Library News

Title access issue in ProQuest Ebook Central collection

A family are sitting on a sofa together looking at a tablet computer whilst smiling

Enjoy shared family reading over the school holidays with Libby and OverDrive

The free Libby app makes it easy to keep children and young people reading - and to enjoy stories together over the school holidays.

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Simplifying how we share research

Discover how the OU’s new Research Publications Policy will simplify Open Access publishing.

Two Pride flags are displayed on a table top, underneath a Pride heart-shaped badge and two rings.

Explore LGBTQ+ histories, voices and stories with the Library

Celebrate LGBT+ History Month with Library resources.

A student sitting at a desk writing in a notepad next to an open laptop. There is a row of bookshelves behind them.

Access study space and academic resources near you

Discover how SCONUL Access helps you study locally, access academic resources, and feel part of a wider university community.

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Start the new year with healthier, happier reads from Libby and OverDrive

Gain access to thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and wellbeing-focused reads, all free through the Library.

The OU Library heating is not working

Heating in the Library is not working on 22/12/2025.

Cancellation of Library training session

The 'Relaxed: the Why and how of referencing' library training session scheduled for 10th December has been cancelled.

EBSCO company logo

EBSCO databases update: Check your Search Alerts and Custom Folders by 31 December

Find out what’s changing and what actions you’ll need to take to maintain your Search Alerts and Custom Folders.

Restored tomb in front of St Michael's church

A piece of Walton Hall History restored

A discovery and restoration of an 18th century tomb on campus

Two people are sitting next to each other at a desk. One is holding a tablet computer and resting their hand on a book. The other is typing on an open laptop.

Referencing made easy: the latest Cite Them Right changes explained

Keep your referencing up to date (don't worry, it’s just a few small changes!)

Library Search issues

Close-up of a person's hand, holding a phone whilst taking a photo of a long road surrounded by trees

Practical skills for making your online habits greener

Calm climate anxiety and reduce the carbon footprint of your online life.

Two people are sitting next to each other at a desk in the Library building, looking at open laptops. Behind them are banks of desks and rows of bookshelves.

Welcome from the OU Library - it's Welcome Week 2025!

Hello to all our new and returning students!

A black and white photo of a television recording studio, featuring large broadcast camera equipment.

Don’t miss Heritage Open Days 17-19 September 2025

Explore the OU’s story through exhibitions, archive displays, and the OU Archive Cinema.

Black and white photo from 1975 of a television studio for an Open University programme.

Step back in time: OU Archive Heritage Open Days 2025

Explore the OU’s story through campus tours, exhibitions, archive film screenings, and more this September.

Colours of the Pride Progress flag

Stories of Pride: LGBTQ+ reads for June and beyond

We're celebrating LGBTQ+ voices, stories, and histories through our growing LGBTQ+ resource collection.

A student is sitting at a desk, studying at home on his laptop. He is wearing headphones and writing notes.

Master library skills at your own pace with our recorded sessions

Our training programme offers both live online sessions and recorded versions to support your learning.

An image of a charter book

Explore the OU's heritage this Charter Day 2025

Explore the OU Digital Archive to access online archive items and learn about the OU’s fascinating history.

Close-up of a person's hands, holding a phone in one hand and a pen in the other. An open laptop is also present.

Develop your Digital Information Literacy skills

Our new badged course helps you develop essential Digital Information Literacy skills for level 1 of an undergraduate degree.

Close-up of a hand holding a multicoloured heart ornament, representing LGBT+ pride colours.

New Library collection for LGBT+ History Month 2025

We've added a new collection to our LGBTQ+ resource list featuring titles relevant to historical figures selected by LGBT+ History Month for 2025.

A student is sitting at a desk in a Library with a pen to her mouth, thinking about what to write. Behind her is a large bookshelf.

How did the OU Library work for you last year? 2023/24

Explore the value of engaging with the Library from our latest insight work.

Front cover of the book, 'Private Sponsorship of Refugees in Europe' by Chiara Berneri.

Open Access book fund publishing milestone

The first book funded from the institutional Open Access book fund has been published.

A student is sitting at a desk in a Library which has some textbooks and an open laptop placed upon it. There is a bookshelf behind them.

Accessing resources from academic libraries

Joining the SCONUL Access scheme allows you to borrow books from and study at your local university library for free!

A student wearing headphones is sitting on a sofa writing in a notepad, with an open laptop in front of them.

Referencing 'how-to' video series

We've created a new short video series featuring bite-sized information on how to reference correctly and avoid plagiarism.

Group of students sharing and enjoying studying whilst looking at a laptop, with book shelves in the background

What the library can do for you!

Discover the wide range of Library resources, services and expertise available to the whole OU community.

Black and white photograph of Walton Hall from the 50s/60s. The man standing behind the cows to the left is Brigadier Eric Earle who owned the estate until his death in 1965. The man on the right is the Earles' farm manager, Mr. Brown.

University Archive to host Heritage Open Day events 2024

The University Archive is holding events this year as part of Heritage Open Days - including campus tours and archive material displays.

User using laptop

Resources downtime - Thursday 6th June 2024

Access to Library subscribed resources Thursday 6th June, 6am to 8am

A man at a laptop in a library or study.

SensusAccess online conversion service

The OU provides access to SensusAccess, which enables print disabled students to convert material into a more accessible format.

A student is sitting on the floor of a library, surrounded by bookshelves, whilst reading a book.

Access a wealth of resources from UK academic libraries

Eligible OU students and employees can borrow books from participating university libraries or visit them to study.