Library Services is a nexus point for supporting learning, teaching and research.
- We cater equally for undergraduates through to researchers
- We add value through spaces, services and skills (physical and virtual)
- We facilitate access and use in the broadest sense, helping individuals create, share and apply knowledge. The Main Library is central point for information about Wellbeing Support
- Library Services leads the sector in AV support for teaching, working to uniquely tight SLAs
Improved access to books and journals
We’ve made our loans more flexible, and fining is much less common than in the ‘old days’. Library fine income has fallen considerably as a result.
- Books renew automatically, until someone else requests them.
- Our flexible system responds to demand.
- If the book is on loan to someone else, the library.....
More key texts
The University has agreed a Resource List policy, making reading lists/resource lists mandatory for all modules.
In 2018-19 our resource list discovery system recorded over 580,000 sessions. Usage continues to rise, with a peak of 9150 sessions on Monday 30 Sept.
Focus on wellbeing
We know that studying and working can be stressful, especially in the lead to exam time. Library Services, in partnership with the Guild and Student Support, has created a focal space within Main Library where students can access information and wellbeing support. This includes:
- The Wellbeing Collection; books on healthy living, mindfulness and wellbeing
- Leaflets on a wide range of wellbeing topics
- Contacts for advice, both within and from outside the University of Birmingham
- Pause Service provided in the Main Library Lounge where trained NHS professionals can provide support for wellbeing without need of an appointment or even a local GP
Data overview
Library data overview
| | 2018/19 | 2017/8 | 2016/17 |
|---|
| Study places |
4,974 |
4,974 |
2,801 |
| Total printed books |
2,029,899 |
2,039,991 |
2,053,090 |
| Number of fixed PCs |
1,139 |
1,139 |
470 |
| Number of loanable laptops |
168 |
144 |
96 |
| Total ebooks |
771,027 |
662,391 |
655,934 |
| Total loans |
248,128 |
294,271 |
304,664 |
| Full text article downloads |
6,691,082 |
6,326,535 |
5,826,417 |
| Requests for sections of ebooks |
2,604,682 |
4,639,341 |
3,358,908 |
| Interlending applications |
1,524 |
1,475 |
1,722 |
| Total entrances |
1,707,820 |
1,633,525 |
1,597,969 |
| Staff hours deliving info skills etc |
3,792 hours |
3,079 hours |
2,745 house |