The Maitland Robinson Library
The Downing College library catalogue is available to Downing members online: library.dow.cam.ac.uk (Raven login required).
Downing College library induction tours
The library will be offering induction tours for new users or anyone wanting a refresher. Expect tours to last around 20 minutes. No need to book – just drop in between the following times:
Monday 2 October
- 11am – 12pm
- 2pm – 3.30pm
Wednesday 4 October
- 11am – 12pm
- 2.30pm – 4.30pm
If you can’t make these times, don’t panic! Short (often drop-in) library inductions can be arranged throughout the year, just speak to staff or email: library@dow.cam.ac.uk.
University Library (UL) orientation tours
The UL are also offering 45 minute orientation tours of their building and physical resources.
You can book on to any of the general tours here.
They are also offering a tour for Downing students (with the same content) on 11th October at 2.30pm. (Additional Downing specific tours can be arranged – let us know if you would like an alternative time.)
Library access
- Access is available 24/7 for Downing members with a valid University card.
- Core staffed hours are Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4.30pm (usually longer in practice). Hours may vary outside of full term.
- Non-Downing members are not permitted to use the library. Please do not encourage or enable non-members to occupy the limited study spaces available.
- Please ensure you take all your belongings with you when you vacate the library study spaces.
- The Request & Collect service remains available to all students (Screen reader friendly details here). Books are collected from the library window (to the right of the front door) Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4.30pm.
- Short library induction tours can be arranged by speaking to library staff or emailing library@dow.cam.ac.uk Individuals or small groups (especially tripos-based) are welcome to prearrange tours. Drop-in inductions are often possible during staffed hours, please ask. Our online guides to finding books, using the self-service machine, and library accessibility may also be of help.
The building
The Maitland Robinson Library was designed by Quinlan Terry and opened in 1993. It is a private library, available for use by all current members of the College. Non-Downing guests are not permitted to use the library.
The library catalogue
The library catalogue can be accessed via the OPACs (online public access catalogues) in the library and it is also available online: library.dow.cam.ac.uk (a Raven password is required). When searching the catalogue use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to increase search results and for greater precision.
To view and renew your current loans you will need your 'Reader code'. This can be found on the back of your University card under the barcode.
NB: Downing library books are NOT searchable on iDiscover but you can find a vast range of online resources (including many full text ebooks) and other information through the iDiscover portal.
Notices
- 'Cataloguing’ status books: can be borrowed; please ask staff (or mention the status when you request through our Request & Collect service (screen reader friendly details here). These books are still being processed but we will make them available for you as soon as possible. There are many books in the process of cataloguing and it is useful to know which ones to prioritise for you!
- The library welcomes purchase recommendations for books for your studies. Email the College Librarian: college.librarian@dow.cam.ac.uk with as much detail as you can including, author, title, edition, date of publication and publisher. If you find that many of your core texts are not held by the library it may be useful to send us your reading list, if possible letting us know how many Downing students are taking the paper.
- We have a number of ex-library and donated books that are free to collect. You will find them to the right as you come into the library through the revolving doors.
Computer facilities
- The library is a wireless environment with Eduroam and UniOfCam access.
- Readers can bring in personal laptops. Sockets are available in the floor throughout the library.
- A combined printer, photocopier and scanner (multi-function device, or MFD) is located in the basement book stacks. Further information on the MFD is available here or there are library produced instructions for use on the table as you come in the main door.
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There are computers available to work at in the library and in the computer room. These are part of the University Managed Desktop (UMD) service.
Borrowing and renewals
The pre-set borrowing limit is 20 books but this can be manually exceeded by staff. The standard loan period is two weeks during term time; loans are indefinitely renewable unless reserved by another borrower. Items borrowed for or during the vacation are due on the first Monday of the following full term.
Books can be renewed online through the library catalogue (using your ‘Reader code’, under the barcode on the reverse of your University card) until they become overdue. Once the due date is passed there is a three-day grace period before fines are applied. Fines are charged at £1 per book per week, and go on to your College bill.
Please contact library staff by email (library@dow.cam.ac.uk) to request a renewal of overdue books. This can also be done by replying to overdue notification emails.
Where in-demand books are required over the vacation, advance notice to the library can be helpful in ensuring there are enough copies for everyone. Please email the College Librarian as early as possible: college.librarian@dow.cam.ac.uk
2020 leavers
The University Library is offering a freepost library returns service for leavers still in the UK. Loans from any of the Cambridge University and College libraries can be returned this way. If you have now left the University and are unable to return to Cambridge, you can request a pre-paid returns label to return your books by freepost.
Further information and help
Enquiries can be directed to library staff in person or by email to: library@dow.cam.ac.uk
The University Library (UL) offers a wealth of resources, alongside faculty and departmental libraries.
Cambridge LibGuides can help you navigate the many services and facilities offered.
You can develop your skills and enhance your learning experience through the study skills catalogue.
