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The Hive library

With over a quarter of a million books and 12 miles of archive collections, The Hive is no ordinary library. Opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 2012, The Hive is Europe’s first fully integrated university and public library. It has a busy events programme, with regular public lectures, exhibitions and performances.

As a public as well as university facility, The Hive is a new model of university and community engagement, and has achieved its vision to inspire the people of the region to read for enjoyment and for education. Since it opened, book borrowing and library visitor numbers have soared and it has become a hub for education, study and research, culture, and business support.

"From all the excellent new study facilities at the University I especially like The Hive - a fantastic big library where you can find all the books that you need. It's very modern and high-tech."

Zhana Yovcheva, Business Psychology MSc

Rich resources

By combining our resources with Worcestershire County Council, we’ve been able to create a spectacular facility. The Hive is huge, giving you plenty of spaces to study, as well as relax and even eat.

The multi award-winning building is stunning, with plenty of natural light, open spaces, comfortable furniture and inspiring architecture. There are over 250 fixed computers, along with access to printers, wi-fi and laptop points.

The children’s library is one of the largest in the country. If you are working towards a teaching or early years qualification, it can help to bring your studies to life and offers some exceptional work experience opportunities.

The building includes a studio theatre, exhibition spaces and meeting rooms.

You can also access a huge range of council facilities, including the records office and archaeology service plus all of the public library books and other resources.

Explore the past

The Hive’s dedicated history floor offers access to information on Worcestershire and beyond dating back to the last Ice Age, all brought to life with the latest technology. You can study thousands of records detailing archaeological sites, ancient monuments and buildings in Worcestershire.

This gives you the chance to undertake original research and develop high level academic skills.

Electronic information

The Hive also gives you access to electronic information, including databases, e-journals and e-books. You can access this material from any computer with an internet connection, making it easy to research from home or from one of the many study spaces on campus.

Find what you need

Our helpful library staff will help you navigate through our vast collection of information sources, so you can successfully locate, access and evaluate the resources you need. Each subject area has a named liaison librarian who can help you with any queries or problems you come across.

Café

The Hive includes its own café where you can take time out from your studies to get refreshed with a hot or cold drink and a range of snacks.