We are taking several measures to provide a safe and effective library service at this time. We are continuously monitoring changes in national advice, so please do return to this page for updates on Library Services. The University is also providing updates on advice.
There are changes to our services from Monday 12 April 2021:
It is mandatory to wear a face covering in libraries, please bring one when you visit. Check our current opening times before you travel.
The Hive, and all Worcestershire libraries, are using a track and trace system. There is a change in government requirements and all those over age 16 entering the library are required to track and trace, and a group person is no longer acceptable. Where a group enter, details of all must be obtained. Please download the NHS Covid-19 app before you arrive, and scan the QR codes by the entrance. You'll also need to provide your University ID card and contact details to library staff.
Social distancing and hygiene measures are in place for everyone’s safety. Please use the provided hand sanitizer as you enter The Hive. We're managing the number of customers in the building, and computers and desks will be cleaned thoroughly after each use.
Library staff will also be on hand to answer queries and provide information. The Hive will not be available for group events and activities, as a meeting place or a place to spend time reading or relaxing.
You can find information on the re-opening and opening times of other county libraries, and the latest changes to services from Worcestershire County Council.
All loans were extended to 12 April 2021, with no overdue fines applied between 28 October and 12 April 2021. Pre-existing fines will remain on your account. From 12 April 2021, usual loan periods and overdue fines will apply.
You can pay in person at The Hive or any open Worcestershire branch library. For opening hours please see the Worcestershire County Council library webpages. You can pay by credit or debit card at any location, but cash may be restricted.
If you are unable to visit in person, you can also pay fines over the phone. Please call the Worcestershire County Council customer contact centre on 01905 765765, or Firstpoint on 01905 542551.
Please return your loans through the external hatch next to the entrance. Please note there will be a delay of 3-4 days between the date a book is returned and when it is removed from your account. You can also drop off your loans at any open Worcestershire branch library.
You can browse shelves for up to 20 minutes at a time, and borrow books using self-service kiosks.
Place your booking by calling 01905 822722.
You can book a 4 hour study space for individual use and group study tables can be used with social distancing between chairs. The study tables can be booked by University of Worcester students and members of the public. The latest guidelines recommend additional ventilation to reduce the risk of spreading the new variant, and the outside doors on level 0 of the Hive will remain open whilst the building is in use so please wear warm clothing when you visit.
You can book a computer for 2 hours, which includes 10 minutes cleaning time. Please speak to a member of staff if you need additional time. Printing is self-service as normal.
Please contact student timetabling to find out the latest on space bookings on campus.
Food isn't allowed, but you can bring a drink with you as long as it's covered.
The cafe is closed following a small fire in the cafe on the evening of 3 September. We started repairs on 2 November, and there'll be some noise. Where possible, we're scheduling the noisiest works outside of opening hours.
Our reservation service is working as normal for libraries open in Worcestershire. There will be no reservation fees until 1 May to allow time for outstanding reservations to be processed. From 1 May the fee of 80p will be implemented.
We are currently operating a reduced service and unable to place inter library requests for print books at the present time, due to the need to adhere to Covid-related safety measures. However, we will supply chapters from ebooks instead where possible, and can still provide online articles.
We can supply postal loans to students studying at a distance and staff and students who are shielding or self-isolating. We are currently operating a reduced service due to the need to adhere to Covid-related safety measures so there may be a delay in supplying books by post. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
From the 19 April, our mobile library service will recommence.
Email askalibrarian with your questions, or search our FAQs.
All our online resources remain available via Library Search and Resource Lists as usual.
We’re able to digitise more material on Resource Lists this year, due to some temporary relaxing of copyright legislation during the Coronanvirus pandemic. Get in touch to find out how.
A number of publishers are offering free resources during the coronavirus outbreak. We would like to assure you that we are already well-resourced with plenty of ebooks, journals and databases. We are also buying more ebook copies of print books where possible.
However, we are investigating temporary access to further resources where there is a clear need, such as film streaming and textbooks. Please bear with us, as reviewing and setting up trials takes time.
If you have received an offer from a publisher that you’d like us to review, or have a particular need for resources, please email the eresources team. If you would like access to an ebook, please suggest a book using our form.
The SCONUL Access scheme is currently suspended. Participating libraries are not accepting visitors from other universities. Please contact inter library requests if you need to access resources outside of our collections.