Lancaster University library foyer with the living tree in the centre.

Lancaster University Library

Scroll to content

A Library at the heart of Lancaster University's community, local and global. We connect, we innovate, we include.

Welcome to the library

The Library sits at the heart of the Lancaster University. The library building is located at the centre of the Bailrigg campus, providing a welcoming, open and inclusive place for library and university activity. Integrating our in-person provision with a strong digital presence extends the library's reach well beyond campus, so our resources, facilities and support are available wherever you are.

Our approach is based on a library vision Towards 2025, that expresses our firm commitment to be innovative and inclusive in all we do, and a desire to connect with and bring people together.

The library towards 2025

The library vision describes our ambitions for the five year period up to academic year 2025-26. It outlines our approach and commitments to providing a library that fully integrates digital and physical provision, connecting and partnering with our communities, taking innovative and sustainable approaches, and underpinning all we do by seeking to be inclusive and celebrating diversity.

The Library Towards 2025
Side profile of the Library, with the lights shining out from the windows.

Achievements and awards

NSS 91%

We were rated the top university library of its kind by students in the 2022 National Student Survey.

The Library was invited to join Research Libraries UK in 2022. RLUK is a consortium of the most significant research libraries in the UK and Ireland.

Our Learning Development team were awarded the prestigious Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence in 2022.

We received the Outstanding Library Team award in the Times Higher Education awards in 2022.

News

Collage of academic journal covers.

Now Available: The Policy Commons 2025 Open Collection of 'At Risk' Public Information and Data

The Policy Commons 2025 Open Collection from Coherent Digital is an initiative to rescue and preserve materials from government organisations facing the removal of public information and data - reports, blog posts, videos, and podcasts. 
A collage of image including a carer with a woman in a wheelchair, and two people wearing medical masks.

Now Available: Policy Commons, Public Health & Social Care

A Public Health and Social Care database of non-journal research, pilot projects, real-world evaluations, newsletters, and collaborative projects is now available from Policy Commons.
Black text saying

An interview with Trailblazers author Kathy Chandler

The first Lancaster University author to be approved for publishing with Trailblazers is Kathy Chandler, lecturer in Technology Enhanced Learning. In a recent interview, Kathy shared insights on her participation in the Trailblazers scheme.
Purple text that says

Lancaster University Library joins Open Institutional Publishing Association 

We are very proud to be a member of the Open Institutional Publishing Association (OIPA)
Group of university students sitting around tables, watching Dr Dr Inés Gregori Labarta present a powerpoint. Two of the comics produced by attendees.

The Library Hosts Graphic Novel Workshop in Collaboration with Dr Inés Gregori Labarta

Seventeen students from across the faculties showed up on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, eager to flex their storytelling muscles and get to grips with drawing a one-page comic.  

Black text reading

Publish your first Monograph with Trailblazers: Applications open for 2025 intake

Applications are now open for Trailblazers Open Access Books schemes 2025 intake. 

More News

Explore the library

  • What's on

    We have a rich programme of activities, both on campus and online. Explore our programme of workshops, exhibitions and other events.

  • Visit

    Discover the library building and find all you need to plan your visit, including details of community card membership.

  • Collections

    Explore our extensive print and online collections, including primary source materials, Special Collections and Archives, and Lancaster Digital Collections.

  • Learn

    Find out how our Faculty Librarian and Learning Development teams support learning, including partnering with students, working with schools and independent online learning.

  • Research

    Find out how we support the University commitment to open research by partnering with researchers and supporting research activity.

  • Connect

    Connect with us via social media and find out more about our partnership activities.