Study spaces

Entering the Library

The University Library has barrier access controls. This means you need your ID card for both entry to and exit from the building and to borrow any material from the Library.

By asking you to scan in and out of the building, we are able to ensure the building doesn’t exceed its fire safety occupancy level. It also means we are able to gain valuable information about how people use the building to help us with business cases to the University. 

Please note:

  • Our Welcome Desk at the main entrance will continue to be staffed whenever the building is open to help you out.
  • If you have forgotten or lost your ID card, please speak to the staff member at the Welcome Desk who will be able to allow you to enter the Library without your card. Library staff will check your details on our Library database before letting you through the barriers.
  • If your ID card is lost, stolen, damaged or expires you can get a replacement from Creative & Print Services
  • Members of the public or other external visitors who wish to use the Library for reference purposes can, upon production of appropriate photo ID, register at the Welcome Desk for entry into the Library. We reserve the right to restrict access to the Library during peak exam periods. N.B. External users must be over the age of 18 to enter the Library unaccompanied. People who wish to use the Library under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or teacher at all times.

Learning environments

When you use the Library, there are a wide range of different learning spaces. When you come into the Library, you can decide what is best for you

  • If you want quiet study go to Levels 1 and 2. You can also eat and drink on these Floors. 
  • If you want silent study, there is an area specifically for this purpose on Level 4. Food is not allowed.
  • If you want group study where you can eat and drink, Level 3 is ideal.
  • Group study facilities are available on all four Levels
  • If you want a computer, we have some on all 4 floors of the Library - although the majority are on Levels 3 & 4.
  • If you want to use a Mac, use the computers on Level 2.

Group study rooms

There are 13 bookable group study rooms of variable sizes distributed throughout the Library. These rooms are equipped with a range of facilities, including: PC and plasma screens so that you can easily discuss work in large groups or practise presentations.  So make sure you book the room that suits your needs.

As the rooms are in high demand, ensure you take up your booking within 15 minutes of the start time, as those rooms remaining empty after this time will be made available to other readers.

Bookable booths

There are 7 bookable booths located on Level 4 of the Library, all of which have power sockets and data connectors to a plasma screen on the desk so that you can practice presentations and group work.

As with all our bookable rooms, you should ensure you take up your booking within 15 minutes of the start time, as booths remaining empty after this time will be made available to other readers.

The University has a number of other areas suitable for group work, including wireless-networked spaces in the Edward Herbert and James France Buildings.

Study carrels

There are also 20 bookable individual study carrels which can be booked via the Rooms / PC bookings system.

As the carrels are in high demand, ensure you take up your booking within 15 minutes of the start time, as those rooms remaining empty after this time will be made available to other readers.

Individual study spaces for quiet study

We know that on occasion you may prefer to study on your own in quiet.  To help you achieve this, Levels 1 and 2 are designated as quiet study areas.  In order to preserve the quiet study environment, chatting (even discussion about your course work / exams) and using mobile phones are not permitted anywhere on Levels 1 and 2.

There are nearly 500 study spaces on Levels 1 and 2 where you can work in quiet including 50 PCs.

Silent study area

It is also very important that you have access to silent study spaces when you need to concentrate. On Level 4, there is a silent area which can seat 70 people. People cannot eat or use mobile phones in this area. This space is intended to be always silent. If it is not, let Library staff know.

Study spaces in London

Loughborough University London operates inside over 9,000 sq m of collaborative learning space, providing state of the art equipment and materials. The London Library offers a first-come-first-serve basis for study spaces within the Library. However, there are plenty of other study spaces available throughout the building, including the fourth floor which is silent study.