Study spaces and facilities

Where can I study?

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are providing online library services.

Please consult the News and updates and the Service adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic for current information on what services and facilities are available.

The information below is pre-COVID and has not been updated in detail to reflect our current services and facilities on offer to users.

Based on level one, the Accessibility Centre is a study area for disabled students, where you can access adjustable furniture, task lights and scanners.
Based on level three, there are two computers in the individual study area, where you can access adjustable desks.
Based on level one, there are two adjustable desks that you have priority use of in the silent study area.

If you need to use Dragon (speech-to-text software) or you are working with your student assistant, there are three Study Support Rooms on level one.

Study Support Room is near the Library helpdesk, Study Support Room A and Study Support Room B are next to the Accessibility Centre.

Booking: you can book these rooms, for two hours a day.
Note: You need to log in within 15 minutes of your booking slot otherwise MYPC will release the slot for the next user to log in the computer.

If you are working in a group then the group study pod one has an adjustable table - for more details and to book see the Group Study Pods entry below.
We have a lift and moving platform that gives access to all levels of the Library space

Based on level one, this area is for groups to meet in and study or work together. The area includes whiteboards.
Booking: you don't need to book this space.

Pods include display screens and you can borrow display port, HDMI or VGA cables from the Library helpdesk on level one.
Booking: you need to book in advance. Only Birkbeck students can book the pods.

You can book a 30-minute slot to a maximum of two hours per day (to a maximum of seven hours per week).
The first booking is for 8.30am and the last booking is for 10.30pm.
Please cancel your booking if you no longer need it.
You can use an unbooked pod, but users with bookings take priority.

We have areas for individual study throughout the Library, in particular, level one silent study area and levels two, three and four.

If you need to make or take a phone call while in the Library, you should move to this area, which is near the toilets on level one.

This is on level one, past the Phone Zone and starts from the audio-visual collection and continues on two levels with the mezzanine.

These are on levels one and two.
The computers in the Seminar Room (room 107) on level one are available for use if the room has not been booked. A notice of any bookings is posted on the door.
You can see where there are available computers and study spaces in the Library by checking our Library space availability.
You can access computers in workstation rooms across Birkbeck, outside of the Library, check to see which workstation rooms are available and the number of computers that are free for you to use.
You can also bring your own mobile devices and use Eduroam the wi-fi network available for Birkbeck staff and students

Photocopiers are on level one, most are near the Training Room in the group study area.
Our photocopiers can:

make A4 and A3 copies in black and white and in colour
make reduced or enlarged copies
print in black and white or in colour
scan (this service is free, but you will need credit on your printing account. You can store scans on your USB.)
staple your printing, select this function before printing

You can charge your print account online using a debit/credit card (£1 minimum).

You can log in using your Birkbeck ID card or by entering your Birkbeck username and password.
Visitors should ask for a visitor account at the Library helpdesk on level one.

Wireless printing: you can print via your mobile device.
Further help: there are guides for printing, photocopying, scanning and stapling next to the photocopiers on level one.

You can use a self-service unit to borrow or return items.
There are self-service units on the ground floor (borrowing and returning) and the first floor near the helpdesk (borrowing only).