Whether you are planning to visit one of our libraries as a prospective student, current student, staff member, alumni, or external visitor, this page will help you know what to expect and where to find relevant information.
For student and visitor information about the Albert Sloman Library in Colchester, refer to the 'Visiting the Albert Sloman Library' section below.
For information on visiting our libraries whilst accompanied by a child (aged 0-15), please see our FAQ and Children and Young People in the Library policy.
The Albert Sloman Library in Colchester is open to students and staff as well as Alumni and external visitors. Opening hours are 24/7 in term time, but always check our Opening Hours for the most up-to-date information.
We provide a range of study environments, from collaborative spaces, silent spaces, quiet spaces and bookable room and pods. Whether you're here to study or browse, you can visit as often as you need to and stay for as long as you like!
Bookable Group Study rooms are available on floor 2-5. Individual Study Pods can be found on the 2nd floor. If you would like to book a Group room or Pod, you can do so here. Further information can be found on our help pages.
The Albert Sloman Library has 6 levels, 3 staircases, 2 conventional lifts, and 1 historic paternoster lift. Maps of each level are provided below. If you require any assistance navigating the building, please speak to a member of staff at the Helpdesk, or get in contact.
The Albert Sloman Library is famous for its historic paternoster lift, which has been an iconic feature of the library building since it first opened in 1967. It's now one of just three which are now left in the UK and recently underwent extensive refurbishment.
The paternoster operating times are Mon-Fri 10am-4.00pm. You can check the current hours of operation on our Opening Hours page.
If you'd like to learn more about how to travel on the lift, please visit our 'How to use the paternoster' page.
Keep an eye out for our Study Zones when visiting the library so you can choose a study space that suits your noise preference.
If you prefer to study in silence, our Individual Silent Study Zone will be the place for you! This can be found on the 5th floor, in the South Wing of the building.
Our Individual Quiet Study Zones are perfect for those that want a quiet place to study, but may need to share something with friends. You might hear a few whispers here, but talking is kept to a minimum to avoid distraction! You'll find this zone in the Student Collection on the 1st floor, the north and south wings of floors 2-4, and the north wing of floor 5.
If you need to work in small groups, the Group Quiet Study Zone is where you'll want to be! This zone can be found in our group study rooms on floors 2-5. These spaces can be booked via the Library website. These rooms also have whiteboards, so you can work through problems together - if you want to use these, just ask for a whiteboard kit at the Helpdesk.
If you need a space where you can have a conversation or take a phone call, our Breakout Zone is perfect. You'll find this zone on the landings of every floor, as well as the ground floor foyer.
