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Information for school and college visitors

Pupils coming to the library for EPQ or project work

We ask schools and colleges that you send in all interested pupils together, with a teacher or school librarian, for a group induction session in the J. B. Priestley Library; we can arrange for staff and/or pupils to have reference cards after that if necessary.

We can also do teaching sessions about using our resources, referencing, evaluating sources, or other library-related skills. Please contact [email protected] to discuss when you want to come in and what you would like us to include in the visit. We cannot offer inductions or teaching sessions during the September-October period.

Our Special Collections include the J.B. Priestley Archive, Bradford history and many other unique resources. The Special Collections Librarian is happy to discuss visits and collaboration with teachers.

Your use of the University of Bradford library

We typically give long-term reference use to pupils only for a specific information need which cannot be satisfied at their own school or college library.

The external cards for school visitors are free of charge but there are restrictions on the times they can be used. During our term time, access is available as follows:

  • Weekdays after 4pm only.

  • Any time during weekends except exam periods.

  • No access at all during our exam periods (January and May) as all the study space is needed by our students. 

    Check the Library opening hours before a visit. 

Pupils will not be able to borrow books.

Visiting pupils must appreciate that our libraries are primarily for the use of our own students and staff, and must abide by our regulations. We offer different study areas, including quiet and silent zones, and pupils are expected to use them correctly.

Pupils will not be able to book our group study rooms, but may use the open collaborative study areas.

Books

Pupils wanting to use our library services

We are generally not open to the public. See our visitor information page for further details.

If there is a particular resource that you need and cannot otherwise get hold of, contact our Welcome Desk for details on how to apply for a visitor's ticket.  We will consider applications on an individual basis. You may need to provide a supporting letter from your school or college. Students from Bradford College must ask the College Director of Learning Resources to apply to us on their behalf.

Our Special Collections include the J. B. Priestley Archive, Bradford history and many other unique resources.  Students interested in using Special Collections should contact the Special Collections team directly. 

Tips on how to get the best out of books and eResources for your studies

The Library's study tips page will help you to think about skills that will be useful to you at Key Stage 5 and also give you a head start on how you will be using resources at University.