Opening hours
The Thompson and Blackheath Lane Library opening hours have changed:
- Thompson Library: 9am-midnight every day
- Blackheath Lane: 9am-midnight every day
The Health Library at Shrewsbury is open 24/7, all of the resources and study areas are available.
Note that opening hours are subject to change and will reflect any closure due to COVID-19 that are instigated by the University and national or local guidelines.
Services and Library access
Click and Collect for print books
We have a ‘click and collect’ online reservation service for print stock, book returns via the self-service machines and access to study spaces is open.
Click and collect is available at Thompson Library and the Student Hub at the Stoke Campus and Blackheath Lane Library at Stafford. You can also return books at each of these sites.
There is more information on our Borrowing webpages.
If you receive a Library recall notice for reserved or overdue books please contact us and we can make a note on your Library record. We don’t expect you to make unnecessary journeys during the national lockdown and you won’t accrue fines.
Access to the Library
Library services will remain open and staffed to support teaching and learning for students undertaking face-to-face delivery or living in University-managed accommodation. If you are permitted to use the Library you will continue to find that the layout and spacing of PC and study spaces is going to feel different to make sure social distancing can be applied, but the Library team will be there to assist you and answer any questions.
You are required to scan your card to get access to the buildings and Library. Therefore, it’s going to be really important to have your student card with you at all times. As everyone visiting the library needs to scan in separately, please don’t hold the door open for anyone behind you, or go straight in if someone in front holds the door open for you.
Face coverings
We require you to wear a face covering when you enter the Library and move through the study spaces and corridors. You will also need to keep it on while you are sitting studying or using any facilities in the Library. We do understand that not everyone can wear a face covering and support the Sunflower Scheme.
Available Support
Skills appointments
Appointments with all the Academic Skills Team are available online.
Changes to other Library Services
- Inter Library Loans Books and articles that we do not stock should normally be available for free from the British Library On Demand service. However some aspects of this service are currently not available. The British Library can supply some online articles but is unable at the moment to supply books. Until the full service at the British Library is available we will look into purchasing any books required that are not currently in our collection, either electronically, or in print and we will get the book sent out to you. You can then return the book when you are next on campus or return it via post (we are unable to reimburse postage). Request should be sent to Vicki McGarvey, Resources and Library Systems Manager, vicki.mcgarvey@staffs.ac.uk giving the title of the book, the author and the ISBN.
- Alumni applications are not being processed until further notice
- Bursary book requests - please contact libraryhelpdesk@staffs.ac.uk
- Topping up print accounts – online only. Use the MyStaffs mobile app and tap the Print Credit tile.
- All fines will be waived during the current pandemic – if you receive an invoice please contact libraryhelpdesk@staffs.ac.uk
SCONUL Access
The SCONUL Access Scheme is currently suspended as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. New applications or renewed applications cannot be processed and participating libraries are not accepting visitors from other libraries under the scheme. This is because capacity within member libraries is severely restricted due to the need for social distancing and this means that it is not possible for libraries to facilitate external visitors in most cases.
SCONUL are fully committed to opening up the scheme again as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. Currently it looks unlikely that the scheme will return to full functioning during the 2020-21 academic year. They will be consulting member institutions on routes to reopening the scheme later this academic year.