The three campuses
The University of Essex is split across three campuses. How your library works will depend on which campus you study at. In this guide, and on our Help pages, the campuses are colour coded to make finding the information relevant to you easier to find.
Colchester - Blue
Southend - Green
Loughton - Red
Joining the University Library - Colchester & Loughton
If you are a current student and have completed your university registration, you are already signed up and can use the library, both in person and online.
Library card
Your university ID card is your library card. You will need it to borrow items, and to enter the library at certain times.
Login details
Your University username (e.g. ab123456@essex.ac.uk) and password are used to log into the library website and computers in the Library.
How we contact you
We use your University email account to notify you when requested items are available to collect, when the due date for an item you have on loan is approaching, and when items have become overdue. It is important that you check your email regularly.
Finding Print Books and Setting your PIN at Southend
Print books at Southend can be searched using the 'Southend Books' tab on the Library home page. You need to set up a PIN to use many of the Southend Library services. For more information, watch this video.
How many items can I borrow?
Unlimited items.
How long can I borrow an item for?
7 days with automatic renewal up to one year, or until someone requests the book you have borrowed, in which case you will have 7 days to return it.
How to borrow an item
Readings for your modules will be available online. Print books may be requested online via the Library website and you will get an email when your book is ready for collection. You can borrow books using the self service machine on the ground floor.
How to return an item
You can return items using the self service book return, located inside the library on the ground floor.
You can also return items when the library is closed using the external book return (opposite Silberrad Student Centre).
If you can't get to the library physically, you can send it via post, and we'll take the day you sent it as the return date.
How many items can I borrow?
You can borrow up to 26 items at a time: 12 university items plus 14 public library items.
How long can I borrow an item for?
All University of Essex books at Southend Forum are 7 day but are set to automatically renew if no one else needs the book. If no one requests the book, you can keep it for up to a year. If a book is requested you will be notified by email and have 6 days to return. For more details on autorenewals at Southend click here.
Southend Library users also have access to the South Essex College and Southend Borough Council books held at the Forum. These are 7 day or 3 week loans.
How to borrow an item
Readings for your modules will be available online. Print books may be requested online via The Southend Borough Council website. Instructions for requesting print items are here. You can also borrow books by visiting the library and using the self service machines or taking them to the front desk on the ground floor during opening hours.
How to return an item
You can return items using the self service book return or at the Library Desk on the ground floor.
You can also return books using the "Book Drop" 24/7, on the right side of the main entrance to The Forum.
How many items can I borrow?
Unlimited items.
How long can I borrow an item for?
7 days with automatic renewal up to one year, or until someone requests the book you have borrowed, in which case you will have 7 days to return it.
How to borrow an item
We have a large selection of print books in the library, and all readings for your modules are available online. Print books can be borrowed at our self service machine, or at the library helpdesk when staffed.
How to return an item
You can return items by using the self service machine or by bringing them to the helpdesk where staff will return them for you. When the library is closed, you can also use the drop box outside the entrance. Items will then be taken off your account by staff.
If you can't get to the library physically, you can send it via post, and we'll take the day you sent it as the return date.
Library locations
We have libraries at each of our 3 campuses; Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. You can borrow books from the library at the campus you are registered at.
| Colchester | Southend | Loughton |
| Library The University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ |
The Forum Southend Elmer Square Southend-on-Sea Essex SS1 1NS |
East 15 Acting School Hatfields Rectory Lane Loughton IG10 3RY |
Resources and services
The Forum is a shared library, which is run by Southend Borough Council on behalf of the University, South Essex College and for public library users in Southend.
At Colchester and Southend you can use the Find Your Way app to find us.
Opening hours
Check our opening hours page for full opening hours across all 3 campuses, as all sites vary in opening hours throughout the year.
Study zones
Colchester and Loughton library have a range of study spaces to suit your needs, including bookable individual study pods at Colchester. See our FAQ on how you can book an Individual Study Pod.
Southend has a variety of study spaces on the 2nd floor of The Forum building in the Learning Hub.
Navigating your library
Colchester - The ground floor of the library provides access to the Library Learning Room, IT Lab-L and the Postgraduate Study Room. You can also collect books that you have reserved and ask questions at the Helpdesk. Floors 1 - 5 provide a range of study spaces and access to shelves for browsing and borrowing.
Southend - Books for all courses are located on the first floor of the library, this can be accessed via the lifts or central staircase. The Learning Hub is located on the 2nd floor. On this floor you will find the Info Point, lockers, free printing services and study spaces. The 2nd floor is accessible via the central staircase and the lifts. You will need your student card to access this floor.
You can access The Forum out of hours using your student card via the North access (SMACS) door. You can watch a video of how to use the door here.
Loughton - The library and IT Centre is located on the first floor above the SU Café, and can be accessed via a staircase or an elevator.
| Colchester | Southend | Loughton |
|
How many items can I borrow? Unlimited items. How long can I borrow an item for? 7 days with automatic renewal up to one year, or until someone requests the book you have borrowed, in which case you will have 7 days to return it. How to borrow an item Readings for your modules will be available online. Print books may be requested online via the Library website and you will get an email when your book is ready for collection. You can borrow books using the self service machine on the ground floor. How to return an item You can return items using the self service book return, located inside the library on the ground floor. You can also return items when the library is closed using the external book return (opposite Silberrad Student Centre). If you can't get to the library physically, you can send it via post, and we'll take the day you sent it as the return date. |
How many items can I borrow? You can borrow up to 26 items at a time: 12 university items plus 14 public library items. How long can I borrow an item for? All University of Essex books at Southend Forum are 7 day but are set to automatically renew if no one else needs the book. If no one requests the book, you can keep it for up to a year. If a book is requested you will be notified by email and have 6 days to return. For more details on autorenewals at Southend click here. Southend Library users also have access to the South Essex College and Southend Borough Council books held at the Forum. These are 7 day or 3 week loans. How to borrow an item Readings for your modules will be available online. Print books may be requested online via The Southend Borough Council website. Instructions for requesting print items are here. You can also borrow books by visiting the library and using the self service machines or taking them to the front desk on the ground floor during opening hours. How to return an item
You can return items using the self service book return or at the Library Desk on the ground floor. You can also return books using the "Book Drop" 24/7, on the right side of the main entrance to The Forum. |
How many items can I borrow? Unlimited items. How long can I borrow an item for? Up to 7 days. How to borrow an item Readings for your modules will be available online. Print books may be requested online via the Library website and you will get an email when your book is ready for collection. How to return an item You can return items by using the drop box outside the entrance. Items will then be taken off your account by staff. |
Health and Safety
Fire Safety
The consequences of a fire could potentially be very serious. For this reason we have high standards of fire protection in our buildings. For them to be effective, we all need to be vigilant and follow our fire safety procedures and know what to do in the event of a fire.
If you discover a fire
1. Sound the alarm from the manual call point nearest to you (or on your way to the exit).
2. Do not attempt to tackle a fire.
3. Leave the area immediately.
4. If safe to do so close fire doors behind you.
5. Evacuate the area/building immediately and you should not remain on the landings.
Rules & etiquette
Food and drink
Colchester
The library allows hot and cold drinks throughout the building, and cold food in some areas. Hot or strong smelling food is not allowed. You may be asked to leave and consume your food elsewhere. Alcohol is prohibited.
Southend
Hot and cold drinks and food are permitted in the Learning Hub.
Loughton
The library allows hot and cold drinks in bottles or lidded cups. No food is allowed.
