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Unlocking Libraries

Access & Participation with Cambridge University Libraries

Library Spaces: Introduction

Inside the Library

Student working in Newnham College Library: courtesy of Newnham CollegeFrom historic oak-panelled libraries, to modern information hubs; from small cosy rooms to vast collections; from subject-specialist Faculty and Department libraries to College libraries with something for all subjects, the University of Cambridge is full of libraries, many of which offer school visits, skills training, exhibitions and resources for Access & Participation and outreach activities. 

This section will cover:

  • Visiting Cambridge libraries
  • Examples of school sessions run by Cambridge libraries
  • Exploring Cambridge libraries online
  • Contact a library 
For SLOs:

To find out more about arranging library visits or virtual tours for school groups, our Contact a Library page gives you details of libraries who may be able to offer support for outreach activities, or you can contact us with your requirements and we can put you in touch with the right library for your needs.

For Teachers:

To discuss arranging school visits to Cambridge, please contact your Schools Liaison Officer in the first instance. All SLOs cover a targeted Link Area in the UK, so each area has a particular outreach practitioner/SLO to contact. 

Look up your Link Area and SLO on the College Area Links website. 

Anatomy of a library

LH side: 'Anatomy of a Library, Take a Tour'; RH side a photograph of books on a wooden trolley, and the words 'unlocking libraries'
The text 'there are lots of different libraries to discover', and 'some house massive collections', along with an image of the University Library tower against a blue sky. Two cartoon figures in warm clothes are walking towards the University Library.
A photograph of the library at the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, with the text 'others are smaller and cosier', and an arrow pointing to the photograph. A cartoon figure of a black woman sits reading a book next to a pot plant.
The words 'Some are historic and old school', along with a photograph of a desk and some wooden bookshelves, and of a card catalogue, along with a cartoon figure of a black man carrying a coffee cup.
The text 'Others are more modern', with a photo of two libraries, the Moore Library
Text reads 'They might be for specialist subjects or more general, but all libraries will have these things', and a photo of some shelves, and a cartoon of a black man reading a book.
The text 'Study spaces', with a cartoon of a white woman holding a green pencil, and three photos of study space (the English Faculty Library, the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Library, the Seeley Library)
The text 'resources', and some photos of maps, modern books, and rare books.
Text reads 'and friendly staff', along with four cartoon people, and photos of three information desks
The text 'thank you for watching', and 'Cambridge libraries', with a photograph of some bookshelves.

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