Category Archives: Library Update

Library update newsletter

Students: November 2026

Resource News

New resource: Mass Observation Project, Part IV (2010s)

The Library now provides access to the latest module of the Mass Observation Project, covering the years 2010–2019. Explore thousands of personal accounts documenting life in Britain during a decade marked by events including Brexit, the London Olympics and the rise of social media. The collection offers invaluable primary source material for students and researchers across a wide range of disciplines.

Visit Mass Observation Project, Part IV (2010s) to find out more about the collection and the full Mass Observation Project resource.

Resource trials

The subjects and modules taught at the University are constantly evolving, and the Library works hard to ensure you have access to the most relevant databases, journals and specialist resources. We regularly explore new resources recommended by your lecturers and, where possible, arrange trial access so that you can test them and help shape future Library collections. We currently have trial access to two resources. Discover what they offer, how to access them, and how to share your feedback below.

Your Skills

As we move into November, the Your Skills programme is more focused on refining and editing your assignments, and beginning to think about the Semester 1 assessment period. All sessions are available now for you to book your place. Your Skills is open to taught students from all Faculties, so join us for any session that you think will help you to develop the skills you need for where you are in your student journey right now.

November Sessions

AI for your assignments 11 November 10:00-11:00
Searching with AI for your dissertation or project 12 November 13:00-14:00
Editing masterclass 12 November 14:00 – 15:00
Write here, write now 13 November 10:00 – 11:00
Getting started with EndNote 26 November 11:00 – 12:00
Improve your referencing 26 November 11:00 – 12:00
Exam techniques and revision strategies 03 December 11:00 – 12:00

Build your skills

Drop-in for study support

The Academic Engagement Team drop-ins allow you to meet us and ask your questions without needing to book an appointment. Some drop-ins are linked to specific modules or with a defined focus such as assignment or dissertation clinics, while others are a more open opportunity.

You can find a calendar of upcoming drop-ins on the Academic Skills Kit, and watch out for Canvas announcements for any module drop-ins.

Tea at 3

Tea at 3 happens regularly in the Philip Robinson Library Academic Skills Hub, 15.00-16.30. There is no need to book – just turn up! It is your opportunity to join the Academic Skills Team for a cuppa and academic skills advice. Join the team on Tuesday 10 November for the next Tea at 3.

Ask us your academic skills questions
Free tea, coffee, and biscuits to help you recharge!
Discover useful tips, strategies, and resources

Explore upcoming drop-ins and Tea at 3

Opportunity for Postgraduate Students

Robinson Bequest Bursaries: Gain Research Experience with the Library

Applications are open for Robinson Bequest bursaries, offering postgraduate students the opportunity to work on a real-world UX research and design project to improve signage and wayfinding across Newcastle University’s libraries. Bursary holders will gain hands-on experience in user research, data analysis, and design while contributing to enhancements that benefit the wider library community. Each bursary is worth £3,000 and includes 100 hours of paid project experience during the academic year.

Interested? Find out more about the bursary, eligibility criteria, and how to apply on the Library website. Applications are open until 16 November.

Visit the Robinson Bequest bursaries webpage

AmberSide Collection at Newcastle University Special Collections

The internationally recognised AmberSide Collection is now on loan to Newcastle University Special Collections as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported Relocating Amber project.

Spanning more than 50 years, the collection includes over 20,000 photographs, around 100 films, and extensive archives documenting life across the North East and beyond. Covering topics such as mining, shipbuilding, housing, youth culture, migration, protest, family life, and local communities, it offers a unique record of social and cultural change.

Now cared for by Newcastle University Special Collections, the collection will be preserved in specialist archival facilities while becoming more accessible for teaching, research, and public engagement. It is a valuable resource for students interested in history, sociology, political activism, media, photography, and regional heritage.

Discover more about Special Collections and Archives

Help and Support

One-to-one support

The Academic Engagement Librarians can help you develop your skills in finding, evaluating and managing information, and advise on improving your information search. The Academic Skills Team can help you with a broad range of academic and research skills, academic writing and preparing for assessment.

Ask the Team a question

Book a one-to-one appointment with either or both teams, to meet in-person or online.
Contact the Academic Skills Team
Contact the Academic Engagement Librarians

Suggestions, comments and ideas on how we can improve your Library: Tell Us What You Think.

Post Graduate Researchers: October 2026

Academic Engagement Team

Over the summer, the Library Liaison and Academic Services team has been renamed the Academic Engagement team. This reflects a broader shift within higher education librarianship from the term liaison to engagement – a more active expression of the relationship-building and partnership work we undertake.

Importantly, this is a change in name only. Please be assured that we will continue to work closely with you, as we do now, to support your learning and research at the University. Alongside our Academic Skills colleagues, your Librarians will continue to offer sessions as part of the PGR training programme as well as 1-2-1 appointments to focus on your research needs.

Our email address has been updated, and you can contact your Faculty Engagement Librarians Aimee, Emily and Louise at libengagement@ncl.ac.uk.

Library Spaces

Redevelopment of Philip Robinson Library Level 1

During the summer months, work has been undertaken to refurbish and re-zone Level 1 to provide fully accessible toilets, create a larger collaborative study space and combine existing cluster spaces to become a single, 48-person cluster. The work is in the final phase and will be open from the 2nd of October.

More information about the UX research that informed the space redevelopment is available on the Library website and more updates and pictures will be provided over the coming weeks.

Library Opening Hours

Term-time service hours resumed on the 21 September 2026, with the three Library spaces open:

Philip Robinson Library: 24 hours 7 days a week.
Walton Library: Monday to Friday 08.30 – 22.00; Saturday and Sunday 10.00 to 22.00.
Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms: Monday to Sunday 08.30 – 17.00; Saturday and Sunday 09.00 to 17.00.

Find out more about visiting the Library

Library Resources

New resource subscription to Mass Observation Project 1981-2019

We are delighted to add the most recent release from Mass Observation to our collections. This database provide unique insight into the social history of Britain by recruiting volunteers to write about their lives and opinions. It provides amazing qualitative social data for researchers. A nice 1 minute read from Adam Matthews Publishing highlights its value and usefulness.

Supporting Research with Special Collections

New research webpages from the Special Collections and Archives team highlight how you can make use of our unique archival and rare book collections. The pages bring together research tools, guidance and opportunities for collaboration, helping you and your students discover new ways to engage with distinctive primary source material.

We welcome collaboration with academic and external researchers at all stages of the research lifecycle, from developing funding proposals and building collections to digitisation projects, exhibitions and digital scholarship. Early engagement can help shape projects and maximise the potential of our collections.

Find out more on our research webpages and contact the team to discuss potential collaborations.

Discover more about Special Collections and Archives

Student Support

Training opportunities from the Library

All Postgraduate Researchers from the three Faculties have a wealth of support and training available from the Library.

If you’re new you maybe interested in the support available on literature searching, specialist information, writing a literature review, systematics reviews or creating a research data management plan.

Later or returning postgraduate researchers may benefit from other sessions involving open access publishing; maximise the visibility of your research, Your writing toolkit or academic writing; accessible abstracts.

Visit the University PGR workshop booking system to find training provided by the Library for your Faculty.

University Workshop system

Understanding Academic Culture

An Academic Skills Kit collection of resources and practical advice to help students studying in the UK for the first time understand academic expectations and prepare for their time at Newcastle University.

Explore Understanding Academic Culture

Contact your Faculty Engagement Librarian

Contact the team: libengagement@ncl.ac.uk
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences:
Louise Masson
Faculty of Medical Sciences:
Aimee Watson-Cook
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering: Emily Dott

Academic Skills Development Manager: Liv Jonassen

Students: October 2026

Library Spaces

Redevelopment of Philip Robinson Library Level 1

More information about the UX research that informed the space redevelopment is available on the Library website and more updates will be provided over the coming weeks.

WIFI Improvements at the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms

The network in the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms was upgraded at the end of September as part of a University-wide network transformation project. This upgrade provides a faster, more reliable and more secure wired and wireless network.

The main change you will notice is that the existing Newcastle University Wi-Fi network is no longer available within the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms. Instead, you should connect your device to the NCL-Enterprise Wi-Fi network when using the building.

If you move between Library buildings and experience any connectivity issues, first check that your device is attempting to connect to the correct Wi-Fi network for your location.

Library Opening Hours

Term-time service hours will resume on on 21 September 2026, with the three Library spaces open:

Philip Robinson Library: 24 hours 7 days a week.
Walton Library: Monday to Friday 08.30 – 22.00; Saturday and Sunday 10.00 to 22.00.
Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms: Monday to Sunday 08.30 – 17.00; Saturday and Sunday 09.00 to 17.00.

Find out more about visiting the Library

Build your skills: the Academic Skills Kit

The Academic Skills Team has created resources to help you find your feet, develop your skills, and succeed at Newcastle University.

Get Ready to Study

Stepping up to university studies for the first time, in a new country or at a more advanced level of study, can be challenging for any student. Get Ready to Study is a collection of resources specifically tailored to supporting new undergraduate students with the transition to university. Developed in collaboration with students, these resources aim to build your knowledge, skills, confidence and independence.

Explore Get Ready to Study

Understanding Academic Culture

Develop your understanding of AI

As AI becomes an increasingly important part of study and work, the AI for Learning Canvas course provides practical guidance on using AI tools to support your learning. Discover strategies for using AI to improve productivity, strengthen your critical thinking and enhance your academic skills, while understanding the importance of responsible and ethical use. The course will help you develop AI literacy skills that are valuable both during your studies and in your future career. All students are automatically enrolled, so simply look for AI for Learning on your Canvas dashboard and start exploring at your own pace.

Your Skills

Now that teaching is well underway, the full Semester 1 Your Skills programme is available for you to book your place. Your Skills is open to taught students from all Faculties, so join us for any session that you think will help you to develop the skills you need for where you are in your student journey right now.

October Sessions

Step it up: Academic Skills for 1st year undergraduates 14 October 12:00-13:00
Step it up: academic skills for UG years 2-4 16 October 11:00-12:00
Step it up: Academic skills for postgraduate taught (PGT) students 16 October 14:00-15:00
If I find it, can I use it? 21 October 11:00 – 12:00
Kickstart your essay: An essential toolkit 26 October 11:00-12:00
Referencing and plagiarism 27 October 11:00 – 12:00
Reading and note-taking 29 October 11:00-12:00

Spotlight on Library Search

Your reading list is a great place to start but when it comes to wider reading, where should you look?

Library Search holds records for all physical and electronic information resources that you have access to here at Newcastle University. You can search using keywords or titles to discover and access Library resources, including books, e-books, and articles. You can also log in to manage your Library account; this lets you see what books you have borrowed, return dates for items, and request books.

Locus+ Archive Goes Live

Newcastle University Special Collections and Archives have recently published a new collection of the Locus+ visual arts commissioning agency. This organisation produced temporary installations and performance pieces around the north east, supporting grass-roots artists.

This collection features project documentation, photography and audio visual recordings of performances. It has been catalogued through successive Bequest projects, in house archivists and digitised with Digital Humanities funding.

The collection is a valuable resource if you are studying or doing a research project considering visual arts, curation, local heritage and place programmes.

Explore the Locus+ Archive