Closure of the OLRC and future access to collections

Important Update: OLRC

Over the past few months, we have been reviewing the viability of the library services offer on site at the Orchard Learning Resource Centre (OLRC) in Selly Oak.

Over a sustained period of time, student utilisation of the space has been decreasing. During the 25/26 autumn term, there was an average of just eight people using the building each day.

There is no teaching scheduled in the OLRC and we don’t expect this to change.  The OLRC library will therefore close to staff, students and visitors from 23 January 2026.

What does this mean for you?

• Around 6,000 items have already been moved to the Main Library, including anything borrowed in the last five years, purchased in the last two years, or on a resource list.
• If you need something that’s still at OLRC, don’t worry — we’ll fetch it for you and relocate it to the Main Library for future use.

Where can you study instead?

You can use the Main Library and other study spaces on the Edgbaston campus. You can find details at Study Spaces.

Need help or have questions?

We are here to help 24 hours a day and seven days a week via live chat. You can also email us at library@mail.libanswers.bham.ac.uk.