Getting started with Library Services, 2022

New to UCL? Wondering how to get started with using the library? 

Guidance and assistance for first time users of the library and our services is provided on our Getting Started pages. This is your essential guide to getting started with using our libraries; from here you can access the online induction and library tours.

Library staff are here to help

• Join us at the Support Services Fair, 10.30 am - 3:00 pm Monday 26 – Wednesday 28 September in the North Cloisters.
• Introduction to Explore: Drop in to our short demonstrations on searching Explore, our online search catalogue, in the Science Library, at 12.00 pm and 12.30pm each day Monday 26 – Friday 30 September, to learn how to explore one of the best university library collections in the world.
• Head to any of our libraries to find out more from the local library teams.
• Chat online with a member of library staff, Monday - Friday 12:00 - 19:00. Click the ‘Library Help’ icon on the library website and Contact Us pages.

Visiting libraries and using our collections

You can access our libraries and borrow books within 1 hour once you have your ID card. You will have full access to our huge range of online resources from your programme start date.

• Choose from 17 library sites, including the Student Centre and new library space in One Pool Street at UCL East. You can just turn up and study in our libraries. Check library opening hours and space availability online.
• Bookable group study spaces are available in many libraries. You can also book individual study spaces in the Student Centre.
• Click and Collect is available at most libraries.
• Scan and Send is available at selected libraries.

Making the most of your libraries  

Once you are familiar with using our library spaces and collections, find out more about support and guidance available to help you utilise resources effectively and develop the skills you need for academic success.

• ReadingLists@UCL: Most taught course modules will have an online reading list which allows you to link directly to online resources or see an item’s location in Explore. Link to your reading list through your Moodle course.
• Subject Guides: Find resources for your subject and details of your specialist librarian(s) who can help with all your queries.
• LibrarySkills@UCL: Develop your skills at finding, evaluating and using information for your studies or research with our online guidance, self-paced tutorials, and bookable programme of live online and face to face training sessions.
• UCL Special Collections: Discover one of the foremost university collections of manuscripts, archives and rare books in the UK.