Library, ARCHIVES and Learning Services
Welcome to UEL Library and Archive Services
Our library services
Library, Archives and Learning Services is at the heart of the University. We have an excellent range of resources and facilities to help you with your studies, and are committed to offering you a first-class student experience.
We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and expert staff to advise and assist with your learning.
Our Library services
Docklands library
Docklands Library, located at our Docklands Campus, University Way, offers a first-class learning experience. Overlooking Gallions Point Marina, it provides a stimulating space for study and a comprehensive collection of resources. With helpful and friendly staff and different study spaces to suit all needs, the library is the heart of the university.
Docklands Library
Stratford library
The newly built award-winning Stratford Library provides an inspirational setting for study and research. Situated at our Stratford campus in Water Lane the library has a range of study spaces including group study rooms, quiet study areas and individual silent study carrels. It also offers a high-quality collection of resources and a knowledgeable team of friendly specialist staff who are always happy to help.
Stratford Library
Opening Hours
2020/21 Term time opening hours:
Building opening hours
| 21st September-20th December | 8am-midnight |
| 3rd January-28th March | 8am-midnight |
Staffed hours
Library staff are available to offer limited assistance at the helpdesks to answer enquiries relating to using the library and your library account.
If you have a more in depth enquiry please use Online Chat or email.
When staff are unavailable the library is operating self-service only.
| Monday – Friday | 10am-3pm |
| Saturday/Sunday | self-service only |
| Monday 21st – Thursday 24th December 2020 | self-service only |
Online enquiry services
Library staff are available to answer questions through online chat and email.
When Library staff are unavailable your enquiry will be picked up by librarians from other libraries around the world.
If they are unable to answer your enquiry they will refer it to a member of the University of East London Library Staff and we will get back to you.
| Monday-Friday | 9am-7pm |
| Saturday | Midday-5pm |
| Sunday | Unavailable |
Christmas Vacation 21 December - 3 January
Building opening hours
| Monday 21stDecember – Thursday 23rd December 2020 | 9am-9pm |
| Thursday 24th December | 9am-5pm |
|
Friday 25th December – Sunday 27th December |
Closed |
| Monday 28th December 2020-Sunday 3rd January 2021 | 9am-9pm |
Staffed hours
| Monday 21st – Thursday 24th December | Self-service only |
| Friday 25th – Sunday 27th December | Closed |
| Monday 28th December 2020-Sunday 3rd January 2021 | Self-service only |
Online enquiry services
| Monday 21st – Sunday 3rd January 2021 | Unavailable |
Library, Archives and Learning Services
Library's response to the coronavirus.
We are taking a phased approach to reopening our library spaces and services, and are continuing to offer online support for learning and teaching.
Docklands and Stratford Libraries are open to current UEL students and staff everyday, 8am-midnight for self-service individual silent study only.
Study Spaces
Libraries are open with reduced capacity for individual silent study. PC and printing facilities are available.
To ensure everyone can make the most of the library spaces and resources please limit your time in the library to 2 hours.
Returning books
You can return items via the Book Return Box in the lobby of the Docklands Library and using the self-returns unit at Stratford Library during building opening hours (8am - midnight).
Please note: due to the need to quarantine returned items these items will remain on your account for up to 7 days after they are returned. No overdue charges will be incurred during this period.
If you are concerned about titles remaining on your account after 7 days please contact us.
If you have finished your studies we are not able to extend the due dates of your items. Please make arrangements to return them as soon as possible. You will not incur any overdue charges on these items at this time.
Borrowing books - Click and Collect
Available items can be requested for collection at Stratford and Docklands libraries.
- sign in to Library Search
- find the titles you want and click Request, you can make a maximum of 5 requests
We will email you when your requested items are ready to collect. Do not travel to the Library to collect items if you have not received this email.
- You will have seven days from the date of the email to collect your items, after that, the request will be cancelled.
- You will be able to collect your items throughout the building opening hours (8 am-midnight).
- Items will be shelved and ready at the collection points:
- Docklands Library – first floor
- Stratford Library – ground floor
- items will be shelved by your University ID number.
- You will need to issue the items using the self-service machines before leaving the Library.
- You will not be able to stay in the Library after collecting your books.
- We are unable to post items – only in-person collection is available.
- Anything borrowed between now and early September will be issued until 30th September.
Renewing item
Items renew automatically unless it is requested by another library member.
Enquiries
We are not able to offer face-to-face enquiry services. However, you can still get in touch with us by emailing library@uel.ac.uk or our online chat service
Keeping our students, staff, and spaces safe
Please wear a face covering over your nose and mouth whilst on campus and in our buildings. Remember to put your face covering on before entering the building and ensure it covers your mouth and nose throughout your time in the library. Some exemptions apply; remember that not all disabilities are visible so be understanding of customers who are not able to wear a mask.
Hand sanitiser is provided for you to clean your hands before and after using shared surfaces such as the self-service machines.
Please follow signage to ensure the safe flow of people through the building and on campus.
Whilst on campus and in our buildings remember to maintain social distancing at all times.
Do not travel if you or anyone in your family is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
Inter-library Loans
Requests
We continue to fulfil inter-library loan requests in a digital format where possible. All other requests will be put on hold, and electronic alternatives offered where possible. We will update these pages as and when we are able to
Inter-library loan books
If you have an inter-library loan book, please keep it with you until the Library desk reopens with a staffed service. Where possible, your inter-library loan books will be renewed; if this is not possible you will not incur any overdue charges.
Subject support
We are offering online 1:1 appointments with our Academic Services Librarians. To book these, email your Librarian with an overview of what you want to cover and they will get back to you to arrange a suitable time.
Visitor Access
Due to reduced capacity in the library spaces, access is for current UEL students and staff only.
We are not accepting Alumni, SCONUL Access or other external visitors until further notice.
Search the Library's collections
Library search
Library access for current students
Library intranet
UEL has an internal website for all current students. Click on the link below to access the Library site.
Useful links
External visitors
To find out about access to UEL libraries for Sconul, Alumni and other external visitors, click on the link below
Infoskills
Welcome to Info Skills. Identifying, finding, evaluating and referencing information are vital skills for your Degree and Career success. Info skills is designed to help you develop your expertise in these areas.
Archives -UEL's archives and special collections
Library, Archives and Learning Services hold important archival collections related to academic disciplines including theatre studies, refugee and forced migration studies, and sports science. Our collections include the British Olympic Association Archive, Hackney Empire Theatre Archive and the Refugee Council Archive.
UEL Research Repository
UEL Research Repository is UEL’s open access repository of research outputs. It provides free access to research and scholarly work created by UEL staff and PhD students.
Data.uel - research data repository
Data.uel is UEL’s repository for research data. It contains data generated by academic research by members of UEL. Data.uel ensures that our research data is preserved, and where possible, is made available to all on an open access basis.
Contact us
General Library Enquiries
library@uel.ac.uk
Your email will be answered within two working day.
Docklands Campus Library
Docklands Campus
University Way
London E16 2RD
Tel: 020 8223 3434
Stratford Campus Library
Stratford Campus
Water Lane
London E15 4LZ
Tel: 020 8223 4646
