Using the Library

 

Essential information on getting the most out of your library. 

We are committed to providing excellent service, access to a wide range of resources, and study spaces to suit your need. Whether you are on campus or further afield you’ll find members of the team on hand to offer help and support.

Library building and study spaces

We have flexible opening hours and offer a range of study study spaces, so whether you need a space for collaborative, quiet or silent study you will find the space that works for you. 

Collaborative study spaces can be found on the ground floor and bookable group study rooms. These spaces are for group conversation and are mobile phone friendly.

Quiet study spaces can be found on the first and second floors. These spaces are for whispered conversation and mobile phones on vibrate

Silent study spaces can be found on the third floor.  These spaces are for individual study with no conversation and mobile phones on silent. 

Bookable Group Study Rooms

We have 6 group study rooms available in the Library. You can book a study room daily between 09:00-21:00

Ground Floor

  • L014 capacity 1-4
  • L017 capacity 2-6
  • L018 capacity 2-6

Second Floor

  • L207 capacity 2-8
  • L208 capacity 2-6
  • L209 capacity 2-6

Laptops and computers

Laptops are available to borrow from one of the 3 self-service laptop cabinets in the Library. These can be found on the ground floor and second floor. They can be borrowed by Aston University staff and students, for use in the Library providing you have your uniCARD.

Laptops are issued for 4 hours using your uniCARD (battery life is approximately 4 hours). Laptops are issued without a power cable or mouse.  You will need your uniCARD to return your laptop.

There are computers on the ground, second and third floors of the Library. You can use them on a first-come, first-served basis logging in using your with your university username and password.  The computers on the third floor are in a silent study area. 

Software available across the University can be accessed via the AstonApps portal. 

Remember to save your work regularly either to your home drive or in your OneDrive space via the Microsoft 365 Portal.

Using your own laptop in the Library

You can use your own laptop anywhere in the Library. There is Wi-Fi throughout the building and power sockets to charge your laptop. If you would like to print documents from your laptop to the printers in the Library, then you may need some additional software. Please check the Digital Services setup guides for details.

Printers / Copiers

There are printer/copiers on the ground, second and third floor of the Library. You can use these to print, copy and scan.  To use these machines you can tap your uniCARD or type in your university username and password.

For help or queries if your card doesn't work with the printers contact the IT Help Desk: 08:00-18:00 Monday-Thursday, 08:00-17:00 Friday), email digital_helpesk@aston.ac.uk or telephone +44(0) 121 204 3445. 

Copyright restrictions on printing/photocopying are displayed near to each of the printer/photocopiers to help you know how much you can print or copy from books and journals.

Stapling your documents

If you want to staple, you can do this within the Printer Properties when you send your work to print or you can use the stapling facilities on the printers. 

How to...very brief video guides

Watch our short videos to guide you through using our different Library services, such as printing and borrowing books.

    uniCARDS

    You can use your uniCARD to:

    • Enter and leave the Library
    • Borrow books and laptops
    • Collect your printing
    • Pay any Library fines

    Keep your uniCARD with you even when you leave the Library for a short break.

    If you lose your uniCARD please contact the Digital Services Helpdesk as soon as possible for a new card and to put a block on your card. If you have forgotten your uniCARD speak to a member of the team at the Library Reception.