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News and updates

News or updates on Library services and resources

You will find information about updates on the Library, our services and planned downtime for resources that we subscribe to.

Current

    SCONUL Access Scheme site downtime 26 March. Posted - 18 March 2024.

    • The SCONUL Access scheme site will be moving to a separate site and before it is migrated there will be a period of downtime on Tuesday 26th March between 9pm and 12am.
    • During this time you will not be able to submit applications and staff will not be able to process outstanding submissions.
    • If you intend to make use of the SCONUL Access scheme please do so outside of this downtime period.

    Introduction to Systematic Reviews. Posted - 04 March 2024.

    • In this online session we will delve into the details involved in conducting systematic reviews. We will look at the basics of systematic reviews, the difference between systematic reviews and literature reviews, the purpose of systematic reviews, research questions, methods and approaches, inclusion and exclusion criteria, search techniques and tools to support you in the process.
    • The online session is being offered on two different dates, no need to book in advance, just join the session on the time and day given below:
    • OR

    Systematic Reviews Drop-ins. Posted - 04 March 2024.

    • Come along to the drop-in session to ask any questions you may have about systematic reviews. No need to book in advance, just drop in on the day.
    • In-person:
      • Wednesday 13th March 3pm in MAL G11 – PSW MR 21
      • Monday 18th March 3pm in MAL G11 – PSW MR 21
    • Online:

    British Library's major technology outage. Posted - 02 November 2023.

    • The British Library is experiencing a major technology outage as a result of a cyber incident. 
    • This is affecting their website, their online systems and services including Interlibrary loans and Ethos (Electronic Theses Online Services). Birkbeck students and staff can still place interlibrary loan requests with us as usual.

    Changes to the Library home page. Posted - 06 September 2023.

    • For frequent users of the Library website, yes, we have made some changes to the Library home page.
    • In preparation for the 2023-24 academic year, we have renamed some of the tiles and grouped all of our resources together in the first two rows. The 'Search our resources' section now includes Find my resources in my subject area, Past examination papers, Image Collections, and Archives and Special Collections.
    • The 'Using the Library section' remains unchanged and is now on the third row.
    • Do have a look and we hope it will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for, be it services, resources or support.

    Past

    Limited access to certain Kortext titles. Posted - 16 February 2024.

    • There is currently a limited experience when trying to access certain titles on the Kortext platform. They are investigating the issue and will try and resolve this as soon as possible.
    • Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
    • The issue has now been resolved, if you are still experiencing this issue, please refresh your browser - updated 16/02/2024 at 17:00.

    Box of Broadcasts (BoB) maintenance - 14 February. Posted - 09 February 2024.

    • BoB is undergoing scheduled system maintenance between 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday 14 February
    • Please consider the service at risk during these times and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

    Kortext platform update 1 February. Posted - 31 January 2024.

    • Kortext titles will not be accessible on Thursday 1 February between 6pm-8pm while the Kortext platform is being updated.
    • We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

    Library services during the Christmas break – 22 December to 2 January. Posted - 05 November 2023.

    • The Library will be open during the Christmas break – 22 December to 2 January – with some closed days and changes to opening times.
    • During this period, you will be able to contact the Library helpdesk by email and telephone throughout our opening hours.
    • Interlibrary loans, Library Disability and Dyslexia Service study materials and appointments, and subject librarians will be unavailable during this time. If you need these services before January, please submit your request in good time before the Christmas break!
    • The click-and-post service will be unavailable between 21 December and 2 January.
    • Our regular services will resume on Wednesday 3 January 2023.
    • If you are planning to visit other libraries during the Christmas break, check their opening times and services available well in advance. Many libraries, if open at all, may not be processing new memberships during the break, so please ensure you join in good time beforehand.
    • Please note that Senate House Library will be closed 23 December – 1 January.

    EZProxy certificate expired - Saturday 9 December. Posted - 11 December 2023.

    • The Library's EZproxy SSL (https) certificate has expired and is in the process of being renewed.
    • This means that users are currently getting a message saying it is unsafe to proceed. In most cases choosing the 'Advanced' option and then the 'Proceed to...' will let you continue to the resource. You can also try to access it by logging in via the EZProxy but again you will need to choose 'Advanced' option.
    • Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.
    • UPDATE: The new certificate has now been uploaded, so this should no longer be an issue. [11:34 11/12/23]

    Library closing early 30 November. Posted - 30 November 2023.

    • Due to staff shortage, the library will be closing at 10.45pm tonight.
    • We apologise in advance, for any inconvenience this might cause.

    Zotero/referencing drop-in. Posted - 02 November 2023.

    • Drop in to the Library to meet with a subject librarian who can show you how to use Zotero reference management software, and provide general referencing guidance.
    • The sessions will take place in the Library's Teaching room (111a) on the first floor of the Library on Malet Street. The sessions will be from 17:00 to 18.00 on the following dates:
      • Monday 6th November
      • Tuesday 7th November
      • Thursday 9th November
      • Monday 13th November
      • Tuesday 14th November
      • Friday 17th November
    • No need to book, just turn up!

    Get to know your Library – take a tour! Posted - 08 September 2023.

    • Get to know your way around Birkbeck Library and all it offers to help you succeed in your studies.
    • We will be running tours on Thursday 29 September during the Students’ Union’s Farmers Market and Campus tour event.
    • We’ll be present at the Welcome Fair on Saturday 7 October and will run library tours at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
    • In the first two weeks of October, our tours will run Monday to Friday at 5.15pm. No need to book – just turn up!

    Library opening hours during Tube and rail strikes in August. Posted - 11 August 2023.

    • During the ongoing Tube and or rail strikes there may be occasions when the Library will have to close earlier than our advertised hours.
    • For up-to-the-minute information on the opening hours, check here on the day. If we close earlier, after 8pm, you will be able to use the following rooms in the Malet Street building:
      • G13, G14, G16, G22, G23 and MAL109.

    Library closing early Friday 7 July. Posted - 28 July 2023.

    • Due to staff shortages, the Library will close at 8pm on Friday 7 July.
    • It will also be self-service for an hour (9.30am - 10.30am) on that day.
    • After 8pm, you will be able to use the following rooms in the Malet Street building:
      • G13, G14, G16, G22, G23 and MAL109.

    Higher learning in the magic hour: bicentenary talk series at Birkbeck Library. Posted - 08 June 2023.

    • Birkbeck has always been different to the university mainstream – and so have its students. Who were Birkbeck students between the early 1960s and 2000s? What motivated part-time and mature learners at the College? How did differences in standards and common enterprise with academic staff make the students’ experiences so exceptional?
    • To find out, join us on Tuesday 20 June, 18:30 to 20:00 for a special talk by Jonny Matfin who has recently completed a PhD thesis on the contemporary history of Birkbeck. Followed by a Q&A and refreshments.
    • Book your place.

    Film screening: Infinite Potential: The Life and Ideas of David Bohm, with special guest director Paul Howard. Posted - 12 May 2023.

    • To be held 1 June 2023, 6pm, Birkbeck Cinema.
    • David Bohm FRS was a Professor of Theoretical Physics at Birkbeck from 1961 to 1987. One of the most significant theoretical physicists of the twentieth century, he contributed innovative and unorthodox ideas to quantum theory, neuropsychology and the philosophy of mind.
    • Infinite Potential, directed by Paul Howard, draws a compelling portrait of the man Einstein described as his “spiritual son”. Birkbeck Library is delighted to host a screening of this full-length documentary film at the Birkbeck Cinema on Thursday 1st June as part of its programme of events celebrating the College’s 200th anniversary. The film will be introduced by Paul Howard and the screening will be followed by a Q&A and refreshments. Book your free place now.

    New wellbeing corner. Posted - 04 May 2023.

    • Birkbeck Library’s new Wellbeing Corner is in the silent study area on level two of the Library.
    • Designed for reflection and calm, it includes a selection of books and leaflets to support your health and wellbeing, and sensory toys to help relieve stress and combat anxiety. The associated online guide lists the books chosen by Birkbeck’s Wellbeing Services for the Wellbeing Collection.

    Strikes in February and March. Posted - 26 January 2023.

    • The upcoming period of strike action by UCU and UNISON might affect the Library’s opening hours. Library users should always check on the day before travelling, for up-to-the-minute information on the opening hours.
    • We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

    Suggestions for the Reading for Pleasure collection. Posted - 12 January 2023.

    • The Library has a small amount of money for buying new titles for the Reading for pleasure collection, and we'd like to ask students for their recommendations. Please use this form to make one suggestion. It could be your favourite book, something you've read recently and enjoyed, or something you want to read yourself. All genres of fiction and non-fiction books are welcome. If you have time, please check the library catalogue to make sure it isn't a book we already have.
    • We look forward to receiving your suggestions.

    Library Services during the Christmas break – 23 December to 2 January. Posted - 13 December 2022.

    • The Library will be open during the Christmas break – from 23 December to 2 January with some closed days and changes to opening times.
    • You will be able to contact the Library helpdesk by email and telephone during this period.
    • Interlibrary loans, Library Disability and Dyslexia Service study materials and appointments, and subject librarians will be unavailable during this time. If you need these services before January, please submit your request in good time before the Christmas break!
    • The click-and-post service will be unavailable between 22 December and 2 January.
    • Our regular services will resume on Tuesday 3 January 2023.

    Cash payments - no longer available. Posted - 2 December 2022.

    • From Saturday 17 December, Birkbeck Library will no longer be able to take cash payments.
    • This is due to the fact that the College has decided to stop taking cash as the cost of banking makes it uneconomical for small amounts.

    UX research project, 28 November - 11 December. Posted - 28 November 2022.

    • In the next two weeks, the Library will be undertaking a few User Experience research activities to get a better understanding of how students use the space.
    • Library staff will observe how students use the Library space.
    • Students will take Library staff on a tour of the Library. If you’d like to volunteer for this activity, please fill out the online form by 30 November.