The Library isn’t just somewhere you can get books. It’s somewhere you can do your work on your own or with others, escape sensory overload and get some help with studying. This section of the toolkit will introduce our library and the services it can offer you.

Many students in the Autism&Uni surveys mentioned the library as somewhere they really enjoyed being, whether they needed some quiet space to get away from it all or find some help or just to get some work done.  We have specialist library staff who want to help you make the most out of your time at uni. They can help you with finding, choosing and using library resources, amongst many other things.   The Library also runs many study skills workshops and events.

You manage your library account online, which can help with anxiety about forgetting deadlines, worrying about how many books you have borrowed, or ending up with library fines.

You will be given relevant information about how to use the Library to study your particular subject during your course induction when you start, but there is some general information about using the Library here.

Here are some top tips for getting the most out of the Library whilst you are studying or researching with us:

• Get to know the Library spaces if you plan to study or research on campus
• Book an individual study room if you would find this helpful
• Learn about our Library e-resources and how to use each type
• Download and convert e-resources into another format if you have preferred file types or assistive software
• Discover how to obtain printed resources in an alternative format if we don’t already have electronic access to them
• Take a look at our Study Skills Reading List for more help with study
• Get in touch with the Library if you need more help

There are different types of study space within each library so to find out what is available, check out the links for the library you want to use.  There are group study rooms, silent study rooms, and bookable AccessAbility rooms.

• Find the location of the library on the Streatham campus map (4) and the St Luke’s Campus map (6)
• Use the information here to work out in advance the location of the books you will want to use
• Check the opening hours and identify a good time to visit, when it will not be too busy

• Have you been for a visit to the library?   Make sure you attend your library induction when you start.
• Have you found out who your subject Librarian is?  You may wish to book an appointment with them to discuss the support they can offer you.
• Do you know where you can find resources for your course?
• Have you worked independently anywhere other than home/halls before?
• Have you tried techniques like mind mapping to work on a topic?
• Do you prefer to listen to information rather than reading, or do both simultaneously?
• Would you like to be able to book a quiet space to study on your own?