The Open University Library

That is the best looking coffee pot we have ever seen! 😍

Dark blue background featuring the OU logo and a series of book covers. Text reads: 'Dive into hundreds of science magazines on Libby and OverDrive for British Science Week. Free for OU students and staff.'

Celebrate British #Science Week with hundreds of science magazines available on Libby and OverDrive! 🔬🚀

Read the latest issues of New Scientist, National Geographic, Astronomy and a wide range of children’s science titles - all free with your OU login 👇 https://ow.ly/RWIQ50Yl4x8

#BSW26

Modern three-story Library building with large windows under a clear blue sky and bright sunshine. Yellow daffodils are scattered amongst the grassy areas.

Our new cover photo 📷 Spring has officially sprung outside the Library building at our Walton Hall campus! ☀️💛

#MiltonKeynes #Spring

Blue background with floating open and closed books, featuring the question: 'If you could step inside the pages of a book and live in any fictional land, where would you choose - and why?'

Happy #WorldBookDay! 📖💙 Books have the power to transport us anywhere - so we want to know…

If you could step inside the pages of a book and live in any fictional land, where would you choose - and why?

Tell us your fictional home of choice below 👇

Bright orange background featuring the OU logo and text that reads: 'We're Hiring! E-Content Manager/Librarian. Join the award-winning Open University Library.'

We’re #hiring an E-Content Manager/Librarian to advise on, develop, purchase and manage online library content, ensuring collections support students, course production and academic research.

For more information and to apply 👉 https://ow.ly/4byh50Yemfx

Closing Date: 4 March 2026

#LibraryJobs

Dark blue background featuring the OU logo and a series of book covers. Text reads: 'Listen, learn, and unwind with audiobooks on Libby and OverDrive. Free for OU students and staff.'

Short on time? Prefer listening while you’re on the move?

Through Libby and OverDrive, you can access a wide range of free audiobooks with your OU login. 🎧

Download the Libby app and start listening today 📲 https://ow.ly/ky5A50Y3KQL

#LibbyApp #OverDrive

A woman examines a test tube sample in a laboratory setting.

Like to break up text based learning resources with audio visual material & studying a STEM module? Check out JoVE's video journal & video textbooks! Bringing to life fundamental lab methods & science concepts alongside new research techniques & technologies.
https://ow.ly/FW0G50Yi1SJ
(OU login rqd)

Image contains a quote from an OU student which reads: "[The pathway] provided useful information to help improve google searches".

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you search the web. 🌐 Often, just making sure you're using the correct keywords can help.

This activity introduces some simple tips to help you navigate your way through seemingly endless search results 👉 https://ow.ly/w75p50Y4M4j

#BeingDigital

Bright pink background featuring a quote from an OU student about SCONUL Access that reads: "I like the fact that I can use a variety of resources offered by other universities, whilst the OU has a wealth of resources that I enjoy and find supportive, going to other universities gives me the chance to use various types of software and technology that I would not have been exposed to otherwise."

SCONUL Access allows #OUstudents to use nearby university libraries, giving access to dependable internet, desks, and study facilities. 📚💻

It’s a practical option if home isn’t always ideal - and another way to stay connected to your OU studies.

Learn more 👇 https://ow.ly/pUA850Y3BBl

Image contains a quote from an OU student which reads: "It explains and demonstrates the correct way of citing books and the activity at the end was just right to test knowledge".

Avoiding plagiarism is important, but did you know you may be plagiarising without even knowing it? 😮

This pathway from Being digital will help you recognise what plagiarism is, the forms it can take & how to avoid it 👉 https://ow.ly/o1HK50Y4M2G

#BeingDigital

Bright yellow background featuring the OU logo and text that reads: 'We're Hiring! E-Content Manager/Librarian. Join the award-winning Open University Library.'

We’re #hiring an E-Content Manager/Librarian to shape, licence and manage our online library collections, making sure they meet the needs of students, teaching and research.

For more information and to apply 👉 https://ow.ly/RM8h50Yem7M

Closing Date: 4 March 2026

#LibraryJobs

Dark blue background featuring the OU logo and a series of book covers. Text reads: 'Fall in love with a good book this Valentine's Day. Free for OU students and staff.'

Fall in love with a good book this #ValentinesDay 💕

Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just here for the happy endings, Libby and OverDrive have a huge range of romance eBooks and audiobooks ready to sweep you off your feet 👉 https://ow.ly/aGE450Y3BLW

#LibbyApp #OverDrive

A bright pink background featuring the words, “Lastly, I would like to thank my wife, Ms. Xuexin Zhao. It was during the PhD phase that we met, fell in love, and were married. I was very motivated to finish my studies by her accompaniment. This thesis is for her.”.

This #ValentinesDay we’re celebrating the stories of connection that grow alongside academic journeys with this beautiful dedication in a recently-awarded thesis... 📷👇

Read Dewei Zhai's 'The Case of International Architects and Contemporary Chinese Architecture' on ORO: https://ow.ly/rsVk50YegVq

Three students sitting on grass outside a brick building, studying with laptops and notebooks. Text reads: 'What is ORDO? Open Research Data Online (ORDO) is the OU's repository for research data: openly accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world. #LoveDataWeek2026'

For #LoveDataWeek2026 we’re celebrating open research data - because great research deserves to be shared. 📊

Explore Open Research Data Online (ORDO), the OU’s open research data repository. Browse and search datasets created by OU researchers, freely and openly 🔎 https://ow.ly/JLeJ50YeljG

Image contains text which reads "Introducing you to the world of information at your disposal, including the Open University online library and its wide range of resources."

Whether you’re a student, researcher, or use technology for work, improving on digital literacy can open a new world of opportunities.

Being digital features FREE activities designed to develop your digital literacy skills – take a look 👉 https://ow.ly/Gc8u50Y4M1j

#BeingDigital

Illustration of Immune Cells Attacking Cancer Cell There is text around the image that reads '#ThesisThursday. Design, development and characterization of novel Globo-H-targeting CAR T cells for solid tumours cell therapy by Francesca Putti. Photo by Mount Photography on Canva.'

With CAR T‑cell therapy making news, it’s the perfect moment to highlight new research in this field.

Read 'Design, development and characterization of novel Globo-H-targeting CAR T cells for solid tumours cell therapy' by Francesca Putti on ORO: https://ow.ly/YWZ550Y3BlC

#ThesisThursday

Top half of a bronze sculpture of Nelson Mandela in front of some trees.

#OTD in 1990 Nelson Mandela was freed from a South African prison after being incarcerated for 27 years.

The Very Short Introductions collection has a book on Mandela exploring his life & legacy alongside related images, narratives, politics & literature: https://ow.ly/sMQY50YciJM (OU login reqd.)

A mid-blue background featuring the OU logo and text that reads: 'Women and Girls in STEM Library Resources. Explore resources on gender representation in STEM, alongside work by women in these fields. '

Women remain underrepresented in many science and technology fields, yet their impact is profound.

We’ve curated a library list exploring gender representation and highlighting work by women in these disciplines. 🔬🌱🧬💡

Explore the collection 👇
https://ow.ly/Nv9i50Y61wE

#WomenInSTEM #IDWGS

Bright green background featuring a quote from an OU student about SCONUL Access that reads: "I’m a member of three university libraries with SCONUL and the books available to borrowing all vary depending on the library. This versatility really supports my studies."

Did you know that #OUstudents can use and borrow academic resources from other university libraries... free through the SCONUL Access scheme! 📖

Get key reading closer to home - no extra cost, no long trips.

See how it can support your studies locally 👇 https://ow.ly/jEN650Y3Br9

Dark blue background featuring the OU logo and a series of book covers. Text reads: 'Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses - it’s about romance of every kind. Free for OU students and staff.'

This February, treat yourself to stories full of love, connection & feel-good moments with the romance collection on Libby and OverDrive. 🎧💗📖

Explore everything from passionate love stories & emotional journeys to uplifting tales of second chances 👉 https://ow.ly/xCxS50Y3BL3

#LibbyApp #OverDrive

Dark blue background featuring the OU logo and a series of book covers. Text reads: 'Discover new authors and explore LGBTQIA+ history and culture on Libby and OverDrive. Free for OU students and staff.'

Celebrate #LGBTHistoryMonth by exploring a wide range of LGBTQIA+ eBooks and audiobooks - including memoirs, fiction, history, wellbeing titles and thought-provoking non-fiction - through Libby and OverDrive.

All free to borrow with your OU login 👉 https://ow.ly/JqFc50Y3BCR

#LibbyApp #OverDrive

Bright yellow background featuring a quote from an OU student about SCONUL Access that reads: "The SCONUL Access scheme gave me the opportunity to find a welcoming, positive and quiet place in which to study. As a low-income, distance learning student, I feel this has been instrumental in my successes so far as an OU student."

Need a calm place to study? 🤫

With SCONUL Access, OU students can use quiet study spaces in university libraries near them. 📖💻

Fewer distractions, proper desks, a fresh study spot - whatever helps you focus.

Find your local options 👇
https://ow.ly/PiIm50Y3Bh2

University lecturer engaging students in a classroom discussion with one student raising their hand to participate. There is text around the image that reads #ThesisThursday Cultivating ‘inclusive pedagogy’ in higher education: What are the beliefs, practices and professional development needs of educators? by Julian Lewis Brown

A powerful new thesis explores how university educators really understand and practise inclusive pedagogy.

It looks at their beliefs, everyday teaching practices, and the professional development shaping more inclusive learning in higher education.

Read it on ORO 👉 https://ow.ly/PbGw50Y3Bj0

Text of a quote from John Glenn which reads, "I suppose the one quality in an astronaut more powerful than any other is curiosity. They have to get someplace nobody's ever been".

A quote from John Glenn, who in February 1962 became the first American to orbit the earth!

To see his life in photos (and read more inspiring quotes!) check out: 👇
https://ow.ly/YkWB50Y4HW2

Image contains a quote from an OU student which reads: "I will definitely be using the information in this activity when I need to reference a website".

Do you need to brush up on your referencing skills?

This pathway from Being Digital will help you learn how to reference books, ejournals, module materials and websites with confidence 👉 https://ow.ly/w5KP50XRQyZ

#BeingDigital

A 3p postage stamp with an illustration of the head and shoulders of John Keats, alongside the words 'John Keats: 1795/1821'.

On this day in 1818 John Keats wrote his poem 'On a lock of Milton's hair'.

Curious to find out more?

Check out this Keats page in ProQuest One Literature. Alongside a biography there's links to the full text of his works, criticism, video & related reference works:

👉https://ow.ly/yZFJ50Y0uZM

Image contains text which reads "A collection of short, easy to follow activities that cover the skills we all need to be effective online. Being Digital".

Developing your digital literacy skills will give you the confidence to work successfully and safely online, as well as enhance your employability.

Start improving your digital literacy skills with these FREE activities from Being digital 👉 https://ow.ly/Oo9G50XRQxq

#BeingDigital

A collection of save money book covers available on Libby and OverDrive. Text reads: 'Explore thousands of digital titles at zero cost with Libby and OverDrive. Free for OU students and staff'.

January can be rough on the bank account... but your reading list doesn’t have to suffer. 💸

With Libby and OverDrive, you can access thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and comics completely free with your OU login..

Start borrowing for free 👉 https://ow.ly/P5TV50XLpWC

#LibbyApp #OverDrive

Can punishment and rehabilitation co-exist?

Through interviews and personal insights, Stephen Akpabio-Klementowski's thesis on ORO uncovers hidden barriers, systemic challenges, and the resilience of those striving for a better future through education 👉 https://ow.ly/EXAk50XX8RE

#ThesisThursday