Main Library

197 reviews

The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PP, United Kingdom

www.library.manchester.ac.uk

+441612753751

About

Main Library is a University library located at The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PP, United Kingdom. It has received 197 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday8AM-2AM
Tuesday8AM-2AM
Wednesday8AM-2AM
Thursday9AM-12AM
Friday9AM-12AM
Saturday8AM-12AM
Sunday8AM-12AM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Main Library: The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PP, United Kingdom

  • Main Library has 4.5 stars from 197 reviews

  • University library

  • "The University of Manchester Library is the library system and information service of the University of Manchester"

    "Awful “university” library aside from the abundance of seating"

    "Having completed my UG and PG degrees in 2008 and 2012 respectively, I had not ventured back to the library until recently"

    "A really pretty peice of art"

    "Main library,at Manchester University is a cool place to hang out"

Reviews

  • hebbe woo

The University of Manchester Library is the library system and information service of the University of Manchester. The main library is on the Oxford Road campus of the university, with its entrance on Burlington Street. There are also ten other library sites, eight spread out across the University's campus, plus The John Rylands Library on Deansgate and the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre situated inside Manchester Central Library. In 1851 the library of Owens College was established at Cobden House on Quay Street, Manchester. This later became the Manchester University Library (of the Victoria University of Manchester) in 1904. In July 1972 this library merged with the John Rylands Library to become the John Rylands University Library of Manchester (JRULM). On 1 October 2004 the library of the Victoria University of Manchester merged with the Joule Library of UMIST forming the John Rylands University Library (JRUL).[5] The Joule Library was the successor of the library of the Manchester Mechanics' Institute (established in 1824) which later became the library of the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology (UMIST). One of the Institute's first actions was to establish a library, with a full-time librarian, at premises in King St., Manchester. The library changed its name in the summer of 2012 to become The University of Manchester Library. The library is one of only five National Research Libraries – an award of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), and the only one in the north of England.[6] It is a member of the North West Academic Libraries consortium (NoWAL) and of Research Libraries UK consortium (RLUK). RLUK was formerly the Consortium of University Research Libraries (CURL) of which the library was a founder member in the 1980s. The present University Librarian and Director, Christopher Pressler, is assisted by an executive team of one archivist and three librarians. The library has the largest non-legal deposit academic collection in the United Kingdom, the largest collection of electronic resources of any library in the UK and supports all subject areas taught by the University. The library provides its members with a range of services and materials, including an extensive collection of electronic resources. A range of services is provided for members of the public and schools. The main building is on Burlington Street, west of Oxford Road: (building no. 55 on the University's Campus Guide): its oldest part is the east wing built in 1936: it was extended by south and west wings in 1953–56 and by the Muriel Stott Hall in 1978. Until 1965 it was known as the Arts Library. The Christie Building contained the library's scientific section and the medical library was in a separate building until 1981. An extension to the north designed by architects Dane, Scherrer & Hicks opened in 1981. (It had been designed in 1972 as the first instalment of a larger building.) The University of Manchester Library has a number of site libraries in other university buildings, including the Eddie Davies Library in the Manchester Business School, the Joule Library in the Sackville Street Building, the Stopford Library in the Stopford Building and the Lenagan Library in the School of Music and Drama. Notable collections housed in the main library are the Guardian Archives, the Manchester Collection of local medical history, maps and plans, and the Christian Brethren Archive. For many years the main library housed the offices of the Manchester Medical Society which had accommodation in the University since 1874. Between summer 2009 and January 2010 part of the ground floor of the main library was refurbished. Notable librarians of the library before 1972 were Charles W. E. Leigh (1903–1935), Moses Tyson (1935–1965) and Frederick William Ratcliffe (formerly assistant librarian, librarian 1965–1980) whose years of service amount to a total of 78 years. George Wilson was librarian of the Medical Library for over 50 years.

  • Sarah

Awful “university” library aside from the abundance of seating. The library is outdated old and in a mix of too cold or too hot in certain areas. Toilets are abysmal absolutely filthy and awful smells with most of the time they are out of order due to the state they are in. Not enough cleaning to maintain the toilets to an acceptable standard. University computers are so slow you’d rather buy a new one if you ever had to rely on the university as by the time one works and loads you’ll have been in the next semester! Some study areas don’t have plugs, Some areas do but they’re too cold or too hot. Just a awful place to study in my opinion.

  • Kebab Diaries

Having completed my UG and PG degrees in 2008 and 2012 respectively, I had not ventured back to the library until recently. As an Alumni I enjoyed gaining access to where I once studied, and found recent modernisations excellent. Still remains a great place to study and focus. There is a little nook in which to study suitable for almost everyone. I found the Sky WIFI excellent and the refreshment facilities useful to have within the library. Only criticism is that some zones are really too warm and others are freezing!! Will definitely use again, especially when its difficult to study at home with the kids.

  • Grace Pullen

A really pretty peice of art. The architecture amazed me and makes you want to learn more about the city and its history. Wheelchair accessible and such friendly service. The gift shop is small but filled with the most popular books and unique trinkets for the town. The cafe had a good selection and plenty of seating places. It took us around an hour to visit and made the day really enjoyable as its close to the town center and there are lots of things to do nearby; axe throwing, cinema, plenty of cafes and restaurants. Brilliant place to get some good photos and spend quality time with a loved one.

  • Eileen Jones

Main library,at Manchester University is a cool place to hang out. Each floor is percific books or what you are studying, you can order a book on line. The cafe is good value and lovely staff. In the what's known as the chat zone are tables you can book out in advance so you know you have somewhere to go if you need to. There's a bank off vending machines which you can download the app(pay4vend) this makes sense as every time you use the machines you enter a virtual prize draw. You need check ✔ in the message section on the app to see if your a winner get vending.

  • Upasya Mukherjee

John Rylands Library and Research Institute is a magical place with its awe inspiring architecture and a treasure trove of priceless books dating from the 1500's even. There is always some exhibition going on which gives a deeper insight into how the library functions. The neo Gothic architecture and the long corridors are sure to transport you to the world of Harry Potter, the film sets of which were inspired by this library. There is a souvenir shop as well where you can collect your memorabilia from.

  • Big Biscuit

Good study place with plenty of PC available for students to use. The lounge is also big and spacious with microwaves and a small café. My biggest problem about the Main Library is the bathrooms. They are very poorly managed and this can be seen in many areas such as mould growing on the walls/under the hand dryers, bad smell permeating through the bathroom, lack of soap in soap dispensers, etc. I hope the University can take action to make these public facilities more comfortable to use.

  • Abdul Rehman

The bathrooms at this university library is awful. There is mould growing under the hand dryers which hasn’t been cleaned and is only spreading because the wet water from our hands is being sprayed onto the walls when using the hand dryer. The bathrooms reek of a bad smell and lack regular cleaning or maintenance. Soap facilities are non existent. We want to see more sensor facilities fitted to make the bathrooms more hygienic. This is the worst university bathroom I’ve seen.

  • WM

Main library is a good place to study overall. Only couple of issues are it says it closes at 2am but security comes to disturb you at 1:15am and then comes again to kick you out at 1:30am. In the proocess of kicking you out he also turns off the floor lights giving you great opportunities to fall and hurt yoursel (please sort the security dude that is disurbing students in this way and clearly not abiding to H&S regulations).

  • Yusuf “Assas!N” Arif

Tarihi bir Kütüphane yapısına fazla dokunulmamış gayet güzel bir kütüphane . Tarihi tuvaletler bile bulunmakta . Girişinde 1 £ vererek birçok kullanimlık kahve bardağı alabilir yaninda hatıra olarak kese kağıdı alabilirsiniz . Biz çalısanlara sorduk 1 pounda aldiginiz bardakla resmide mevcut . Tekrar tekrar kahve/çay içebilirsiniz makineye koyunca bardağu tanıyor . Capuccino mocha sıcak su gibi çeşitler bulunmaktadır

  • Jack Kwong

Not actually a library as it can not be borrowing books there. All are vintage old books sitting in elegant wooden bookshelves. Worth travelling as you re a book lover or not. Some small displays of old writings and books in glass. There are some desks and chairs which putting into the bookcase forest for everyone to read or study. Old church glasses surrounded the whole building makes it an elegant beauty in the city.

  • Marlene Fry

Waiting for you all to return. Missing the chatter. Nothing has changed in the library , though IT has been updated. As has learning commons. Learn plenty and remember to look after yourselves. Take advantage of all the clubs available and be responsible in your actions. Stay safe stay strong stay sane …

  • Emma Eaton

Great place for studying with it's large number of computers, availability of quiet rooms, desks for studying on your own device and an array of books to aid your studies. It even has vending machines and a coffee corner for sustenance. The staff are also really helpful and friendly if you need anything.

  • Nazanin M.Ch.

Tge library is good but the staff are no help at all :( again I visited for the 2nd time, only one person at the desk and I was waiting for about 1 hour to get her attention when her colleague jumps in our conversation and takes her away with no apology.

  • Elizabeth Allen

John Rylands Library in Manchester city centre is the most impressive library I have ever visited. I loved the architecture and the atmosphere, which was more like that of a cathedral. It was very inspiring for photography. A building not to be missed!

  • Abdul Hakam

The University of Manchester Library is The University of Manchester's library and information service. The main library is on the Oxford Road campus of the University with its entrance on Burlington Street; there are also ten satellite libraries.

  • Nikhil

Very large library for use of students from the University of Manchester only. Situated over 5 floors, there are different zones which are colour coded to ease navigation. There are lots of group study rooms, available to book online, as

  • Mimansa Deshkar

The library is excellent in its service and the diversity of the books but the toilets are poorly maintained despite being one of the most important buildings in the university. It seems like there is no regular cleaning and the toilet

  • Andy Speak

Big academic library. If youre a student, try checking out the books that arent on your course such as the art books or the fiction section on the top floor. I once found a £20 note inside 'watermelon sugar' book. It pays to read!!

  • Dabira A

Great library, very big and beautiful, staff are always lovely. There is a littering issue outside, however it’s no one’s fault but those who choose to litter sadly. What a shame it ruins the beautiful campus.

  • Jamie A

Really nice place to study but the toilets are not great; not a lot of cubicles anyway but most of them are always out of order or the locks are broken and have been for months, also not the cleanest either.

  • Ryan Tan

Best place to study! The fact that Alan Gilbert Learning Commons is nearer to Oxford road means most of the crowd like to flock there, meaning the library will be less crowded and peaceful …

  • Joselyn Patterson

A real historical gem in the centre of Manchester, it’s like stepping back in time and the architecture is just stunning, nice little cafe at the entrance, it’s a good free day out in Manchester

  • Toya Baker

Excellent facilities and services when I was a student. Lots of improvements too. All accessible to alumni. I am enjoying the opportunity to get work done over the weekends. Thank you.

  • Hafiz Waleed Hussain

A beautiful library, as I entered the center hall, I fell in love with building architecture, environment, and the vibes where everyone is busy reading, and there is a magical silence.

  • Dr Farah Mohd

Great place for research and studying, very quite and there are many printers , vending machine to grab a snack while studying . Electricity plug everywhere and chairs so comfy …

  • Megan Meunier

Good library, staff are usually on hand to help you find a book. They seem prepared for covid, we were given wipes to disinfect work surfaces and everyone is wearing masks.

  • 王新宇

Mostly it's my favourite studying place in campus. Quiet and well furnished. Especially red area. The only disappointing point is the lack of water fountains and toilets .

  • SH

Lots of wide open spaces, comfortable furniture, plenty of computer clusters, several floors, open Cafe, IT and library support readily available. What more can I say?

  • Jakub Mandula

Good place for resources and studying. It has a lot of rooms so anyone can find their private place. You can even borrow laptops or store your own in a charging safe.

  • Daisy Barker

UoM Library Student Team contributions are amazing! There is now over 140 photosphere's captured, with access to a variety of place across campus. Well done!

  • Chenyun Zhu

The place is nice but the bathroom is neglected and require regular cleaning. There’s mold growing in the women’s bathroom, underneath the hand dryer.

  • Daisy Herrings

This library, AG Learning Commons and the beautiful John Rylands Library in Deansgate seem to be the central University of Manchester study spaces

  • Aristiyono Devri

Lots of books and spaces. Great space for writing essay and dissertation without many noises. 4th floor is my recommended floor. It’s so quite.

  • Jeena Panesar

If I could give it 0 stars I would. The bathrooms absolutely stink and there’s visible mould on the walls. Clearly don’t get cleaned enough.

  • Angel

Gross toilets, needs to have more radiators. But very big. Lots of books and seats. Would prefer more individual work spaces though

  • Joe Millington

The Uom Library Student Team's photospheres are insane, gave me such a good idea of how to get around the uni. Give them a look!!!

  • Em Ma

Grande librairie avec beaucoup d’espaces pour travailler. Seul bémol il y a une forte odeur dérangeante dans la zone bleue.

  • Tony kELzO

If you're in Manchester this is a place you must visit, a beautiful library in a beautiful building.

  • Corry Agustina

Excellent facilities and services. I love the 4th floor and the purple reading areas’ atmosphere.

  • Thomas Hartwell

Toilets could use some upgrades. Poor state of hygiene and often mould and bad smell throughout.

  • Laura Josephs

Clean, seems well organised at the moment. Wipes to grab on your way in to clean your station

  • Andrew Slaughter

Comfortable spot for individual study. One loud librarian discussing politics.

  • M L

Staff of very little help in general but especially during the summer period.

  • Marlita Putri Ekasari

I love to study in this place, print some papers and enjoy reading

  • Zed

Great space, wide range of books, nice cafe and good opening times

  • Nqobazitha Mlambo

Fantastic place to explore & discover new horizons of knowledge!

  • Jo Garbutt

Really helpful letting me access stuff... No fuss just efficient

  • JUNAID AHMED

Excellent service from library and constant security staff.

  • Karen Harper

Beautiful historic building in the heart of Manchester

  • Arian

It's like a labyrinth, you don't know where is where.

  • Panikos Demetriou

Very dark place but very nice and remarkable

  • Maria Montt Strabucchi

Big library of the University of Manchester.

  • Dronographer

Top class library with top class facilities

  • A. Beazy

Impressionnant !!! …

  • Behind The Counter

Send help. Not enough Cats running about.

  • Francesco

A really cool building rich in history.

  • Danny Barbabright

is a great place and has a school map

  • Milea Rares

Good place for learning and projects

  • ur NAN

got shot twice but still survived

  • Sacha Cazzitti

Better than Ali g, but too cold.

  • Dr.Srishti Jain

The best library in Manchester

  • abdul sallam

Nice place to study and focus

  • Oscar Mark B

Spectacular beautiful place.

  • Dr Nouf Alshwaira

The best place to study.

  • Martin Pope

Very clean and peaceful.

  • Depaulga Mpundu.

Very nice …

  • Barnabas Tamrat

Very good place.

  • Marco Monti

Very good place!

  • mohammed ayman alshiekh

Amazing library

  • Holly

Lovely library

  • خالد خالد

  • Andrei Ursu

Big library

  • Ibraheem Qahtani

Excellent

  • Hafiz Mohammed

relaxing

  • Prasanta Bandyopadhyay

Awesome

  • Jie Carinaaa

nice

  • rana yahya
  • Angie Al Deek
  • Jouma Al Mohammed
  • Sharon P
  • Angus Muir
  • Monisha
  • Cora Dou
  • kkovots
  • Bally G
  • naasic sahulhameed
  • Kgosi Rantshilo
  • Some Scouse Lid
  • Terry Hamlett
  • Adnan Hussain
  • bhavik tailor
  • Mohana Das
  • Karol Masztalerz
  • Finn Hudson
  • Ajil Sattouf
  • Negar Farrokhzad
  • fizza zubair
  • Miruna Pislar
  • Abdulrhman Alghamdi

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