Visit the library

The Charles Seale-Hayne Library supports teaching, learning and research
Outside view of the Charles Seale-Hayne library

About us

Library and digital support work right across the University. We support teaching, learning and research; providing services to students, academic and professional staff.
Our focus is on enabling the transformation of information into knowledge, and we do that through providing access to information resources, developing and delivering services, managing learning spaces, and facilitating the development of information and digital literacy. 
The library provides access to approximately 350,000 books, 500,000 eBooks and 80,000 current journal titles. 

Opening times

  • The Charles Seale-Hayne Library is open 24/7 from 25th September - 17th December.
  • The Level 0 Learning Space is open 24/7 all year. 
  • You must bring your University card to access the building.
Nursing and midwifery resources:
Nursing students based at Exeter School of Nursing, and in Cornwall have access to the following resources. 
Follow the links for further information including opening times.

Studying in the library and across campus

Member of staff stood behind information desk.

Ask us – help in the library

We have a wide range of online resources to help our students and staff but there may be times when you need individual assistance. 
You can find our Library and Digital Support team at the Information desk on Level 1 as you enter the library. Our core hours are Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00 with a reduced service outside of these times.
We provide support for general library and IT enquiries, including help with:
  • accessing electronic and digital resources.
  • locating books on the shelves.
  • printing, copying and scanning.
  • connecting to the Wi-Fi (Eduroam).
  • your Library and print account.
  • password changes.
Please see our Student IT Support Policy for full details of the service we provide.

Library visitors

Members of the public over the age of 18 may use the library for reference purposes provided they have a valid visitor card. The visitor card, which must be applied for in advance, allows for five visits per annum.
Please see our Self-Help article for further details and an application form, including the Library Visitor Privacy Notice.

SCONUL Access Scheme

SCONUL Access is a reciprocal scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other participating libraries. Please see our SCONUL Access Scheme article for further information about eligibility and how to apply.
Charles Seale-Hayne Library – Entrance

Borrowing Associate library membership

If you are not a registered member of the University and are over 18, you may be able to take out associate library membership. The membership involves a fee and allows you to borrow up to six items.
See our Borrowing Associate Library Membership article for further details and an application form. 

Student support reference access card

If you are employed to provide enabling study support to University of Plymouth students registered with Disability Assist, you can apply for a free library access reference card for ease of access to the library
See our Student Support Reference Access Card article for further details and an application form.
Books on shelf. Level two of the Charles Seale-Hayne library

Library policies

Library reception desk