the items you will need, saving you the time of searching for them. The Library also has an app which allows you to search for classmarks, departments and rooms via a virtual floor plan.

Other useful things you really should know

• You can get away with eating your packed lunch on the third floor provided you tuck yourself in a wall bay and avoid eating food that rustles.
• People watching is best conducted on the second and fourth floor.
• There are electronic shelves in the extension. Though they may look like the trash compactor from the original Star Wars trilogy, we promise they will not close on you without warning.
• Space hogging is a crime, punishable by death by third year dissertation student.
• There will be people asleep in the Library. This is normal. Try not to stare if they snore or dribble.
• Think you may have seen a zombie? Do not be afraid, they are just students who have pulled an all-nighter.

People watching is best conducted on the second and fourth floor.

We hope you have found this guide useful. For more information about the Library, including tours and FAQs, go to https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/library/.