Library

The Library will play an integral role in your course at the University. It offers you a welcoming and flexible space for group and individual study. The library has four floors and contains 200,000 volumes with over 800 reader places.You'll have access to over quarter of a million books, as well as journals and electronic sources of information.

In 2010 we completed Phase I of our library development. The facilities and the resources we offer are designed to make study and learning easy.

There is online access to over 14,000 electronic journals in all subject areas and all journals, e-books and other key online information resources can be accessed from anywhere.

Our online catalogue tells you what is in the library, enables you to check the recommended reading for your course, and lets you reserve and renew books. You can issue and return books yourself by using our self service machines. Multiple copies of titles on reading lists are available in the library and copies of core texts can also be found in the short loan collection.  

With PC labs, wireless internet access, photocopiers, printers, group and silent study areas, the Library is an ideal place to study.  The entire ground floor is a modern social learning space with a cafe and vending area. This is our major group study area with a range of seating, plus meeting ‘pods’ where you can work as a group in a more isolated atmosphere.  Specialist equipment for students with additional needs is also available on the ground floor.  The emphasis is on accessibility and user-friendliness.  

Opening hours

The library is normally open for 90 hours a week during term-time, including Saturdays and Sundays, but there is 24 hour access, 6 days a week, at key times throughout the year.  The library is also open during University holidays. 

Help and support

As a new student you will be given an induction to the library to ensure you are aware of all the facilities and services available to you.  Our experienced library staff are on hand to help and online support is available through the ‘Library Matters’ virtual learning module.  

Recognised for excellent customer service

Our Library was recently granted the Customer Service Excellence award.  It’s one of only a handful of UK University libraries to have achieved this award.  You can therefore expect a service that is customer focused with friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff.  Any issues and concerns you may have during your study at the University will be responded to promptly and effectively.  We look forward to welcoming all students to the University library and will value your feedback.   

Accessing facilities at other libraries

Aston students are able to use other academic libraries within the UK via a scheme called SCONUL Access.  This reciprocal scheme and inter-library loans allow our students to access books and journals at other University libraries and vice-versa.  

Library website: www.aston.ac.uk/lis  

All students must comply with the Library and Information Services (LIS) Regulations for the use of the University Library Facilities.