Library opening hours

The Library is open 24/7 during term-time hours.

For full opening hours, including for the reception desk and the IT help desk, visit the Library website.

The University Library is a central space for study, research and support. From solo studying to group work and research projects, our library has space and resources for study and work of all kinds.

There's more to our library than just books, computers, and desks  students can work collaboratively in our meeting pods and we have a dedicated study suite for postgraduate students to work in.

When you need a break from your studies, you can wind down with a novel in our book nook, stay up-to-date with what's happening on our community noticeboard, and grab a barista-made coffee at the library café.

We've built a tradition of student-led change and students, researchers and staff are supported by our friendly staff and knowledgeable librarians, who are on-hand to offer their help and guidance.

For more detailed information about the services available, visit our Library website.

Groups of students studying in the library

Individual pods and open plan seating are available throughout the library

L-0319-Library Shoot

More than 380,000 printed books, 600,000 e-books and 55,000 journals are available to borrow

Key services

Our Library offers a variety of services for students, staff, researchers and external readers including:

You can contact the Enquiries Service Team for all general enquiries and get support face-to-face or remotely via live chat, phone or email. You can use the live chat to speak to library staff Monday – Friday between 9.00am and 5.00pm (excluding bank holidays), and use the out of hours service in evenings, weekends and bank holiday.

You can also contact the library via the online enquiry form or emailing library@port.ac.uk.

You can easily borrow, renew and return library items using our self-service kiosks. Powered with RFID technology, each kiosk allows you to borrow multiple items at once, without any hassle.

Search the catalogue straight away through our online library search, or go to your library subject page to find relevant resources, reading lists and recommended sources.

For more details on borrowing entitlements, visit our borrowing and reservations page.

From our document delivery service to requesting journal articles and 1-to-1 support through our Faculty Librarians, we provide exceptional support to our distance learners. Find our support for distance learners library page.

You can access our electronic resources – including e-books and e-journals – wherever you are, using the same username and password as you do for Moodle.

For more information about electronic resources and working anywhere, visit our  dedicated library page.

The Library has study rooms available for you to book to work with a group on projects. Each room has a maximum number of people recommended to ensure sufficient ventilation for your comfort. This is displayed in the room and through the online booking system, so you can select the room most appropriate for your group. The Library Meeting Room is also available for larger group meetings. 

Full details are on the Library website.

We have access to a network of libraries across the country – including the world's biggest national library, the British Library. You can also order books, articles and chapters in physical and electronic forms to help you with coursework and resource.

For further details, check out our interlibrary loan page.

You can borrow a University laptop with Microsoft Office software, internet browser and printers installed, for up to 12 hours – head to our laptops for loan library page for more details.

Our interactive guide and referencing tool helps students reference sources correctly, based on published style guides and local practice. See how our referencing tool works at our University referencing site.

If you need one-to-one support while you research a project or dissertation, you can book a librarian. Booking requests are managed on a regular basis between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

Getting into the Library

Accessing the library

In addition to University staff and students, the University Library also welcomes visitors bearing photographic ID and SCONUL Access students from other institutions, You can obtain a printed day pass from the cardless visit kiosk (situated outside the turnstiles) or use our phone app if you arrive at the library without your staff/student card.

The cardless visit day pass and phone app only allow access through the turnstiles - you still require your student card to borrow books or a laptop and to claim any group study room you might have booked. There's more information on accessing the University Library on the Library website

Remote access to the library

If you're not able to get to the Library, staff are also working remotely via online chat and email support services to help you find the resources you need. All of our chat handling teams are experts in finding, accessing and referencing information and will be more than happy to help you.

You can access the online chat by visiting the Library website and clicking the Chat speech bubble on the right-hand side of the page.

Where to find us

Location

University Library
Cambridge Road
Portsmouth
PO1 2ST
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