New audiobook and e-book app for staff and students

Reading time: < 1 minute

A new recreational e-book and audiobook collection has been introduced as part of the Library’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of staff and students across the University. 

Through the ‘Libby’ app, staff and students can now dip in to a range of popular fiction and non-fiction e-books and audiobooks by a wide range of authors and covering many genres.  

Library staff will continue to develop and curate this collection in response to the interests of our University community. 

Earlier this year, ‘The Reading Agency’ charity published the results of a survey revealing that half of UK adults do not currently read for pleasure. Reasons respondents gave for this decline in leisure reading included the distraction of social media, lack of time, difficulty finding interesting or relatable books and problems focusing, with others reporting mental health reasons, such as depression or anxiety. 

Elize Rowan, the Library’s Content Acquisition and Access Manager said:

Recent fiction
“Many university colleagues will be aware of the benefits of recreational reading which include higher levels of wellbeing and mental health due to factors such as improved sleep, concentration, creativity, and empathy. 

“We hope to kickstart many new leisure reading adventures over the coming year with this new app. We’re delighted it’s been made possible by Library endowment funding. On your next break, why not grab a cuppa and explore the books we have on offer?” 

Leisure reading collection (libby)