The Library
The Library provides students with access to resources like books, journals and databases, training to help you develop your study skills, and spaces to study if you’re on campus.
Whether you're getting started with the Library or working out how to make the most of the academic year, we've got you covered.
Get Ready, together
Discover how the Library can help you get the most out of your time at University this year.
Using Library resources
The University of Manchester Library is where you'll find reading materials, such as journal articles and textbooks, that you'll need for your course. You can access a vast array of collections online through the Library website, Library Search and other tools.
Developing your academic skills
Alongside accessing reading materials for your studies, the Library is a great place to develop your wider academic skills. The My Learning Essentials team can support you with your note-making, academic writing, time-management, critical thinking skills and much more.
Discovering the Libraries
Alongside our modern collections, the Library has unique collections for you to use and explore throughout your time at the University. These are housed in The John Rylands Research Institute and Library and the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre.
The John Rylands Research Institute and Library
The John Rylands Research Institute and Library was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband John Rylands. In 1889 the architect Basil Champneys designed the striking gothic building, which took ten years to build and was first opened to public readers on 1 January 1900. It is Grade 1 listed and located in the city centre.
Part of The University of Manchester since 1972, the Library is home to 1.4 million items, many of which have been digitised to view online. Holdings of individual manuscript items now cover more than 50 languages, including all major European and Middle Eastern languages and numerous Far Eastern ones. They span more than five millennia and are written on virtually every medium ever employed, including clay, papyrus, parchment, vellum, linen, palm leaves, copper, ivory, felt, bark and bamboo.
Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE (Race Archives and Community Engagement) Centre
The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre is an open access library specialising in the study of race, ethnicity and migration.
The Centre was established by Lou Kushnick, Professor of Sociology at The University of Manchester, in 1999. His vision was for a collection that would not only have huge research value, but also be instrumental in celebrating cultures and combating racism. This vision underpins all the work we do today.
Explore the blogs below to find out more about the work the Centre does and think about how you may be able to use these collections in your own studies.