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Library starter guide

Welcome

The Library is at the heart of Birmingham City University on four campus locations: Curzon, Mary Seacole, the School of Art and the School of Jewellery.

View video transcription

Take a tour of your campus library

Select a card to watch a video tour of your library and get practical information such as opening hours, location, transport and more.

Curzon Library

City Centre: Curzon

Mary Seacole Library

City South: Mary Seacole

School of Art Library

School of Art: Margaret Street

School of Jewellery Library

School of Jewellery: Vittoria Street

We are proud of our library spaces and welcome students and staff to utilise our various study spaces and browse and borrow from our collections.

*Please note, to maintain a conducive study environment, we discourage large group tours as they can disturb existing users.

You can also discover the Curzon library at your own pace with audio guides available 24/7.

Useful information

You can also access the BCU Library search and 24/7 chat via the library website.

In addition to giving you access to millions of resources, the library provides you with services such as study spaces, laptops, tutorials and and much more.

Your University ID card is also your library card and your library account is automatically created when you enrol.

To borrow laptops from the lapsafe lockers you will also need your 4-digit PIN. You can reset your PIN via the following link: Reset Pin

For campus library opening times please visit the following link: Opening Times

It is not essential to book a space to gain access to the library. A booking system is in place for individual and group study rooms at Curzon and Mary Seacole libraries. Our study rooms are very popular and we advise booking these in advance.

For more information or to book a study space visit the following link: Book a study space

Library induction

The Learning, Teaching and Research Services team has prepared induction activities to walk you through all the essential resources and services that will help you get started with your course.

Make sure to attend the live Library Induction session at the beginning of your course.

In the event you could not attend, watch the interactive Library induction video linked below.

Library induction

Induction checklist

All you need to get started

The sooner you know about the Library the more you can take advantage of its services. The Library and Learning Resources team has prepared an induction checklist to give you a head start.

Download the library induction checklist
 

Welcome to BCU Libraries


Ryan standing in front of the Curzon building:
Hello, my name is Ryan Jones.
I'm an intern and former student here at Birmingham City University.
Today I'm back here to show you everything there is to know about the Birmingham City University Libraries. 

Ryan walking along giant 3D letters reading: I AM BCU:
Here at Birmingham City University there are plenty of different study spaces that you can choose from.

Ryan sitting in a study booth:
You can even book a private study space like one of these cosy little pods.
What are you doing over here?

3 little peas-in-a-pod toy sitting across Ryan: high pitched laugh.

Ryan walking in the Curzon study space:
We even have group study rooms for teamwork.
Oops.

Ryan walks waves at three students from the student union are casting slides on a TV:
Hi, guys.

The three students turn around and reply:
Hi Ryan

Ryan walks from behind a banner reading: BOOKABLE SILENT STUDY ZONE:
We also have silent rooms if you need to focus.

Ryan with his finger on his lips is thinking:
Don't worry, they can't hear me. 

Three students in the room shush as a loud goofy ringtone plays.


Ryan standing next to a library search computer:
The library gives you access to almost half a billion online and physical resources.
Don't believe me? Have a look.

A MEME version of Ryan shows up looking surprised along text in bold letters reading 465 million resources.

Cartoon Ryan comments a screenshot of the library search website:
The vast majority of resources are online, so don't be shy and ask library staff if you don't know where to start researching. Is that right Chloe?

Librarian Chloe Smith’s cartoon appears and cartoon Ryan slides away:
Hi Ryan, Definitely you can chat with library staff online 24/7.

The chat tab pops open:
Look for the chat tab on the library website when you're at the library.

Transition to real Chloe standing in front of the library help desk:
Don't hesitate to ask at the library help desk if you need support.
We're happy to help you with all of your library questions.

Ryan walking between bookshelves:
You should also consider booking a workshop or tutorial with a librarian.

Ryan and Chloe sitting together in a booth. Chloe:
Yes, we can show you how to choose resources for your subject, teach advanced searching techniques and how to find relevant information for your assignment.

Ryan replies:
Thanks Chloe.

 Ryan talks to the camera:
Take my advice. Don't wait for deadline day to book your tutorial with the librarian. It's time well spent.

Ryan standing next to a checkout kiosk:
Your lecturer will give you a reading list full of books, electronic resources and journals.
All you need to do to take out a physical copy is your student ID and one of these kiosks.

Ryan sitting on the lawn in front of the Parkside building with a laptop on his knees:
Accessing electronic resources is even easier.
All you need is a laptop or a phone with Internet connection.
Right now we're at the City Centre campus, but there are three other campuses that you can use as A BCU student.

Ryan standing at the City South Campus entrance:
The Mary Seacole Library at the City South Campus

View of the modern and bright study spaces under the Mary Seacole library’s atrium.

Ryan standing at in front of the School of Art:
 or the School of Art Library right here on Margaret St.

Views of the Victorian style wooden interiors of the School of art library.

Ryan standing in front of the St Paul square school of jewellery building.
The School of Jewellery Library at Saint Paul's Square.

Ryan standing in front a graffiti mural reading I am BCU, excellence, confidence:
This has been a quick preview of what you've come to expect from the BCU libraries.
The Curzon Library is open 24/7, but the times do vary from site to site, so be sure to check the website before you come.
And don't forget your student ID.
I'll see you at the library. Thanks for watching.

Transition to bold text: bcu.ac.uk/library

Loïc behind camera:
I think we're good.

Ryan:
Yeah.