Visit the library
The Charles Seale-Hayne Library supports teaching, learning and research
About us
Library and digital support work right across the University. We support teaching, learning and research; providing services to students, academic and professional staff.
Our focus is on enabling the transformation of information into knowledge, and we do that through providing access to information resources, developing and delivering services, managing learning spaces, and facilitating the development of information and digital literacy.
The library provides access to physical books, eBooks and 120,000 online journals.
It's also home to the
Library Cafe
on the first floor, a space to refuel with a wide selection of hot and cold food and drinks.
Opening times
Main Library
- Term time hours are 08:30–midnight on weekdays and 09:30–midnight on weekends (swipe access only 18:00–midnight).
- Vacation hours are 08:30–18:00 on weekdays and 09:30–18:00 on weekends.
- You must bring your University card to access the building.
Level 0 Learning Space
- The Level 0 Learning Space is open 24/7 all year.
- You must bring your University card to access this space.
Nursing and midwifery resources
Nursing students based at Exeter School of Nursing, and in Cornwall have access to the resources listed below. Follow the links for further information including opening times.
- Exeter School of Nursing in Exeter
- Knowledge Spa (KSpa) in Truro
Phase one of the new 24/7 library space is now open!
You can now use the whole of Level 0, including overnight, which includes 300+ study spaces.
Over the coming year, we’ll keep improving the space. This includes moving book collections to Levels 1 and 2 and adding more furniture to create a safe, comfortable, and flexible study area – with options for both quiet study and group work.
- Night access 23:30–08:30 (09:30 at weekends). Swipe your card at the Level 0 foyer entrance.
- Day access 08:30–23:30 (09:30 at weekends). Enter through the main library on Level 1 (swipe access after 18:00).
Studying in the library and across campus
What's in the library?
Discover which general subject areas are on each floor and the facilities available. To find books more tailored to your course search Primo or visit our Library Subject Guides. You can also watch our video to help you find the books on the shelves.
Select the relevant level to view a floor map or view all floor maps.
- Arts
- Building and construction
- Engineering
- History
- Literature
- Management and public relations
- Computer science
- Education
- Law
- Psychology
- Shipping and maritime
- Social sciences
- Chemistry
- Earth sciences and geology
- Life sciences
- Mathematics
- Medicine and health
- Science
Ask us – help in the library
We have a wide range of online resources to help our students and staff but there may be times when you need individual assistance.
We provide support for general library and IT enquiries, including help with:
- accessing electronic and digital resources
- locating books on the shelves
- printing, copying and scanning
- connecting to the Wi-Fi (Eduroam)
- your Library and print account
- password changes.
Please see our Student IT Support Policy for full details of the service we provide.
You can find our Student Experience Assistants at the Information desk on Level 1 as you enter the library.
Our core hours are Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00 with a reduced service outside of these times.
Borrowing Associate library membership
If you are not a registered member of the University and are over 18, you may be able to take out associate library membership. The membership involves a fee and allows you to borrow up to six items.
See our Borrowing Associate Library Membership article for further details and an application form.
Library visitors
Members of the public over the age of 18 may use the library for reference purposes up until 6pm.
Please see our Self-Help article for further details including the Library Visitor Privacy Notice.
SCONUL Access Scheme
SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other participating libraries. Please see our SCONUL Access Scheme article for further information about eligibility and how to apply.
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The Charles Seale-Hayne Library: find us
The Charles Seale-Hayne Library, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA