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.

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!

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.

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.