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Welcome to Queen's! New Student Guide to the Library at Queen's

As a new student at Queen's there are four things you need to know now.

McClay atrium with roof and view from third floor

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 comprise 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. You will also need it to activate the turnstiles at the entrance to the McClay Library.

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.

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.

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 on the 'Let's Chat' widget at the bottom right of the Library homepage and type your question or keyword (e.g. wifi) to get an answer. Library staff are available for live chat during peak times - simply type 'chat' to be connected.

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

Your Subject Guides are updated by your Subject Librarian and include links to resources and tips on how to get best use out of the Library.

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 IT Help Desk, located on the ground floor of the McClay Library, is the central point of contact for staff and students seeking help, advice and support for all IT related services.

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.

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