Cambridge University Library and all our Departmental and Faculty Libraries are closed until further notice - but we are open to users online
We will update users about future developments via these pages, library websites, and social media accounts.
Q. Are the Libraries' electronic resources still available for registered University of Cambridge staff and students?
Although our physical buildings are closed until further notice, the University has access to 800,000 e-books, 120,000 e-journal titles and 400 databases. We have created this webpage which lists all the electronic services and support available to staff and students of the University.
In addition, the Cambridge Digital Library has more than 500,000 images of more than 35,000 objects from our world-class collections freely available to everyone.
If you need further help, please email: library@lib.cam.ac.uk. We will be making additional funds available to support teaching and learning, and working to make more of our resources available digitally where possible.
Q. Is the Medical Library open?
The Medical Library is on the Biomedical Campus. From March 23rd 2020, the Medical Library is open, though unstaffed, for clinical staff of the CUH only, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. A virtual service, including answering enquiries and arranging virtual one-to-one or group training is still available, by emailing library@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Q. Are the Library’s public events still taking place?
No. In the light of the developing situation, we have cancelled events in our public programme until mid-April at the earliest (see https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/using-library/whats). We will continue to review the situation.
Q. I can’t visit the library but I need to return an overdue book. What should I do?
Most books now auto-renew. But if this is not the case, please renew the book online in the usual way if you can, or email library@lib.cam.ac.uk. We will help you. You will not face fines for late return of overdue books caused by the Libraries being closed, illness, caring responsibilities, or self-isolation. Please don't try to return books to the Library during the closed period. You will be able to return them once we reopen. For those who are able, Cambridge University Libraries currently have a drop-off box on the Sidgwick Site where books can be returned during the Libraries' closure.
Q. I can’t visit the library but need help with a library enquiry. What should I do?
Please email your query to library@lib.cam.ac.uk We will do our best to help you. Please be patient as we are dealing with a higher than usual level of remote enquiries.
Q. How will I find out if the level of library services has to change in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The central point of information for staff and students will be the University's website: https://www.cam.ac.uk/notices/news/coronavirus-latest-guidance. We will also update the library website and these FAQs as the situation changes and use social media to circulate messages.
Q. Will I get an answer to my online enquiry outside of normal library opening hours?
During this period of closure, our core hours of operation will be 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. We ask for users' understanding and patience as we move to new methods and systems of working remotely, with the possibility of fluctuating staff levels moving forward. We cannot guarantee to answer your question outside of these core operating hours, but we will reply to you as soon as we are able.
Q. How can I get help with Open Access, managing research data and/or the library’s support for the REF?
The Office of Scholarly Communication teams will continue to respond to emails. Contact details are available at https://osc.cam.ac.uk/about-us/contact-us.
Q. I’m a disabled library user and have a question or request, what should I do?
Please get in touch using the email address disability@lib.cam.ac.uk. If you are a library user who needs resources in an accessible format we will do our best to continue to provide these wherever possible. You can use the online SensusAccess tool to create an alternative format document. Click here to use SensusAccess.