Studying in the Library

RGU understands that everyone has different study needs at different times. Sometimes you'll need quiet individual space to really get your head down and work, and sometimes you need collaborative group space so that you can work on projects with your classmates.

The layout of the Library is conducive to quiet study and the majority of desks are for individual use. If you have a deadline coming up or prefer a quiet study space then the general desks on floors 6, 7 and 8 are the place for you. Conversation is discouraged and group work is not permitted.

If you prefer a buzz of noise around you as you study, or if you need to work as a group, then RGU also has spaces for you. Some in the Library and some elsewhere on campus.

Library Level 9

Level 9 of the Library is a classroom space for some of the week but can be used for open study at the times where teaching is not timetabled. Normally this will be all day on a Wednesday, after 5pm on other weekdays, and all day both Saturday and Sunday. Posters with details of the status of Level 9 each day are displayed at the entrance to the Library and the entrance to Level 9. Occasionally the space is booked on Wednesdays and during evening/weekend periods so please check the posters before settling down to study.

Quiet group work is permitted on Level 9 during open study periods but we ask you to remember that the Library tower is primarily an individual study area and to seek out other locations should you need to work with friends for a longer period or attend online meeting and lectures.

Library Group Study rooms

Bookable group rooms located on Levels 7 and 8 of the Library are now available Monday to Friday during the day. Please select the link to see the booking calendar. Same day bookings can be accepted. If you need a group study room in the evening or weekend please ask at the Library Reception and we may be able to accommodate this, this is only available to current students and you will need to have your student card with you to complete the booking.

Please remember that the rooms are located within the Library and are not soundproofed so are not suitable for particularly noisy groupwork or loud online meetings. The rooms are quite small so are unfortunately not ideal for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. For accessible or noisier group study we would recommend booking a room at the Student Union. More information can be found in the Student Union section on this page.

Group Room Facilities

Each group room has space for a maximum of 4 students. A CleverTouch screen is available for use as a PC or for displaying your own device screen. A QR code leading to instructions is available in each room. Power sockets are also available for use with your own devices.

Zoom and Teams in the Library

If you need to attend a lecture on Zoom, Teams or any other platform, then please consider your level of participation before using a desk in the open spaces in the Library.

If your level of participation requires you to listen only and not speak then you're welcome to use a library desk to attend the lecture. Please ensure you're using headphones so as not to disturb other students.

If you're attending a lecture, meeting or tutorial where you'll need to speak then the Library open desks are not suitable as the whole of the Library is a designated quiet space. We recomend that you book one of the Library Study rooms or use the Student Union or communal areas of buildings such as canteens as these will be more suited to your purpose.

Student Union Group Facilities

The Student Union, located within the Riverside Building, has a variety of spaces available, both bookable and informal. This is a great space for group work with friends or if you just like a bit of noise around you whilst you study. The facilities include:

• General access PCs and general study desks
• Bookable project pods
• Bookable group rooms

For more information, and to make a booking, please see the Student Union website

Other study areas on campus

H401, located in the Ishbel Gordon Building, is a permanent study room. It has 84 desks with PCs and can be used for independent study at any time during building opening hours. Ask at Ishbel Gordon main reception for directions to the room.

Most buildings have rooms that can be used for study and PC access outwith timetabled classes. Check with building reception who will be able to inform you of room locations, but remember to check the timetable on the door before you enter.

Check building opening and closing times on the RGU opening hours page

Contact us

If you have any questions then please get in touch

• Email us at library@rgu.ac.uk
• Call us at 01224 263787

For queries relating to Student Union rooms, please contact the Student Union for advice.