Library updates: what’s changed and what’s new? The way you contact the Library, IT and support teams has changed: Please read about how to submit your queries.

Over the summer 2025, we have been working to further improve your library. These improvements are based on your feedback. We use your ideas and requests to inform what we do throughout the year:

New library resources and new ways to find them

• A new single search for all library resources in one place
• Lean Library — a browser extension for you to add that will pop up as your browse the internet to tell you:
  • If the library has access to a journal article or a copy of a book
  • If there are open access versions available
  • How to get to an inter-library loan if the library doesn’t have it or there isn’t an open access version
  • The university’s policies and support for AI if you or your students are using an AI tool
  • Download the Lean Library browser extension now!
• Easier access to Specialist Subject Resources from the Library homepage, and new resources to find there:
  • SAGE Business Cases; African Minds; ERA Teacher Resources; Rock’s Backpages; British Newspaper Archive; Upgraded CINAHL coverage to CINAHL Ultimate; Scopus; IBISWorld
  • A new ‘Global’ filter in Specialist Subject Resources to help you find database resources which go beyond information published in UK/USA/European geographies. 
• A refreshed and rebranded Inter Library Loan Service. Rebranded as the Resource Sharing Service, the Library will continue to support students and staff in finding and accessing resources that are important for study and research. The service remains free of charge, with no annual limit on requests, but there is a maximum of 10 active requests at one time. Over the summer, a new inter lending system has also been introduced, RapidILL, which should speed up the delivery of interlibrary loan journal articles and book chapters and open us up to accessing libraries globally. It will also see the library sharing its collections with institutions around the world, as we lend and share resources.

Enhanced and reconfigured study spaces

• New and improved soft seating areas
• Replacement lighting in main study areas to improve visibility and reduce energy consumption
• Additional study space on the first floor
• Additional plants and green initiatives

New self-development learning resources

NEW resources for your students and for your teaching in our Library, Study and Digital skills area, including:

• Your Critical AI Toolkit— our brand new 4-part learning toolkit, co-written with Teaching & Learning Enhancement, London Learning & Wellness, London & York Careers teams, and academic colleagues.
• Systematic and systematised reviews guidance
• New data handling resources in Maths, Data and Statistics Success
• Updated ‘Technology and …’ guides for: Planning and Organisation; Notemaking, revision and exams; Reading; Writing, spelling and grammar
• All new Digital and IT induction video
• Multi-part Excel skills video course
• Updated PebblePad Troubleshooter for solving PebblePad issues
• Studying while neurodivergent toolkit
• New Study Skill Guides resources — Written assignment style guide; Paragraphs; Guide to writing a research proposal; Note nuggets (note taking method); Study Wellness guide; 
• Study Development animated video guides & all new Guided Pomodoro study videos [Lo Fi music version; voice guided version; silent version]
• Updated referencing guidance, particularly Harvard.
• 25-26 A1 study planner wall posters [collect from the Library]
• A refreshed Study Skills reading list

Adjusting and improving student support

• New opening times to provide in person support when you need it most
• Library and Learning Advisers to provide support for your learning
• Student Belonging and Experience team to welcome you into York St John and help you feel part of our community
• Wellness reads collection to support your wellbeing

If you have more feedback, you can:

• Leave feedback on the Library’s Feedback walls
• Complete our Feedback Form