Library services

This guide is designed to support you in navigating the Library’s resources and facilities, accessing essential module materials, and enhancing your academic and study skills.

Continue reading to discover how to fully utilize the wide range of support services available to you.

Using the Library

The Library provides a variety of spaces, resources, and services aimed at fostering your academic success. It offers an array of study environments, including silent, quiet, and collaborative learning spaces, tailored to accommodate both individual and group study needs.

Membership

To access the Library’s facilities and services, students are required to register for membership. Membership privileges include the ability to:

• Borrow, reserve, and renew library materials.
• Access electronic resources, including databases and e-journals.
• Using computing facilities and related services.
• Print, scan, and photocopy documents.
• Reserve individual study spaces and group rooms.
• Access and operate library equipment.

Library Accounts

• IT Account (CITY ULE): your personal username and password, provided during Induction Week, grant you access to a range of services, including Google Classroom (for module materials), online library resources, computing facilities, email, and other academic applications.
• University of York Library Account: as part of the registration process, all new students receive an email from the University of York with the subject line “University of York - Personal Account Setup.” This email contains a username, password, and instructions for setting up your account, which is essential for accessing the University of York’s library resources.

Privileges as a University Member

As a registered member, you will have access to:

• Library materials, including journal articles and book chapters.
• A wide range of online resources, such as databases and eBook collections.
•  Subject Guides offering additional academic resources and library services through the University of York Library.
• Skills Guides designed to enhance your information literacy and digital competencies.

Finding Resources

OpenABEKT:  provides comprehensive records of the library’s holdings, including books, periodicals, dissertations, and audio-visual materials. Use the basic or advanced search options to refine your queries by specific titles or authors, or perform a broader subject-based search.

Reading lists & Module Reserves

• Your reading lists grant streamlined access to essential resources, such as books, e-books, e-journals, and other materials recommended by your instructors.
• The library maintains copies of many core textbooks and available either for on-site use or in digital format as e-books.
• Print editions of textbooks and other module readings are available on the library shelves, while electronic copies can be accessed and downloaded through the OpenABEKT library catalogue.

Electronic Resources: the Library provides access to an extensive range of e-books, e-journals, and academic databases. These digital resources can be accessed both on campus and remotely by signing in to the EBSCO resources webpage or using the YorSearch platform with your York IT credentials.

Interlibrary Loan Services

The Interlibrary Loan and Request services facilitate access to materials beyond the library’s collections. Services include:

• Scanned Copies: request scans of specific portions of physical materials (subject to copyright restrictions) to receive via email.
• Physical Loans: request physical items for on-campus collection or home delivery if you are off-campus.
• Digital Materials: submit requests for online access to materials such as articles, book chapters, and e-books.

Let us assist you in obtaining any resource you require for your academic pursuits.

Study Spaces and Technology

• Study Room Reservations: Check the availability of study rooms and make reservations to secure a space.
• Individual and Group Study Areas: Identify and utilize spaces that cater to your individual or collaborative study needs.
• Locker Keys and Equipment: Visit the Library Services Desks to inquire about the availability of locker keys and equipment for both long-term and short-term use.
• Printing, Scanning, and Photocopying: Access printers, scanners, and other essential equipment located within the library premises.

Studying remotely or online? The Library is fully equipped to support your academic needs with an extensive range of online resources and research services.

Eligibility

• The Library is committed to ensuring equitable access to all affiliated distance learners.
• Off-Campus Library Services are designed to address the informational and research needs of CITY ULE students, faculty, and staff engaged in remote or online learning.
• Off-campus and online students have full access to the library’s online catalogues and databases, and they are eligible to borrow items from the library collections and utilize interlibrary loan services.

Accessing Information

• Use the OpenABEKT online library catalogue to search for and request books, e-books, dissertations, and articles.
• Explore Research Databases or select resources tailored to your subject area.
• Learn where and how to locate your module-specific materials.
• Access journals, articles, and research papers via papers in EBSCO Resources or YorSearch Catalogue, which cover a wide range of subject areas.
• Link Google Scholar to your York IT credentials for enhanced full-text access. Consult the Help and Skills Training webpages to find out how to complete the procedure.
• Browse the library’s online repository  to discover publications and research authored by academic staff.

Borrowing from the Library

Students who are studying off-campus may use the Document Delivery Service to request the shipment of printed materials from the library's collections  to a residential or professional address of their choice. 

Off-campus students are subject to the same borrowing priviledges adn due date policies as on-campus undergraduate and postgraduate studens.

Learn more about borrowing procedures and consult the Library Regulations webpages for detailed policies

Requesting Library Materials

• Remote learners can request print materials, such as books and dissertations, to be delivered to their home address.
• Use the Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL) to request books, articles, book chapters, or other materials unavailable in the library’s databases. Library staff will source materials from national and international lending networks.
• If a specific resource is not available, request a free copy of articles or book chapters via the Interlibrary Request Service.

Reference Assistance

If you require support in locating resources for assignments, projects, or dissertations, the library staff is available to assist you.

• Getting Started : a guide to help you navigate the research process, from selecting a topic to evaluating sources and organizing your work.
• Academic Writing: resources to support you at every stage of the academic writing process.
• Referencing Style Guides: comprehensive guidance and examples to help you correctly cite sources.

The Library offers a range of services and resources designed to support alumni in their pursuit of lifelong learning.

As a graduate of CITY ULE, you are part of an esteemed alumni network. This network provides continued access to library facilities, services, and a selection of print and online resources. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources to further your academic and professional development.

Joining the Library

• We welcome alumni applications for Library membership. As a member, you will enjoy borrowing privileges and access to selected online resources, subject to licensing agreements.
• Alumni may borrow up to three books at a time, provided they visit the Library in person and present a valid Library card.
• There is no fee for membership, but please note that a Library card is required only for in-person borrowing. For online access, a Library card is not necessary, and alumni are encouraged not to request one unless they plan to visit the Library to utilize in-person services.

Online Access to Books and Journals

• We are pleased to offer free remote access to some of the Library’s online resources, including OpenABEKT online catalogue.
• Due to licensing agreements with publishers, not all online resources are available to alumni.
• In addition to subscription-based resources, the Library supports the Open Access movement, which provides a wealth of scholarly research freely available online. To facilitate access, the Library curates a list of recommended open-access resources. 
• The Library offers an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service, allowing alumni to request materials not available in the library’s collections or located in Google Scholar and the fulltext is not available.

Computers and Technology

• Access to the Library’s online catalogue and resources is available through public-access computers located within the library premises. Printing and downloading services are also available on these computers.
• Alumni have access to library facilities for printing, scanning, and photocopying.

The Library’s resources, services, and spaces are primarily designed to support the academic and research needs of CITY ULE students, faculty, and staff. The Library reserves the right to restrict access for visitors or external members without prior notice.

Visiting the Library

• Visitors are required to adhere to the Library’s Regulations (link to document) and Code of Conduct. Individuals exhibiting disruptive, distracting, or inappropriate behavior may be asked to amend their behavior or leave the premises.
• All visitors must register at the Library Services Desk upon arrival. A visitor’s day pass will be issued, granting reentry for the duration of the day.
• For long-term access, visitors are encouraged to consult with library staff regarding membership as external members. Successful registration will grant access to the Library’s resources and facilities.

Library Materials and Spaces

• Visitors may consult library materials and print collections onsite but are not permitted to borrow items unless they apply for and obtain membership.
• Study and working rooms are reserved exclusively for the use of CITY ULE students, faculty, and staff and are not accessible to visitors.
• Visitors conducting research may request temporary access to a library computer, provided they have a valid account.

Electronic Resources

Due to licensing agreements, access to the Library’s databases, electronic journals, and other digital resources is restricted to CITY ULE students, faculty, and staff. However, library staff can provide guidance on open access resources available to visitors and external members.

Reproduction Services and WiFi

• Photocopying, printing, and scanning services are available to visitors and external members at a charge of €0.03 per page.
• Visitors may freely access the wireless network for internet connectivity on their personal devices. Passcodes can be obtained at the Library Services Desk.