Library News

Woman searching on her laptop with a little girl on her lap

Announcing a new and improved Library Search

Wednesday, 6 October, 2021 - 08:27

We've made Library Search better than ever! The new version will launch in February 2022

An illustration of a spaceman on the moon, looking at the camera. The words 'Open Degree Programme' are written across the helmet visor, and the words 'Since 1969' are written above the spaceman.

NEW Digital Archive Exhibition: The Open Programme

Monday, 4 October, 2021 - 15:26

In 2019, the Open Programme celebrated 50 years of offering OU students the chance to study across a wide choice of subjects, to create a personalised course of study across a range of academic disciplines.

Young female office worker indoors sitting at desk with laptop mobile phone and cup of coffee.

New UKRI Open Access Policy Announced

Monday, 4 October, 2021 - 14:50

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced a new open access policy, following extensive consultation with the sector. The policy applies to all research publications that acknowledge funding from any of UKRI’s councils.

Shelves of books at the Open University Library building in Milton Keynes.

Freshers 2021: What the library can do for our students

Tuesday, 28 September, 2021 - 14:23

With a new academic year starting, you may be wondering what kind of support is out there to help our students make the most of their studies.

Issues across OU Systems and the library - 13/09/21

Monday, 13 September, 2021 - 09:41

Issues accessing library databases - 12th August 2021

Thursday, 12 August, 2021 - 15:24

The University is currently experiencing significant network and systems issues which is also affecting access to library databases and resources.

A student is sitting at a table with their hand on the keyboard of an open laptop computer. There is a notebook next to the laptop and the student is holding a pen, ready to write in the notebook.

Activities Added to Online Training Session Pages

Thursday, 5 August, 2021 - 09:05

We've added new online activities to the Training and events section of our website.

Library Helpdesk by webchat, email and phone

Monday, 19 July, 2021 - 08:55

Phone service at the Library Helpdesk has resumed. You can reach us through our 24/7 chat to a librarian service, email and by phone.

Covid-19 (Coronavirus) notice of service availability

Monday, 12 July, 2021 - 10:42

The Open University is currently limiting access to campus for safety reasons. The welfare and safety of our students, staff and visitors is our top priority.

An illustration of a person's hands typing on an open laptop, next to a cup of coffee, a notepad, and four pens. The background shows a blue-coloured bricked wall.

New Publishing Deal with Taylor and Francis

Thursday, 8 July, 2021 - 14:45

We are thrilled to announce that we have recently invested in a new Read and Publish deal with Taylor & Francis!

A person is sitting at a desk with their hands typing on an open laptop. They are sitting next to a window and the sunlight is shining through it.

Providing Library Resources to Students in Secure Environments

Wednesday, 7 July, 2021 - 10:46

The Open University has been providing world-class education to students in prison for over 40 years.

Pride with the OU Library!

Wednesday, 26 May, 2021 - 14:10

Come and celebrate Pride 2021 with the OU Library!

Fingers typing on a braille display keyboard

Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2021

Friday, 14 May, 2021 - 16:41

Thursday 20 May 2021 is Global Accessibility Awareness Day, an international event to raise awareness of digital access.

A picture of various journals that are featured on PsychiatryOnline, alongside a description of the database.

New Resource: PsychiatryOnline

Friday, 7 May, 2021 - 12:48

We now have access to PsychiatryOnline - a collection from American Psychiatric Publishing, a Division of the American Psychiatric Association.

Being a librarian was something I always wanted to be, without knowing it! Librarians are teachers, researchers, advisors, and (in my case) data heads all in one, there's so much I can get involved in every single day.

Celebrating National Librarian Day 2021

Friday, 16 April, 2021 - 11:14

Today, on Friday 16^th April 2021, we are celebrating National Librarian Day! It's a chance to be thankful for all the knowledge that librarians possess.

World Autism Awareness Week 2021

Friday, 26 March, 2021 - 09:36

We are celebrating Autism Awareness Week, to help increase awareness and acceptance of autism.

Discover scholarly journals and stay current with BrowZine

Tuesday, 16 March, 2021 - 09:54

BrowZine is a Library-subscribed service that allows you to browse, read and follow scholarly journals.

Drawing of a computer on a desk with notebooks and coffee

Easy access to Library content

Tuesday, 16 March, 2021 - 09:49

The Library Access browser extension makes it easier to access Library-subscribed resources as you do your searching across the web.

Screen shot of Anthropology Resource Library video database

New resource: Anthropology Resource Library

Wednesday, 13 January, 2021 - 09:54

The Anthropology Resource Library provides comprehensive, multimedia resources for the study of anthropology, including the largest collection of ethnographic videos and previously unpublished archival field materials.

JoVE homepage showing a scientist in a lab

New resource: JoVE Unlimited

Wednesday, 13 January, 2021 - 09:34

For the next 5 years, we have access to all of JoVE's Education and Research content which provides video demonstrations of tools and techniques used by scientists in laboratories around the world.

Intermittent issues accessing Nexis UK and Lexis Library

Thursday, 24 December, 2020 - 14:49

Some people are unable to get into the Nexis UK and Lexis Library databases

O'Reilly (Safari ebooks online) technical problem 11/12/20

Friday, 11 December, 2020 - 17:06

Delayed response to enquiries - 09/11/2020

Monday, 9 November, 2020 - 15:59

Due to technical issues with Open University systems there may be a delay in responses to email enquiries sent to the Library Helpdesk

Issues accessing JSTOR

Friday, 16 October, 2020 - 16:32

Currently you may be unable to view the JSTOR Browse Collection page and search functions are unavailable.

Celebrating Black History Month

Thursday, 1 October, 2020 - 08:13

We are celebrating Black History Month with Archives, resource lists and poetry!

Accessing Times Higher Education (THE) 30/09/2020

Wednesday, 30 September, 2020 - 14:29

Lunch with the Library event 5 October at noon

Hello to all our new and returning students!

Thursday, 24 September, 2020 - 08:47

Welcome to a new academic year OU students! The team here at the OU Library is looking forward to helping you with your studies – whether you’re brand new to the OU, or are taking the next step towards completing your degree.