Library and Research Resources at Exeter

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The library can quickly become your favourite place on campus once you know what's actually available. The University of Exeter offers a huge range of library and research resources, from quiet study spots to specialist databases, all designed to support your work.

This guide highlights the key library and research resources available to students and explains how to use them effectively from the beginning of your studies.

Exeter Library Overview

Exeter has a network of libraries across its campuses, including the Forum Library at Streatham Campus, Penryn Campus Library, the Old Library, Law Library, St Luke’s Library, and Falmouth Campus Library. Located at the centre of Streatham Campus, the Forum brings together the Forum Library, Student Information Desk, Career Zone, and a range of technology-enabled teaching and study spaces.

Each library site has its own character, so it's worth exploring more than one if your usual spot is busy. Special Collections and even the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum are also part of the wider library offering, giving students access to more than just books and desks.

Study Spaces

Finding a quiet or productive study space is often half the battle, and Exeter offers plenty of choice. Options include:

• Silent drop-in study spaces, available across Forum Library and other buildings

• Bookable individual study pods, located on Level -1 of Forum Library

• Group study rooms, bookable in advance for team projects or online calls

• Drop-in group tables, available without booking in several campus buildings

Group study rooms can be booked for between one and six hours, and repeat bookings are possible, which makes planning around deadlines much easier. If your usual spot at the Forum is packed, quieter alternatives like the Old Library are worth trying too.

Books and Digital Collections

Exeter's collections cover both physical and digital formats, giving students flexibility in how they access material. The library holds extensive print collections across its sites, alongside a large range of e-books and online journals accessible through Library Search.

A few tips for getting the most from these collections:

• Check your module's digital resource list for direct links to e-books and journal articles

• Use Library Search to check availability before heading to a physical shelf

• If a book isn't available, you can ask the library about ordering additional copies

Digital access means you can read key texts from anywhere, which is especially useful during exam season when physical copies tend to disappear fast.

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Academic Databases

Beyond books, Exeter gives students access to a wide range of academic databases for journal articles, reports, and specialist research materials. These include subject-specific databases as well as broader resources like JSTOR for scholarly journals and books.

Tools such as LibKey make it easier to access full-text articles after selecting your institution and signing in with your university credentials. Students working with data can also use subject-specific database guides to find specialist statistical resources and research indexes relevant to their area of study.

Referencing Support

Referencing correctly is essential for academic honesty, and Exeter provides strong support here. The library offers guidance on multiple referencing styles, including Harvard, APA, MHRA, and IEEE, depending on what your department requires.

Useful referencing tools available to students include:

Students are also encouraged to check their department's expected referencing style early, since it can vary between courses.

Research Tools

Effective academic research involves more than simply searching Google. Exeter’s library guides help students assess sources based on their reliability, authority, and validity. They also encourage students to use appropriate academic sources rather than relying on materials such as Wikipedia, lecture notes, or essays found online.

Some practical research habits worth building:

• Think carefully about your keywords before searching

• Keep track of sources as you find them, not after you've finished reading

• Use subject guides to understand which databases suit your topic

• Learn to use Generative AI tools responsibly when appropriate for your course

These habits save time later and make writing assignments far less stressful.

Library Help Services

If you ever get stuck, Exeter's library team is easy to reach. Academic Liaison Librarians are available to help you make full use of library resources, whether that's online, by phone, or through a bookable one-to-one appointment.

Ways to get help include:

• Booking a one-to-one appointment with your subject's Liaison Librarian

• Browsing Library Guides (LibGuides) for referencing and research support

• Attending a Study Skills drop-in for general referencing questions

• Contacting the library directly by phone or email

For the bigger picture of academic support available at Exeter, including workshops and personal tutoring, see our main guide on Study Skills and Academic Support at Exeter.

If you'd like a simple way to keep track of the sources you gather during research, tools likeZotero offer free reference management that pairs well with your library work.

How Shabuj Global Education Can Help

Shabuj Global Education (SGE), your trusted partner for studying in the UK, helps students navigate every step of their Exeter journey:

• Expert Guidance: Choose the right course aligned with your goals and entry requirements.

• Application Made Easy: From document checks to personal statement review, we make sure your application stands out.

• Visa & Pre-Departure Help: Get step-by-step support for your UK student visa and prepare confidently for departure.

• Ongoing Support: Even after enrollment, SGE continues to guide you toward academic and career success.

Bangladeshi students get a smooth, safe, and fully guided admission process, from choosing a course through to settling into life at Exeter.

Final Thoughts

Exeter’s library and research resources offer much more than spaces for studying. Students can access study facilities, digital collections, academic databases, and referencing tools to support different stages of their coursework and research.

Exploring these resources early can help you understand what is available and make it easier to find the right tools when you need them during your studies.

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