How can the library help you?

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.

We have specialist library staff who understand autism and 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.

Here are some practical tips for making the best use of the library:

There are several libraries located around St Andrews which can be accessed by undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The Main Library

The Main Library is located off North Street and can be accessed by all staff and students. The Service Desk is available for support and guidance around access, IT support, printing and study spaces. Open over four floors, the Main Library holds the bulk of our print book and journal collections, as well as a DVD collection.

There is a dedicated space for postgraduate study available on Level 1. Levels 3 and 4 are silent areas.

Other facilities include:

  • A variety of seats including areas for group study and individual study options
  • Study spaces available for pre-booking
  • Library Service Desk and IT Service Desk
  • Library search PCs
  • PCs for use
  • Print, copy and scan machines
  • Self-service borrow and return machines
  • Blu-ray and DVD viewing stations
  • Toilets
  • Café – find out more information about University cafés.
  • Lidded drinks as well as snacks and cold foods are permitted on Levels 1 & 2. Lidded drinks are permitted on Levels 3 & 4, but no food is allowed.

St Mary’s College Library, incorporating the King James Library

These libraries can be found on South Street, St Mary’s Quadrangle. University staff and students can drop in to use a study space in both libraries, and to browse and borrow the collections using the self-service machine. Other facilities include;

  • 42 study spaces
  • Self-service borrowing and return
  • Click and collect and Inter-Library Loan pick-up
  • Library and IT Service Desks
  • 1 print, copy, and scan machine
  • Individual desk lamps
  • Toilets
  • Lidded drinks are permitted, but no food is allowed.

JF Allen Library

This Library is located upstairs in the Physics building on the North Haugh. University staff and students can drop in to use a study space, and to browse and borrow the collections using the self-service machine. Other facilities include;

  • 70 study spaces
  • Self-service borrowing and return
  • 6 PCs
  • 2 study rooms
  • 1 print, copy, and scan machine
  • Power sockets
  • Lidded drinks are permitted, but no food is allowed.

Library at The Gateway

Library at The Gateway is the basement level of the large round building on the North Haugh which also houses the School of Management. University staff and students can drop in to use a study space. Other facilities include;

  • 52 study spaces
  • 17 PCs
  • 1 print, copy, and scan machine
  • Power sockets
  • Wifi
  • Toilets

Martyrs Kirk, Thomson Reading Room

Postgraduate students, including taught postgraduates, and University staff can use this space which is located on North Street. Other facilities include;

  • 40 study spaces
  • Print, copy and scan machines
  • Power sockets
  • Toilets
  • Lidded drinks are permitted in the Thomson Reading Room, but no food is allowed.

Walter Bower House Library

The Walter Bower House Library is located within Eden Campus, Guardbridge. All University students and staff can use this space. Other facilities include;

  • 10 study spaces
  • Print, copy and scan machine
  • Self-service borrow and return machines
  • DVD/VHS viewing station
  • Power sockets
  • Lidded drinks are permitted, but no food is allowed.

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 encourage all students to explore different areas to study around the campus as some enjoy the silent study areas of the main library, while others enjoy various spots around the campus. Group work areas can be difficult places to be if you want to study in a peaceful place. It can be helpful to consider what sort of environment you study best in, and if group areas facilitate that.

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