Here you can read about the major changes currently taking place in the library and how they affect you.
The University Library is currently renovating its facilities on the entrance level and the upper floor. During 2026–2027, the entrance area and the rooms on the right-hand side (Study Hall) will undergo renovation, which means that all floors in that section will be closed to visitors. The area on the left-hand side of the entrance (Learning Space UB) was renovated in 2025 and is now open.
The major part of the University Library is currently closed to visitors. A compact version of the library is available in Learning Space UB, with a temporary entrance located to the left of the regular entrance.
To return your books, use the book drop at the entrance to Lindell Hall (facing the Humanities Building). You do this the same way whether the library is open or closed.
How to get to the library’s temporary entrance
To access the library, go through the stairwell to the left of the regular library entrance.
Currently available at the library
Although our space is temporarily limited, you still have access to the following services and resources:
Fewer group study spaces – but new quiet areas
Until the renovation is complete, there are no bookable group rooms and only a limited number of group study spaces in the library.
However, in early spring we opened our much-anticipated quiet study area on the upper floor. Here you will find around 200 study spaces for individual study in fresh and modern facilities. Read more: A renovated quiet study area opens at the University Library
If you need to work as a group, you can also use the study spaces we have set up in the MIT building on the second floor (entrance level).
Stacks 1 and 2 are closed to visitors during the renovation. Books from these stacks are still available for loan, but you need to request them through the library search tool. After your request, the staff will collect the books and place them on the pick-up shelf. You will be notified when your book is ready to be borrowed – usually within 24 hours.
Books you can pick up on your own
The textbook collection is now back in its regular location in Learning Space UB, where books can be collected and borrowed as usual.
Stack 3 has also reopened to visitors. Here you’ll find many of the library’s journals, and during the renovation, this area also includes the DDC collection and the reference collection of government publications.
During the renovation, the regular premises for archives and special collections are closed. However, all our services remain available. A temporary special reading room is located next to the library’s information desk, where you can consult materials from the archives and special collections. The reading room must be booked in advance and can accommodate two people at a time.
How to request materials
Archive collections
You can view our archival inventories and request material in Arken, the library search tool for archival materials.
Arken (Umeå University Library)
Special collections
Use our contact form to request material from the special collections. Please choose the option “Archives and special collections”.
Contact and booking the special reading room
Please contact the Section of Archives and Special Collections if you
The library's contact form
Phone: +46 90 - 786 65 71
The University Library has long been in need of renovation, and planning for this began several years ago. When the renovation is completed in 2027, we look forward to welcoming all visitors to a more modern library that is both functional and inviting.
Read more about the renovation
In the newly renovated University Library, you will find:
We will also be able to open the library’s inner courtyard to all visitors, where a completely new outdoor environment has been created with both greenery and seating areas.
As part of the renovation, improvements are also being made to heating and ventilation. This work includes our internal office spaces as well.
Read more: Major renovation of the University Library
In October 2024, the Vice-Chancellor decided to initiate an investigation into the operations of the Medical Library. The investigation focused on how the library is used, what facilities are needed, and how library resources can be used in the most effective way. Following the investigation, a decision was made to move the Medical Library to the University Library.
The move will take place during spring 2026, but there is currently no fixed date for when it is expected to be completed.
What is happening at the Medical Library
Most of the medical course literature will be moved to the University Library:
All other material will also be moved to the University Library:
What does the library mean to you?
What would you like us to bring with us to the University Library? At the Medical Library, a noticeboard will soon be available where you can share your thoughts and suggestions. You are also welcome to contact us via the library’s contact form.