The Library isn’t just somewhere you can get books. It’s somewhere you can do your work on your own or with others, escape sensory overload and get some help with studying. This section of the toolkit will introduce our library and the services it can offer you.

We have specialist library staff who understand autism and want to help you make the most out of your time at uni. They can help you with finding, choosing and using library resources, amongst many other things.

There are several libraries located around St Andrews which can be accessed by undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The Main Library

The Main Library is located off North Street and can be accessed by all staff and students. The Service Desk is available for support and guidance around access, IT support, printing and study spaces. Other facilities include;

• 530 drop in study spaces
• 70 study spaces available for pre-booking
• 12 search PCs
• 15 print, copy and scan machines
• 1 print credit top-up machine
• Self-service borrow and return machines
• Wifi
• Toilets
• Café

St Mary’s College Library, incorporating the King James Library

These libraries can be found on South Street, St Mary’s Quadrangle. University staff and students can drop in to use a study space in both libraries, and to browse and borrow the collections using the self-service machine. Other facilities include;

• 44 study spaces
• Self-service borrowing and return
• 4 PCs
• 1 print, copy, and scan machine
• Individual desk lamps
• Toilets

JF Allen Library

This Library is located upstairs in the Physics building on the North Haugh. University staff and students can drop in to use a study space, and to browse and borrow the collections using the self-service machine. Other facilities include;

• 70 study spaces
• Self-service borrowing and return
• 6 PCs
• 2 study rooms
• 1 print, copy, and scan machine
• Power sockets
• Wifi

Library at The Gateway

Library at The Gateway is the basement level of the large round building on the North Haugh which also houses the School of Management. University staff and students can drop in to use a study space. Other facilities include;

• 52 study spaces
• 17 PCs
• 1 print, copy, and scan machine
• Power sockets
• Wifi
• Toilets

Martyrs Kirk, Thomson Reading Room

Postgraduate students, including taught postgraduates, and University staff can use this space which is located on North Street. Other facilities include;

• 40 study spaces
• Print, copy and scan machines
• Power sockets
• Wifi
• Toilets

Walter Bower House Library

The Walter Bower House Library is located within Eden Campus, Guardbridge. All University students and staff can use this space. Other facilities include;

• 10 study spaces
• Print, copy and scan machine
• Self-service borrow and return machines
• Power sockets
• Wifi

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Many students in the Autism&Uni surveys mentioned the library as somewhere they really enjoyed being, whether they needed some quiet space to get away from it all or find some help or just to get some work done. We encourage all students to explore different areas to study around the campus as some enjoy the silent study areas of the main library, while others enjoy various spots around the campus. Group work areas can be difficult places to be if you want to study in a peaceful place. It can be helpful to consider what sort of environment you study best in, and if group areas facilitate that.

Here are some practical tips for making the best use of the library;

• Many students check how full the library is before going, which can be found on the main Library page.
• The Library has an extensive collection of e-books, which can be searched and accessed online. 
• You can chat with a member of the Library team online for assistance, rather than going into the Library.
• Students can book a study space to ensure they get a suitable space.
• You can access your reading lists online. 

See also Penny and the library