Library News

A selection of ebook and magazine covers relating to disability history and trans experiences.

Discover Library resources on disability history and trans experiences

Discover Library resources to learn more about disability history and trans experiences in November and beyond.

Session cancellation 21/10/2026 - The why and how of referencing

Due to a major IT incident, 'The why and how of referencing' library training session scheduled to run on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 19:30 has been cancelled.

OpenAthens Service Issues - Resource Access Impacted

There is currently a service outage with the OpenAthens platform and access to some electronic resources may be impacted. The system provider is working to resolve these issues. 20/10/26 09:07 This issue was due to the Google Cloud platform outage in the europe-west2 region. This has now been resolved and services have been restored. 20/10/26 15:00.

Intermittent Library Systems Issues

Update: 16:00 - The systems are now back online and access to resources has been restored.

A selection of ebook and magazine covers relating to Black history or menopause.

Explore Black history and menopause resources this October

Explore Library resources to learn more about Black History and Menopause Awareness Month this October.

Library Search Issues

Black and white photo of a vintage television studio with large cameras on wheeled pedestals facing a news desk.

Step back in time: OU Archive’s Heritage Open Day 2026

Join us on 16 September to explore the OU’s story through campus tours, exhibitions, and archive film screenings.

Couple relaxing on a couch in a sunlit room, one reading a book while the other uses a tablet.

Reading for pleasure at the OU Library

Discover our growing Reading for Pleasure collections in print and online, and find your next great read.

A woman in a blue floral dress is working on a laptop in a quiet library with shelves of books behind her.

Library Search is getting a new look!

Find academic resources more easily with Library Search's new design, featuring improved search tools and accessibility.

Hand placing a pin on a colourful map of South Asia.

Explore Library resources for South Asian Heritage Month

Discover resources that showcase the richness and diversity of South Asian voices, experiences and perspectives.

Pride flags and balloons can be seen at a busy Pride event

Celebrate Pride with LGBTQ+ stories, history and voices

Explore Library resources that celebrate LGBTQ+ lives, experiences and contributions for Pride Month and beyond.

Person scrolling through social media feed on smartphone at wooden desk with keyboard and mouse nearby.

Fake or fact? Build your digital detection skills

Try our new activity to build the skills needed to identify and challenge false or misleading information online.

Young woman showing something on her smartphone to an elderly woman sitting together on a park bench during daytime.

Library resources for Carers Week 2026

New resources have been launched to support carers across the OU community for Carers Week and beyond.

Two students in a home environment are looking at an open laptop, with one student holding a tablet computer

Get ready for level 2 study with digital and information literacy skills

Get off to a good start on your level 2 modules with our Digital and Information Literacy badged course.

Person typing on an open laptop surrounded by plants and green life

Earth Month 2026: Explore sustainability and green skills with the Library

Explore our curated resources to build your knowledge, develop practical skills, and take positive action for a more sustainable future.

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.

Two researchers sitting at a desk in conversation whilst typing on a laptop and writing in a notepad

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.

A selection of wellbeing book covers feature in tablet computers

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.