Service availability
We’re working hard to safely reopen our Library sites and deliver in-person services.
In the meantime, our digital services are all still available. We will update this webpage with new information as we continue the phased reopening of our buildings.
Health and safety rules
You must wear a face covering at all times while inside one of our Library buildings. This does not apply to those with medical conditions who are not able to wear face coverings. Once inside, face coverings do not replace social distancing, so you should still maintain a two-metre distance from people not in your support bubble. You must sanitise your hands when you enter the buildings, and wipe down all study spaces before and after you use then using the cleaning products provided.
Returning books
You can return all Library books to the book return bin in the entrance of the Main Library:
Please allow at least three days for your Library account to be updated showing the return.
However, if you’re coming back to the University in the new academic year or you live locally, please hold on to your loans as this will support us to deliver this service to those who urgently need it. Don’t worry, you won’t accrue any fines.
Library services
Find out about service availability below:
Click and Collect service
Click and Collect service
You can access books held at the following Library sites through our Click and Collect service:
- Main Library
- Joule Library
- Eddie Davies Library
- Lenagan Library
- Art and Archaeology Library
Log in to Library Search and locate the book you want, then click the 'Request' button that appears for books held at the participating Library sites. Once you have requested a book, you will receive an email notification when the book is ready for collection.
Books requested from Main Library, Joule Library, Eddie Davies Library, Lenagan Library and the Art and Archaeology Library can be collected from Main Library:
We’re working towards enabling you to access books at other Library sites. If you can’t come to Main Library or Joule Library to collect your book, please contact Customer Services via Library Chat.
Study space
Book study space
There are almost 500 bookable study spaces available at Main Library, the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and Joule Library:
You can print, scan and copy documents using the MFDs at these Library sites.
Opening times
Accessible Equipment Room
The Accessible Equipment Room will be available to book for students who are registered with the University's Disability and Advisory Support Service.
This can be booked via My Manchester:
Accessing electronic resources
Resources opened for COVID-19
Publishers are providing access to additional e-resources, including e-books, during the period of the COVID-19 outbreak on a rolling trial basis. Please note the length of access to these resources varies from publisher to publisher:
Access e-resources
Use Library Search to find ebooks and electronic articles:
Use Browzine to read popular ejournals:
Download and use the LibKey Nomad and Library Access browser extensions. These make it easier to access e-resources provided by the Library without having to visit Library Search first:
The Order a book and Order an article services are still running, but we are still only fulfilling orders electronically. Please select your orders carefully so we can manage demand:
University of Manchester theses from 2010 onwards are available online via Research Explorer:
ProQuest and EThOS provide access to a wide range of non-University of Manchester theses.
All databases are still available, with the exception of Bloomberg, Datastream and SDC Platinum. As an alternative to these, we recommend using Refinitiv Eikon, WRDS and Capital IQ:
Contact us to get help with financial databases by emailing:
Accessing Special Collections
Digital access
Some of the Library’s Special Collections have been digitised and are available online:
Physical access
We are providing limited in-person access to physical Special Collections held at The John Rylands Library and Main Library for all researchers. There are three spaces available at each site.
Opening times
- The John Rylands Library: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10:30am and 3:30pm
- Main Library: Tuesday and Thursday between 10.30 and 3.30pm
You can also book a digital appointment to view a small amount of Special Collections material held at The John Rylands Library via a Zoom call.
We will be offering digital appointments for material held at Main Library from 6 October 2020.
Book an appointment
To book an in-person or digital appointment, or to enquire about the Special Collections, contact the team:
You must give a minimum of one week’s notice when booking an appointment.
Help and support
Online support
No phone or face-to-face support is available during the closure. Help and support, including student IT support is available online:
- You can browse frequently asked questions on Library Help
- Talk to us online via Library Chat 24 hours a day
If you’re having problems with an e-resource, contact the e-resources helpdesk:
If you’re a member of academic staff, contact your Academic Engagement Librarian directly if you need support.
Training and skills
Online workshops and resources
Online workshops and resources are available to support your studies:
If you have a training and skills question, talk to us online via Library Chat or email:
Teaching services
Reading Lists
The easiest way to manage your reading lists and order content for online teaching is to use Reading Lists Online:
If you are using Reading Lists Online, we are making all reading list content available electronically wherever possible and your list will link to content directly. Make sure you have added importance tags to your items (particularly core and essential items), so we can address priorities quickly for you.
Semester 1 2020/21
We need teaching staff to work with us to ensure all online reading lists and teaching resources are ready for the new academic year. Find full details in our news item:
Special Collections support
Contact us directly to discuss your teaching needs:
Research services
Research Data Management
You can still get support with your data management plan and any other Research Data Management related enquiries. Contact us to discuss your needs:
Open Access
You can still request open access funding and deposit your research papers in PURE via our Open Access Gateway:
If you have an Open Access question, email:
eTheses
You can still get support with eThesis submission. Contact us to discuss your needs:
Special Collections support
Contact us directly to discuss your research needs: