Planning on venturing into the Northampton Square Library for the first time? Here are 10 hush-hush hacks only those in-the-know know….
- (1) There’s a lift from the main entrance direct to Level 2
Accessible lift from main entrance
Our Library is accessible which is great if you use a mobility aid, and even greater if you just don’t like stairs. There’s a mirror in it too, so before you exit through automatic doors, heralded by the sound of happy elevator beeps, you can also make sure you look fabulous (or check you haven’t got chocolate smeared across your face, whichever is more likely).
- (2) Our Entrance and Exit Gates want to be your friend
Turn left at the Library Service Desk to enter the Library. Our Library Essentials Guide has a great example of how to gain access using your City card.
To exit, use the middle gate marked ‘Exit’. No need to swipe, just walk through calmly and let the magic happen. “Is this really a hack?” I hear you cry. All I’ll say is, you’d be surprised at the amount of people who experience what’s known as MBF (Major Barrier Fail). Don’t be one of them.
- (3) The right-hand lift is superior to the left-hand lift
Better right-hand lift
Reason being it has a window, so you can gaze out at the eastern cityscape as you’re whisked to your chosen floor:
Okay, it’s not quite the London Eye, there isn’t any muzak and there’s some sort of mysterious blob hindering the view, but, you know. (Think the left-hand lift is better? Tell us why).
- (4) The water fountain is on Level 3
Possibly our greatest acquisition ever (marginally ahead of the purple chairs) the water fountain brings refreshing hydration joy to Library users all year round.
- (5) Experience a corporeal mediated experience on Level 3
Our dynamic rotational display device
Engage with the Fourth Estate in the classic format by reading an actual newspaper live: you’ll find them on our dynamic rotational display device, along with supplements including the THE.
- (6) Not all the Group Study Rooms on Level 3 are the same
Some rooms have whiteboards (you can borrow marker pens from the Service Desk), some have I.T. and some offer a little more legroom. Take Room 3J for example:
Not only is it roomier, judging by the panorama picture quality it’s also built on top of some sort of temporal vortex. Exciting.
- (7) There’s a secret vending machine on Level 3
‘Secret’ vending machine
Well, it was secret. Regularly stocked with all your favourite snackage (including some new and interesting variants) the Level 3 machine is tucked away in the corner near the printers.
- (8) The most exciting shelving is on Level 4
Arguably, the first shelving bay on Level 4 is the most exciting in the whole Library:
On the left, we have the Careers Collection with items specially chosen with your professional development in mind. To the right we have reference heaven with a plethora of dictionaries in multiple languages; and then on the end, immediately as you enter the floor, you can see the new titles display shelf which showcases our most interesting and eye-catching acquisitions.
- (9) Catch Subject Librarians Live on Level 5, Weekdays 11-5
The Level 5 Helpdesk is regularly staffed by our Subject Librarian team during term time:
This means from Monday to Friday you can drop in and chat to a subject specialist about all of your Library and research needs. No appointments necessary (although you can make them too, if you prefer).
- (10) There’s a PC Lab on Level 6
Level 6 PC Lab
Tucked away in the far corner of the room, the Level 6 PC Lab benefits from a quiet location, comfortable amount of desk space and south-facing windows which fill the room with wonderful natural light- plus transformative blinds, for those that prefer a little shade.
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