Re-Opening Our Library Buildings and Services
**FIREBREAK LOCKDOWN: In accordance with the Welsh Government announcement, our Library buildings will close at 5pm on Friday 23 October until Monday 9th November. However, our Click and Collect Service will continue if you need access to books.
For those who use the library as a study space or for PC access, Pontio, CR1 and 2 in the Main University Building and the PC room at Normal site will remain open.**
We are delighted to announce that we are implementing a phased reopening of our buildings and services. Here is a guide as to what services are available and what measures are in place to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Please note – All services and working arrangements need to be delivered in compliance with government and University guidance and advice. As such, services and building availability may change at short notice.
Face Coverings – You must wear a face covering at all times when in the library building (unless exempt).
Please see our FAQs page for further information and advice. If your question isn’t listed here, please contact us via Library Chat or email us at library@bangor.ac.uk.
Access to Books
Click and Collect
We are unable to provide direct access to our bookshelves when our buildings first re-open, however all libraries will offer a Click and Collect service to access borrowable print books. To use the service, request items through library search and library staff will let you know when items are available for collection (usually next working day). See our FAQs for more details.
Reserve and Read
We have a reservation service at The Main Library to facilitate access to material that can’t be borrowed such as journals, theses, rare books, microfilms and material kept in our archives. Each library will have a small number of bookable study spaces reserved for this specific purpose. This service will be introduced at Main library before being rolled out to other branches. See our FAQs for more details.
Students who have a PLSP in place can also access the Assistive Technology Room at Main Library through the Reserve and Read service. The Assistive Technology Room at Deiniol library is available on a drop in basis.
Book and Browse: Coming later this Semester
We know you miss wandering our shelves, so we will work with others in the University to offer safe, bookable access to browse our bookshelves at some point in semester one. Keep an eye on our social media.
Please Note – It is possible to virtually browse the bookshelves and in many cases the contents pages online through Library Search. See our online YouTube guide for further details.
Online Resources
We provide easy access to an extensive collection of books, journals and online databases, including our unique heritage collections. The Library holds a large collection of e-resources to ensure you have access to resources both on and off campus.
We’ve also made it easier to access our full text licenced and open access e-resources when browsing the web off-campus with our free browser plug ins LibKey Nomad and Lean Library.
- Library Search is the tool you need to search our resources and collections. You can search for e-books, e-journals, databases, online newspapers, conference papers and much more.
- Links to electronic resources for your modules are available through your module reading lists on Blackboard.
- Free Temporary Access from Electronic Publishers – This reading list has been created giving you links to material that is being made openly available temporarily by publishers.
- If you need help finding information, please contact the Academic Support Team.
Book Returns
Got books to return?
All our library branches accept returns onsite when the buildings are open. Please use the book return bins that are provided. You can also return books at St.Mary’s and Friddoedd halls offices. See our FAQs for more details.
Not coming back to Bangor but want to send books back to us?
Use our freepost scheme – Please email library@bangor.ac.uk or ask on Library Chat for more information.
Please note – to reduce the risk of viral transmission, all returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours on initial return before being removed from your account.
Access to Study Spaces and Facilities
Things are a bit different in our libraries this year. To keep everyone safe, access to our study spaces is much reduced, both in terms of number and type of spaces available.
Normal Library and Deiniol Library will have a limited number of PC and laptop study spaces available on a first come first served basis. There may be times when the libraries are full and you might be asked to wait outside until space is available. Please see specific Branch Information for more details.
The Wrexham Library has a variety of bookable study spaces available. To book your seat, please email iss60a@bangor.ac.uk to request a study space.
Please see specific Branch Information for more details.
Assistive Technology Room
Students who have a PLSP in place can also access the Assistive Technology Rooms in the Deiniol Library on a drop in basis. Access to the Main Library Assistive Technology Room is available through the Reserve and Read service.
Online Services and Support
We’re still committed to providing exceptional support online, so you can continue to access:
- Thousands of e-books, e-journals and databases available through Library Search
- Instant help and support through live chat
- Specialist support from the Academic Support Team.
- Training and help guides to give the library skills you need to learn and study effectively
- Access to articles we don’t have subscriber access to via the Inter-library Loan service.
Student and Staff ID Cards
If you have a query about your ID card, please email library@bangor.ac.uk..
Safety Measures Onsite
Keeping us all safe
We’re taking steps to keep you and our staff as safe as possible.
- Face Coverings – You must wearing a face covering at all times when in the library building (unless exempt).
- Door Security– To prevent unauthorised access, you will need to use your staff or student ID card to swipe into library buildings.
- One Way Systems – These are in use onsite for safe navigation around buildings. Please follow directional signage where displayed.
- Social Distancing – This is in force at all sites and must be observed. Due to social distancing guidelines, we are unable to offer group study (i.e. social learning) facilities or bookable rooms within our libraries at this time.
- Reduced Occupancy – As a further social distancing measure within study areas, the number of study and PC spaces at Deiniol and Normal Libraries has been reduced (Main Library and Wrexham Maelor Library do not offer access to drop-in study spaces at this time). There may be times when the libraries are full and you might be asked to wait outside until space is available.
- Provision of Gel and Wipes – Hand sanitiser will be available in all of our public spaces. Please use on arrival. There will also be cleaning stations around buildings. You are kindly asked to clean your study space on arrival and departure to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
- Increased Ventilation – Due to the need to keep library spaces well ventilated, windows will be kept open and any ventilation systems will be circulating cold air. It might be chilly at times so please make sure you have warm clothing!
- Enhanced Cleaning – Staff from Property and Campus Services are increasing cleaning on site, including frequent cleaning of touch points through the day.
- Book Quarantine – All returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours after use to reduce risk of virus transmission.
Branch Specific Information
Opening Hours
Please contact the relevant Academic Support Librarian for your School with any queries about ordering new resources to be added to Library stock.
Click here for contact details.
Academic staff are discouraged from purchasing material directly. The Library usually obtains discounts from regular suppliers, therefore reimbursement will only be considered under exceptional circumstances.