It might feel as though the kids have only just gone back to school, but the October holidays are upon us already! If you need to visit the Library to study and don’t have childcare, don’t fret. Our Family Study Room is here for students who must balance their academic to-do list with their caring responsibilities for children.

Located on Level 3 of the Library, the Family Study Room is a dedicated space for those who need to supervise a child aged up to 12 years while studying. Whether you’re working independently or alongside your peers, the room is designed to support your needs.  

Key features include:

• Child-friendly seating: One low circular table with five small chairs, perfect for small children.
• Adult workspaces: Two adult-height tables, each seating up to four people.
• Digital screens: For group or solo work and file sharing.
• Pushchair space: Dedicated area for a buggy or pram.

The room is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Keeping wee ones entertained

We’ve provided a small selection of children’s colouring sheets, toys, and books. Children are of course welcome to bring their favourite toy to the Library with them, so long as it doesn’t disrupt other users or cause any safety concerns.

Please ensure young children are kept safe by managing the risk of smaller objects being used inappropriately.

Children must be supervised at all times and should never be left unattended in the Family Study Room.  

For more information, please see our Family Study Room policy.

Step-free access

Don’t be put off by the entrance stairs if you have a pram or buggy with you. You can use the accessible entrance at 101 St James Road, opposite The Howgait pub. Just ring the bell and a member of staff will be on hand to assist.

Changing and feeding facilities

The closest baby changing facilities are in the accessible gender-neutral toilet near the stairs on Level 3. Additional facilities are available in the accessible gender-neutral toilet on Level 2. Room CU417 on Level 4 has a mobile baby change unit (without a sink); staff can direct you if needed.

You are welcome to breastfeed or bottle feed in the Family Study Room. If you prefer more privacy, Room CU417 on Level 4 is available. Ask staff for directions and please knock before entering to ensure the room is not already in use.

More help

Need help while using the Family Study Room? Visit the IS Enquiries Desk during staffed hours and we’ll be happy to assist you in finding books or resources.

Have you used the Family Study Room?

Let us know in the comments how it went.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee has published its first annual report.

The report covers the year 2023-24. It celebrates the work we've done to promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Information Services (ISD) runs Library & IT services at the University. ISD set up its EDI Committee in 2023. It aims to create an inclusive environment for staff and students.

The report covers highlights from our first year, including our efforts to introduce:

• a calendar of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion events
• a cataloguing process for books or other resources when an author has changed their name
• adaptation of Library spaces for neurodiverse staff and students
• a student focus group on library accessibility
• Digital Accessibility Training and several new EDI-focussed training sessions for Library staff

Read the full Equality Diversity & Inclusion Committee Annual Report online with Sway.

Student Focus Group on Library Accessibility: join the movement!

Are you passionate about making our library more accessible for everyone? We're starting a student focus group on library accessibility, and we need your voice!

The student focus group will meet online and will discuss:

• barriers to library accessibility
• how the library's facilities and services could be made more accessible

We are looking for students with diverse accessibility needs to join our focus group. You can help us continue to champion EDI and create a Library where everyone feels valued. Students who participate in at least one meeting will receive a £20 Love2Shop voucher.

If you’re interested in getting involved, send an email to help@strath.ac.uk with the subject ‘EDI Committee’. You can also find out more about what the Library does to support students with additional needs.

After the success of our first workshop, we're giving everyone another chance to come along and get stuck in with making zines! 

What are zines and why should I make one? 

Zine [pronounced ‘zeen’] is short for magazine. Zines are small self-published works. They can be anything! Drawings, photos, comics, stuff about your favourite show, how your day has gone, or things you are passionate about changing. It can be about whatever you want it to be.  

Encouraging students to come to the workshop and try their hand at making a zine, Library staff member Liz said: “Sometimes people worry that they aren't creative, but everyone is creative! That’s the great thing about zines – there are no judges, no marks or grades, no rules. Whatever you make is unique to you and whatever you want it to be.

“We held the first zine-making workshop on World Mental Health Day in October. Now it’s Disability History Month, and as we approach the exam season it’s time to be more mindful of our mental health and wellbeing. Doing something creative and positive, just for fun, can be a great way to de-stress.”

At the previous workshop in October, friendly faces from the Library team guided our makers through creating their own zines starting with just a blank sheet of paper. 

If you want to give zine-making a go, join us in the Library between 2 and 4pm on Tuesday 26 November. You don't need to book a space and we'll provide everything you'll need.