Will I be able to take my bag into the University Library?

The University Library has run a number of feedback sessions and has to balance convenience, experience, and safeguarding the unique collections. There are some practical issues that need to be addressed first. In the meantime, it continues to be the case that you can bring in lightweight laptop bags, small purses, and can transfer anything else you need into a clear bag to take in (free and provided at the front desk). There is a large locker room just before you go in and the lockers are free. Find out more.

For people with accessibility needs, who either can't access the locker room (no step-free access) or who need to bring their bag in for accessibility reasons, you can get a tag for your bag so you can take it in (this is already standard practice at the University Library). Any bags taken in will need to be checked on the way out.

How will borrowing work for the Seeley Library from the start of Lent Term?

From 21 January 2025, Seeley material will be borrowed from the Seeley Library inside the University Library. The Seeley Library will continue to have self-issue terminals, and the Seeley Library team. Borrowing rights for the Seeley remain unchanged: six books at a time, which automatically renew until someone else requests them. There are no recalls outside of term time.

Where can I return Seeley Library books to from Lent Term?

Seeley Library material will be able to be returned to:
• The Seeley Library inside the University Library
• The University Library Reader Services Desk (main entrance hall)
• The Book Drop in the converted phonebox outside the University Library (24/7).

How long will the Seeley Library be at the University Library?

We expect construction on the Stirling Building to start from 2025, with the decant of the History Faculty likely to take place in Easter 2025. The project is likely to take three to four years to complete.

Why is the Seeley Library moving before the History faculty?

The Seeley Library roof has the most significant issues in bad weather, including leaks, which are getting worse, and there have been multiple instances when the library needed to close because of high wind speeds. Moving to a new dedicated space will provide a stable new home for the Seeley Library collections and students, whatever the weather, while essential work on the Stirling Building is carried out.

Will the Seeley Library space in the Stirling Building be available to use while the Stirling Building is still open?

From January 2025 onwards, there will be intrusive surveys conducted in the library space in the Stirling Building to further determine issues within the structure and fabric of the library and its roof, and to help inform the full refurbishment works needed. With building contractors working in the space, and deteriorating conditions in adverse weather, to ensure everyone’s safety the old library space will not be open for students or University staff.

Why is the library being moved before the full project is approved?

The library is under a roof that cannot provide adequate protection in adverse weather, so moving is essential. The construction team will then be able to do intrusive surveys to finalise the refurbishment plan and costs. We are doing everything we can to minimise disruption to students (and we know and apologise that it will still be disruptive). The Seeley Library will be settled in its new interim location for the start of Lent Term, well ahead of the Easter break and exam term.

Further questions

These FAQs will be updated throughout. Please do keep asking questions and giving your feedback. We want to hear from you.

Email your Seeley Library questions to seeley@hist.cam.ac.uk

Email your Stirling Building project questions to Stirling.Project@admin.cam.ac.uk