Welcome to the first digital newsletter from Newcastle University Library for the year. In this update we highlight what has been happening in the Library over the summer and essential updates to services for 2026-27. Read on to find out about the exciting redevelopment of Level 1 of the Philip Robinson Library, WIFI improvements at the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms, resources to help you develop your skills at the start of Semester 1, and an exciting new archive collection now available.
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 is expected to complete by mid-October.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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