Library News

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.

A close up shot of the OU Charter

Explore the OU's heritage this Charter Day

The OU is celebrating its 55th birthday this month! Discover our fascinating history over at the OU Digital Archive.

Close-up of a person's hands typing on an open laptop

Learning about autism with library resources

In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, we've created a list of resources which explore the experiences of autistic people and their families.

The National Student Survey (NSS) logo

National Student Survey 2024 – share your views

If you've received an email inviting you to respond to this year’s National Student Survey, make sure you have your say!

The outside of the Library building in Milton Keynes

Building notice - heating issue

There is a heating issue in the Library building at Walton Hall. The building continues to be open normal hours.

Side profile of male in a computer environment looking at a large video screen

Exploring Generative AI online training session – 19 February

New online training session exploring Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, with guidance on the use of such tools in your studies.

The Foundations Programme logo - an illustration of a tree containing vines of multiple colours

Foundations Programme – reflections and upcoming activities

Reflections from colleagues in the Foundations Programme team, highlighting the benefits they are seeing.

A student in a wheelchair has a pile of books resting in their lap. A stack of books can be seen behind them.

Explore new Disability History and Autism Awareness Library resources

We've added a wealth of new book titles to our Exploring Equality and Diversity resource lists.

A student is sitting at a desk in a Library, looking at an open laptop

How did the OU Library work for you last year? 2022/23

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

A group of people are sitting at a desk together writing in notepads.

Research approval advice drop-in sessions

Research Approval Advice drop-in sessions are now available for those seeking advice relating to securing approvals for their research.

A student is sitting at a table covered in books whilst studying in a library. Rows of bookshelves can be seen behind them.

How partner library access can impact student success

We've recently completed research looking into membership of the SCONUL Access scheme and the impact it has on student success.

A smartphone showing the ChatGPT interface is placed next to a pair of glasses

How to acknowledge generative AI (such as ChatGPT) in assignments

Learn more about how to reference and acknowledge the use of generative AI tools like Chat GPT in your assignments.

'Server error in Open Athens application' error message

Westlaw and Google Chrome

Westlaw and Google Chrome

The Hip Hop exhibition in the Library building next to Barry Watson a.k.a. DJ Kraze One.

Hip Hop 50 years exhibition in the Library building

Visit the exhibition displaying artefacts from the local Milton Keynes hip hop scene.

An illustration of the silhouettes of two people, on a background that features red, yellow and green stripes.

Explore new Black History Library resources

We've added a wealth of new book titles to our Black History resource list, covering topics related to this year’s Black History Month theme – Celebrating Our Sisters.

A student is sitting at a desk and writing in a notepad. They have an open laptop and scattered sticky notes in front of them,

New and improved Library training session videos

We've been working hard to improve our Library training session videos - helping you to build research skills and confidence.

On Campus Power Outage - Helpdesk Phones Unavailable

The OU Students Association logo

Library Study Volunteer roles now open

Develop your research and digital literacy skills - and make a difference to students - as a Library Study Volunteer.

Black and white photograph taken outside Walton Hall around the 1950s/1960s, featuring Brigadier Eric Earle, who owned the estate until 1965, and the Earles' farm manager, Mr. Brown, with their herd of cows.

University Archive to host Heritage Open Day events on campus

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