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Library Guides

Guide to Library and Archive Services During COVID-19: Book a Space

Book a seat in one of our socially distanced study spaces

A small number of socially distanced study spaces are available in our libraries at Harrow, Marylebone and Cavendish campuses for priority booking by students who cannot study effectively at home. 

Under current government restrictions it is not possible to work as a group in any way within these spaces as they are for individual, silent study only. Please see our guide to online groupwork. 

While using these spaces, you must remain socially distant from your fellow students and continue to wear a face covering. Please ensure that you follow our COVID-19 procedures, so that we can continue to keep these spaces open.

Please note that spaces will not be available at Regent Library, and you cannot study at Harrow, Marylebone or Cavendish libraries without a booking.

Spaces are limited and in high demand so if you no longer need your space we ask that you cancel it via the link in your confirmation email. 

Please note that our system will automatically cancel any bookings if you do not turn up within 30 minutes of the start time of your booking. Therefore, when booking a study space please book the time you intend to arrive.

Cancelled bookings will not count towards your maximum of four bookings per week. We have moved to using this model as a high percentage of bookings were not being used. This approach makes unused spaces available for others as demand increases around exam time. 

Who can access them?

You can access these spaces if you:

  • have no internet access at home 
  • have no suitable space to study at home 
  • need to access specialist software that is not available through the University’s online learning apps

There is also a small allocation of spaces for students who need a space on campus for wellbeing and accessibility reasons. 

How to book

To book a space, visit our Library booking page. 

Until 14th May 2021 you can book slots as follows:

Harrow and Cavendish Libraries:

Monday to Friday: 11:00-19:00

Saturday: 11:00-18.00

Marylebone:

Monday to Friday: 11:00-21:00

Saturday: 11:00-18:00

Please note that the unpredictable nature of the global situation means that these hours are subject to change.

Please be aware when booking, that: 

  • spaces are available on a first come, first served basis
  • bookings will be available two weeks in advance
  • these spaces have been created to respond to student need and can only be used for study-related purposes
  • You can book a maximum of four spaces per week across all three sites
  • From Tuesday 6th April if you do not arrive within 30 minutes of your booking it will be automatically cancelled.

 

On the day of your booking

When you’ve booked, you’ll be sent a confirmation email. You’ll need to present this confirmation email to be allowed into the building, and you may be asked to present it again in the study area to confirm that you have permission to be onsite.

You'll also need to: 

  • check into your booked space by QR code and check out when you leave
  • clean your booked space as you arrive and before you leave. Wipes and bins will be available

Unfortunately, you won't be able to browse the shelves. If you need a book please request via our click and collect service. We will email you when it's ready to collect. 

Being safe, feeling safe

Do not come to the University if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been told to self-isolate. If you develop symptoms, go home immediately and self-isolate, and report this to the University at ReportCOVID@westminster.ac.uk.

Remember, whilst using these spaces, to remain socially distant from your fellow students and continue to wear a face covering. Please ensure you follow the procedures, so we can continue to keep these spaces open.

While on campus, please follow our guidelines:

  • Maintain two-metre social distancing
  • Wear a face covering at all times when in the University’s buildings, unless you are exempt
  • Follow one-way systems and directional signage when moving around the buildings
  • Keep moving in circulation areas
  • Use hand sanitiser regularly
  • Regularly wash your hands
 

For all the latest updates on how we are responding to the COVID-19 situation, see our Coronavirus response page.