1. How do you find content? The Library online

Everything you need to explore the Library at Queen’s is online.

Browse the Library webpage to find information on services, getting help and studying in the Library.

Check your Subject Guides for tips on using your reading list and links to useful resources.

If you are wondering how to access the Library’s electronic resources, such as e-books, e-journals and databases, there are easy to follow guides available online.

2. Where is your Queen’s Library? And how to get into the McClay Library

The University Library consists of three main branches all within a mile or so of each other: the McClay Library on the Main Campus, the Biomedical Library in the MBC Building beside Belfast City Hospital, and the Medical Library on the site of the Royal Victoria Hospital.

For students visiting the Medical Library: a free bus runs from the Belfast City Hospital to the Royal Victoria site – just show your student card to the driver.

Details of the opening hours for each branch are available on our Library home page.

When you visit the Library remember to bring your Student Card if you want to borrow books, print or photocopy. The access gates at the entrance to the McClay Library can be activated using either your Student Card or the Queen's Online Mobile App.

Explore the McClay Library from your desktop or mobile devices using our 360 maps.

Explore the Biomedical Library from your desktop or mobile devices using our 360 maps.

How busy is the McClay Library now?

3. How to make best use of your Library space: borrow books, study, scan or photocopy material

There is a wide choice of study options in the Library, ranging from study desks to individual carrels, silent areas to whisper zones. Please respect the noise levels of the zone you use.

Group Study Rooms are another option and these can be booked in advance.

Desks are equipped with either a computer or a power socket for charging your mobile device. In addition we provide docking stations to which you can connect your laptop to a monitor, keyboard or mouse and you can borrow laptops for use within the Library.

Photocopiers and scanners are located in each Library. Upload money onto your Student Card to pay for printing. Scanning is free, but you need at least a £1.00 balance to operate this service. You will need to use your card to release printing.

Please only bring in drinks with lids. Water fountains are available in the Student Lounge on the Ground Floor, as well as near the lifts on Floors 1, 2 and 3 of the McClay Library.

Remember to take a break: the McClay Library Wellbeing and Relaxation Collection offers a calm environment at the centre of a busy Library.

 

4. How to get help or contact us

The Library Chatbot can give you an instant answer to many frequently asked questions. To use the Chatbot, click the 'QUB Chatbot' widget at the bottom right of the Library homepage and type your question to get an answer.

A General Library Enquiries service is available 7 days a week. Simply complete the online form, and a member of Library staff will get back to you.

Library Help FAQs are also worth a look for quick, focused answers to common questions.

Your Subject Librarian is here to help you make the best use of your Library at Queen's. Email your Subject Librarian with queries or to book an appointment for training.

Your Subject Guides are updated by your Subject Librarian and include links to resources and tips on how to find academic content for your course.

If you are in the Library, visit staffed service points and enquiry desks with any questions you have - staff are always happy to help! The Ground Floor Customer Service Desk in the McClay Library, is the central point of contact for staff and students seeking help, advice and support for all Library and IT-related services.