Category Archives: Vacation information

Borrowing over the summer

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Image containing a stack of books against a blurred background of trees.

Vacation loans are here again.

Summer term will be coming to an end Friday 9 June, and we will be making some temporary changes to our borrowing policy over the Summer vacation period starting Thursday 1 June. 

If you are an undergraduate or a taught postgraduate, any standard or term loan item you borrow will be due back on Tuesday 26 September and will not be subject to recall. If your account expires before then, you will need to return the item before your course ends. 

Borrowing for staff, research postgraduates, Associate and External users will remain the same, so please continue to keep an eye on your University email account and Library account to ensure you return or renew items on time and avoid fines. 

If you are unsure about your due dates or just have a question, you can still contact us via email or by phone. We will be moving to vacation opening hours soon so watch this space for more information! 

 

Your Library Team 

Preparing for Easter closure

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Artificial chick surrounded by colourful eggs on a brown background

Egg-cited for the Easter vacation? Make sure you’re prepared. Image by Couleur from Pixabay

The Easter vacation is fast approaching, so make sure you know about the changes to the Library opening hours!

When are we open?

Between Monday 27 March – Wednesday 5 April, we’ll be open at the following times:

  • Monday 27 March: Open until 19:00
  • Tuesday 28 – Thursday 30 March: 08:30 – 19:00
  • Friday 31 March: 08:30 – 17:00
  • Saturday 1 April: 08:30 – 21:00
  • Sunday 2 April: Open from 08:30
  • Monday 3 – Tuesday 4 April: 24 hours
  • Wednesday 5 April: Open until Midnight

We’ll be closed between Thursday 6 April – Tuesday 11 April for the University Easter closure period.

Term time Library opening hours will resume from 08:30 Wednesday 12 April.

Please see our opening hours page for details on opening times and information about our Summer term hours.

 

When do you need to return your loans?

Loan periods and due dates will not be affected by the University closure, so make sure you regularly check your Library account for individual return dates on your books.

Recall notices will be sent to your University email address so keep track, return your materials on time and avoid fines.

Library closed? You can return books 24/7 via the external Book Drop. If you do receive a recall notice and you can’t return the item in person, you can always return them by post.

 

What are the last collection dates for Off-site Store and Closed Access?

Screenshot of the ‘Request from Closed Access’ button

You’ll find the request button on the right of your screen on your PC. For mobile, select from the vertical dots.

Off-site Store and Closed Access collections will not take place during the University closure period, so please submit your requests in good time.

  • Off-site Store items need to be requested before 08:30 Thursday 30 March.
  • Closed Access items need to be requested before 13:30 Wednesday 5 April. 

 

What if you’re not on campus? 

If you’re away from campus but still want access to a library space, you may be able to do so via the SCONUL access scheme. See Using other libraries for more information about other libraries you may be available to visit. 

 

If you have any questions, please get in touch. 

Your Library Team 

 

Christmas vacation and the Library

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Whether you’re on-campus or heading home this Christmas, make sure you know about the upcoming changes to our opening hours and plan ahead! 

When will the Library be open? 

Image of hanging gold and white baubles

Getting ready for the Christmas holidays? Make sure you plan ahead!

The Library will be operating on reduced opening hours after term ends on Friday 9 December.  

  • From Saturday 10 December to Wednesday 21 December, the Library will be open from 08.30 to 19.00 on Monday – Thursday and 08.30 – 17.00 on Friday 16 December and Thursday 22 December. We won’t be open during the weekends. 
  • The Library will be closed Friday 23 December to Monday 2 January for the University Christmas closure. 
  • From Tuesday 3 January to Sunday 8 January, we re-open with reduced opening hours. Term-time service will resume from Monday 9 January. 

 

When do I need to return my books? 

You can borrow right up until the University Christmas closure. Standard loans can be borrowed for up to 6 weeks, but items may still be recalled until Friday 16 December. Please keep an eye on your University email account (and your Junk folder) for any recalls notices so that you can avoid fines.  

 

Last collections before Christmas closure  

If you want items which are not on the open shelves before Christmas, make sure that you get your requests in on time! 

  • Off-site Store items need to be requested before 08.30 Thursday 15 December.
  • Closed Access items need to be requested  before 13.30 Wednesday 21 December. 
Screenshot of the ‘Request from Closed Access’ button

Find the request button on the right of your screen on your PC. For mobile, select from the vertical dots.

Normal service will resume on Tuesday 3 January with our first Closed Access collection happening on Wednesday 4 January. Our first Off-site Store collection will occur on Thursday 5 January. 

For more information and detailed instructions on how to make Closed Access and Store requests, check out the ‘Requesting items from Store and Closed Access‘ information page. 

 

Accessing online information 

If you’re very keen to continue your studies during the University closure don’t worry, our Subject guides and Study Advice guides are always available online. Or why not get a head start by: 

  • …discovering how to create your reference lists using Endnote or Mendeley  
  • …checking out our Databases by subject guide and examining a new electronic resource 
  • …exploring some of the ‘further’ or ‘suggested readings’ on your reading list.
Image of Christmas parcel on white background.

Give yourself the gift of time to recharge. Photo by tijana drndarsk

 

Keep on top of your studies but don’t forget to enjoy a well-deserved break!  

Happy Holidays to you all.  

 

 

Your Library team 

Library open Saturday 17 September

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Stay ahead of the term time rush and come and make the most of our final summer vacation Saturday opening.

On Saturday 17 September, we’re open 8:30 – 17:00 and our friendly staff will be on hand all day to answer your questions.

Student looking at laptop in study booth

Time to focus in one of our many study spaces

So, if you’d like to enjoy some quality study time, or maybe just browse and explore our resources before the busy autumn term kicks off, this is a date to put in your diary.

Looking for more specific help from a Library professional within your subject area? Visit our online guidance or make an appointment as we won’t be able to deal with specific one-to-one subject enquiries on the day.

Keen to stay hydrated? Although the Library Café won’t be open, water fountains are available on most floors. You’re also welcome to bring your own lidded drink.

Please be aware that the IT Service Desk will be working on Registration – further information about their service hours can be found on their webpages.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Your Library team

Library closed Bank Holiday Monday

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Image of University Library from a distance

The Library will be closed Monday 29 August for the August Bank Holiday. Please see our opening hours for information.

Although the building may not be open, registered staff, students and Associate members can still access our wealth of e-resources 24/7.  

If you’re looking for a PC, don’t worry! PC labs are still available on campus for registered students.  

Please note that collections from Closed Access will not be available at this time, but they will resume Wednesday 31 August. 

 

Your Library Team 

Library open Saturday 13 August

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An image of the outside of the Library building

The second of our summer Saturdays takes place on Saturday 13 August. The Library will be open 8:30 – 17:00 so why not stop by for a visit?

 

Browse our vast range of print materials, find out about our e-resources or discover your new favourite study space. Library members can borrow via the Self-Service Points and our friendly staff will be available to answer your questions.

 

We won’t be able to deal with 1-to-1 subject enquiries but information and guidance is available via our Study Advice and our Subject resources and guidance webpages.

 

Student using a laptop in the Library

Come and make the most of our print resources or maybe find your perfect study spot

 

Please be aware that the IT Service Desk and the Library Café will not be open.

We look forward to seeing you.

 

Your Library Team

 

 

Clearing 2022 

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From Monday 8 August until Friday 26 August, the 1st Floor of the Library and the Ground Floor PC lab G12, will be closed for setting up and housing Clearing 2022.  

As in previous years, Clearing staff will be joining us in the Library to take calls and help prospective students from A Level results day (Thursday 18 August) through until Monday 22 August.  

Study areas, including spaces with PCs, remains available on all other floors of the Library but please ask us if you need help finding a suitable space. There are also a variety of alternative study spaces for University staff and students across campus, including The Study (RUSU), 24-hour PC labs in Agriculture GL20, Meteorology GL68 and Palmer G.09. 

The IT Helpdesk will remain available for the period of Clearing, but whilst the 1st Floor is closed to study, support will be via telephone, email or the IT Self Service Portal. 

Your Library Team

Beryl’s back in action!

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If you are visiting the Library for access to study space, please be aware that deep cleaning works are underway.  

Member of staff filling carpet cleaning machine with water to wash carpets as part of the annual summer big clean

It’s thirsty work for Beryl…

Our wonderful Library Support Services Team are making everything lovely and clean in preparation for the Autumn term, which means that some areas may be temporarily closed whilst the clean progresses through the building.   

For those who aren’t aware, the annual Library deep clean is an intensive process where all the usual places are thoroughly cleansed and additionally, we reach into the areas which aren’t covered by the day-to-day clean. A substantial volume of chewing gum- glued to the undersides of seats and tables- is relocated to the bins; hair and lint is excavated from trolley wheels and carpets are painstakingly washed, using our powerful carpet cleaner, who we’ve named Beryl.  

Most of the floors have now been thoroughly cleaned and are looking significantly improved, little wonder! Just look at what’s been coming out of the carpet!!!  

Changing the water. Carpet washing means frequent water changes

Mucky business – but worth it!

So, if you do see (or hear!) Beryl though the summer vacation, please accept our apologies if it feels disruptive and ask us for help with finding an alternative study area whilst cleaning is underway.

Your Library Team

Library open Saturday 16 July

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Image of person with rucksack walking through library aisle

We’ve got a wide range of resources. Why not come have a look? Image by Redd from Unsplash

 

During summer vacation, the Library is open on 3 Saturdays 8:30 – 17:00. This Saturday, 16 July, will be the first of these, so why not come for a visit? 

Examine our vast range of print materials, find out a bit about the e-resources that we provide access to,  and explore the array of study spaces available to find your perfect spot. If you have a Library membership, you can still borrow via the Self-Service Points, and our friendly staff will be available to answer your questions. 

We won’t be able to deal with 1-to-1 subject enquiries but information and guidance remains available via our Study Advice and our Subject resources and guidance webpages.  

Please be aware that the IT help desk and the Library Café will not be open during this time. 

We look forward to seeing you. 

 

Your Library Team

University of Reading Open Days 2022  

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Refurbished Library building with extensive glass front and silvered cladding, behind young, llight green trees

Our stunning Library building

The Library will be welcoming Open Day visitors on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June. Have you registered yet? If not, head over to our Open Days webpage to register and to find out more.   

Throughout our Open Days, prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit the Library building and take a self-guided tour around the facilities. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff and Student Ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions and queries and provide in-person tours.  

 

Things to check out:  

  • A range of study spaces to suit your needs – 

from the peace and tranquillity of the silent 5th Floor to our bookable Group Study Rooms complete with screens to facilitate group learning.  

  • Vast collections of books and journals –  

did you know we have over 1 million resources spread over miles of shelving? 

  • The Study Advice and Maths Support Desk on the Ground Floor –  

during term time, students can get help in developing their knowledge of resources from our team of qualified Librarians and expert help from our Study Advisors. There’s also a range of study spaces available by the desk for students to make the most of ‘quick queries’ sessions. 

 

A trip to the Library wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Library Café – a chance to refuel before setting off to explore our beautiful campus.  

Whatever subject you choose to study, the Library is key to your success, so come and see the ‘centrepiece of the campus’ and make the most of UoR learning.  

We look forward to seeing you!  

 

Your Library Team 

 

Please note, standard membership and enquiry services will not be available on Saturday 18 June as Library staff and Student Ambassadors will be on site solely for Open Day visitors. 

 

Happy Summer vacation – what’s changing at the University of Reading Library?

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Opening hours

Friday 10 June marks the end of the Summer term at the University of Reading so signals a change in our opening hours.

During Summer vacation, the Library does not open on Saturdays or Sundays except Saturdays 16 July, 13 August and 17 September when we will be open 8:30 – 17:00.

Weekend services will resume on Saturday 24 September once we are back in term time.

 

Remaining external Library membership groups return

We are pleased to announce that from Monday 13 June, the final categories of membership, which were suspended during and in the wake of the pandemic, will resume.  This means all External Borrower membership options and day access are available again.

Visit our website for more information about joining the Library. Please be aware that new memberships will not be available on Open Day, Saturday 18 June.

 

Open Days

The University Library is pleased to be part of Open Days 2022.

Please visit our Open Days blog for more information or get in touch if you have a question about the Library services through Summer vacation.

 

Your Library Team

Easter vacation

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Friday 25 March is the last day of the Spring term – well done everyone, we made it!

 

Spring flowers by Ali G Rashidi on Unsplash.com

If you’re revising during the Easter vacation, here’s some information that will help you make the most of the Library over the next few weeks.

 

Help and support with your studies

We recently blogged about support for your studies over the forthcoming vacation. The key thing to remember is that, whilst the Study Advice and Maths Support desk is closed (after 14:00 Friday 25 March until 13:00 Tuesday 19 April), you can still get in touch with your Academic Liaison Librarian and Study Advice for assistance with finding resources and getting the best out of your learning.

Over the vacation, except for during the University closure period (Wednesday 13 April to Monday 18 April), questions for Study Advice or your Academic Liaison Librarian, will still be answered – simply get in touch with them by email.

 

Library opening hours

The Library will close for the University Easter closure period at Midnight on Tuesday 12 April and will re-open at 8:30 on Tuesday 19 April. Apart from that, we are open to registered users for study space, Library loans and other services such as assistance with finding materials and managing your Library account. Take a look our opening hours page for more information.

 

Library loans during Easter vacation

Usual policies apply so remember to check your Library account and keep an eye on your University email account for any messages from us, such as Recalls (recalled loans). If we do recall an item that you have on loan, we’ll email you. Renew your items online or contact us at the Library, either way, keep track of your Library account. If you need to return an item but are away on vacation, you can post your items back to us.

 

Using other libraries

If you are away from Reading during the vacation and want to gain access to an alternative University library, you may be able to do so via the SCONUL access scheme. See our Using other libraries webpage for more information about other library services which may be available to you.

Your Library Team