The University of Sunderland Library is a key resource for the University and its staff, students and alumni. It provides access to the world’s collective knowledge, which supports teaching and learning at the University.
The Murray Library and St. Peter’s Library are two cutting-edge libraries at the university.
The Murray Library
The Murray Library was expanded in 1996 after being initially inaugurated in 1977. Since 1995, we have made significant investments in self-services, and in 2002, we introduced a 24/7 library opening.
Our instructions to the architects at the beginning of this most recent phase of renovation were to modernize our learning spaces to reflect the evolving needs and patterns of contemporary study.
The ground level of the library’s library café and a very well-liked social learning space were both introduced in 2007, marking the start of the first phase of the redevelopment.
A year later, the library lecture theatre underwent renovation. On the Lower Ground Level, a variety of adaptable learning spaces were successfully built during Phase 2 in 2010.
With the reconstruction of the Upper Level, the renovation’s last stage was finished in September 2011.
In this phase, a feature window was also added to the front elevation, making our fascinating interior spaces visible for the first time from the centre of the campus and the main thoroughfare into the City.
Specifically, The Murray Library now has the following features:
- Social learning areas as well as a cosy wireless lounge
- Renovated computer and laptop rooms that support both group and solitary study
- Zones for innovative and immersive technologies
- Study rooms include areas for focused use of slide and audio collections and quiet study
- A peaceful, tech-free reading space
- The addition of information points and interactive kiosks improved wayfinding and signage
- Creating meeting and study spaces that may be reserved
- A well-known café
- More access to power sources, wireless communication, and better lighting and ventilation
- Renovated staff spaces
Customers have reacted extremely favorably to the renovation of their new library rooms, and their comments have been crucial in helping us further improve our services to satisfy their variety of needs.
St. Peter’s Library
The library is located in the “amenities block” on the new campus. It includes an electronic reference area, an electronic information laboratory, an open reading deck, a wood-panelled, silent reading room, an interior garden, self-issue, and a riverside position.
Phases 1 and 2 of the project were finished in August 1994 and 1996, respectively.
The open reading deck, wood-panelled silent reading area, indoor garden, self-issue, and riverbank location are among of the features. The structure is a part of the new campus’ “amenities block.”
During the academic year, the St. Peter’s Library is open until midnight, and the Murray Library is open around the clock.
The University’s library offers a wide range of online resources, including books, periodicals, and e-books, as well as:
- An online book search and reservation system for libraries
- Finding papers from print and online journals using an online journal search
- Subject-specific sources to assist you in finding material that is pertinent to your course
- You can be confident that our engaging, adaptable, and warm library and IT services are created with you in mind, enabling you to get the most out of your time with us and realize your full potential whether you visit us online or on campus.
- The resources you need to utilize them effectively are all accessible through library services, along with the assistance and training you require. You can borrow amazing subject collections from each library, and there is an extensive selection of books, periodicals, and module resources online.
- To meet your various study needs, the Library also offers a variety of well-designed, adaptable quiet, solo, and group studying areas.
- The Library has a collection of over 500,000 books, journals and other media items with access to over 2 million electronic resources. It is a busy place with more than 1 million visits per year.
The Library also provides a range of services such as:
- Lending books and journals through our online catalogue
- Book borrowing service – no need to queue!
- Research support – we’ll help you find what you’re after or direct you to someone who can
- Study space – quiet areas for individual study or group work
- Full-text electronic resources including the British Library Catalogue, electronic journals and e-books, statistical data, e-journals and online databases. The library subscribes to over 400 electronic journals and more than 950 e-books.
- Print books in all areas of study, including over 700 fiction titles for leisure reading.
- A photocopying service with a self-service machine for printing out your own work or documents from our catalogue.
- Information literacy sessions for all students
- Group study rooms for up to 6 people with whiteboards and projectors
- Computers with internet access (chargeable)
- Photocopying and printing services
Is The University Of Sunderland Library Open?
Since September 2020, The Murray Library and St. Peter’s Library have been open to current University of Sunderland students and employees. To visit, you don’t need to make a reservation.
The University of Sunderland Library is open to all students, staff and members of the public.
The library has a range of resources and services to support your studies, including books, journals, newspapers, DVDs and online databases. There are also computers available for you to use in the library.