Frequently Asked Questions
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Can't find your question here? Ask a member of staff or contact us.
1) When is the UL open?
The Library is open Monday to Friday 9.00-19.00, and 9.00-16:45 on Saturdays. The bookstacks close 15 minutes before the main desk (18:45 on weekdays and 16:30 on Saturdays) so you'll need to arrive before this if you want to find a book or journal. The Library is closed on Sundays and for holiday periods: click here for further details.
2) Are there tours available for new students?
Yes! The UL holds around 8 million items, and finding your way around can be confusing. 30-minute tours run throughout the year to help you navigate the building and its print collections. You can find and book a tour on the Research Skills website.
3) How can I photocopy?
To use the photocopiers at the UL, you will first need to register for a DRA account. This account will provide access to IT facilities plus printing, photocopying and scanning. You can apply online or pick up an application form at the Entrance Hall on your next visit.
Self-service photocopying costs 10p per A4 page. For details of other services (e.g. colour copying) check out the Imaging Services site.
4) Can I scan material in the UL?
Yes, self-service scanning facilities are available. Scans cost 8p per page (.TIF or .PDF file) and can be e-mailed to your registered address.
To use the scanners, you will first need to register for a DRA account. This account will provide access to IT facilities plus printing, photocopying and scanning. You can apply online or pick up an application form at the Entrance Hall on your next visit.
5) The Newton catalogue says I need to 'order' a book. What does that mean?
Around 60% of books and journals in the UL are stored in closed access areas. These items need to be requested in advance and are then fetched for you by staff members. Don't worry: it usually only takes between 15-45 minutes to fetch a book, and if the item you want has the message 'Order in Reading Room' or 'Order in West Room', you should be able to place an online stack request in advance.
Click here for more details about requesting books online via your Newton Account - or, if you're in the UL, visit the Reading Room or West Room enquiry desk to place a request in person.
6) I've lost my University Card: can I still get in?
In most cases staff can check your account details and you will be able to let you into the Library. Please bring some alternative photo ID (e.g. driving licence, NUS card or passport) to the Entrance Hall desk.
Please note, it is not possible to borrow books without your University Card.
7) Can I take my lunch into the UL?
There is a Tea Room in the Library serving snacks and hot lunches, plus a range of vending machines and a water fountain. If you would prefer to bring your own food, you are welcome to eat in the courtyards or in the Tea Room. However, please do not take food or drinks into the bookstack areas or the library Reading Rooms.
8) Can I show my family and friends around the UL?
Yes! Students and staff are very welcome to bring two visitors at a time to look around the Library. Visitors must be aged 16 or over and your group will need to arrive at the Library before 18:30 (Monday-Friday) or 16:00 (Saturday).
Please bring your University card with you and sign your guests in at the Entrance Hall desk.
9) Can I borrow books from the UL?
Undergraduate students can borrow 5 books for 2 weeks at a time using their University Cards and are very welcome to use the Library facilities.
New postgraduate students should find that their University ID cards are automatically registered for borrowing at the University Library. Students changing course, or extending their programme of study, should contact the Library Admissions Office to update their account.
10) How can I access e-journals and e-books when I'm away from Cambridge?
The UL subscribes to over 70,000 electronic journals and around 400 databases, plus a growing collection of e-books. Current students can access these from anywhere in the world using a Raven password which is issued by the University Computing service.
For full details of the Library's electronic resources visit eresources@cambridge.
11) Can I check my e-mail at the UL?
Yes, the Library has over 60 PCs available in the Digital Resources Area. You will first need to register for a DRA account which provides access to IT facilities plus printing, photocopying and scanning. You can apply online or pick up an application form at the Entrance Hall on your next visit.
Alternatively if you have your own laptop you can use the wireless network from several locations within the Library. Wireless internet is accessed via your Raven password which is issued by the University Computing Service.
12) Can I take my rucksack in?
You'll need to leave any large bags, including laptop cases, in the locker room next to the main Entrance Hall before going into the Library.
You can take any books (including books from other libraries), files and stationary into the Library. Clear plastic bags can be purchased for 20p at the Entrance Hall desk if needed.