About the Main library
Hartley sits at the centre of Highfield campus and is the main library for science, engineering, law, humanities and social science subjects. Parts of the building were designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, famous for the iconic red telephone box and Battersea Power Station.
Support your studies with facilities and equipment over 5 levels. Explore a wealth of materials across our collection of printed books, journals and online resources.
Books and learning resources
The library includes archives, special collections and more than 6.5 million historic manuscript items. We also have 50,000 printed books.
We have a section dedicated to improving your academic skills with topics on:
- academic writing
- dissertations and essay planning
- critical thinking
- referencing
- study skills
- developing research questions
Facilities and equipment
- library and IT help desks
- computer workstations on all levels
- self-service stations to borrow and return library items
- print, scan and copy facilities on most levels using either our computers or your own device
- 1-week laptop loans including laptop bags and chargers
- headphone, mobile phone chargers and mouse loans (for use in the library)
Study spaces
- study desks
- quiet study spaces with partitioned booths
- desks with large screens
- dedicated computer workrooms
- desks with power sockets to plug in your own device
Food and drink
We have water bottle fillers and refreshments from our café and vending machines.
Subjects using this facility
History
Studying history with us means you'll research, analyse and debate the past to better understand the present. Explore the ancient and modern, from empires and rebellion to social history and gender.
Sociology and criminology
Learn how data science and artificial intelligence inform us about human behaviour. Gain the skills to work in sociology and criminology-related careers and develop your own specialist research project.
English
Forge your own path through the rich and diverse history of literature in English, spanning over 1,000 years and 6 continents across the globe. You'll develop your conceptual thinking and learn to communicate complex ideas when you study English with us.
Politics and international relations
Investigate governance, democracy, citizenship and the links between power and protest. Learn how to question political decision-making to help understand some of our biggest challenges, from climate change to human rights.
