Course Catalogue

Walking Glasgow's Libraries ADED12037

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 0
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Summer
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course consists of a lecture, then a series of visits and walks exploring some of Glasgow's impressive libraries and archives. With a focus on the local civic and cultural history of Glasgow's libraries, this course will bring to life the past and present purpose of academic, public, professional and specialist libraries in the city.

 

After a classroom-based lecture to set the scene, this course will offer guided visits to the University of Glasgow Special Collections, and then several professional libraries such as Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Royal Faculty of Procurators. This course will also feature a visit to the Glasgow Women's library and several local public libraries, such as those in Hillhead, Bridgeton, Govanhill and Langside.

Maps and notes will be provided for students including meeting points for students to make their own way to at each of the visited locations.

Timetable

Block 3 or 4

One day over Monday - Friday (to be confirmed) 10:00-13:00

For timetable details, please see our webpages University of Glasgow - Study - Short courses

 

Indicative sample class schedule:

Week 1 - Overview and history (classroom-based lecture)

Week 2 - University of Glasgow Special Collections, then a walk to Hillhead Library and Partick libraries

Week 3 - Royal College of Physicians &Surgeons, walk, then Royal Faculty of Procurators

Week 4 - Walk from Govanhill Library to Langside Library

Week 5 - Glasgow Women's Library, walk, then Bridgeton Library

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Not applicable to a non-credit bearing course

Course Aims

This course aims to

■ Support students to learn more about the purpose and features of some of Glasgow's most notable libraries through in-person guided and open-access visits

■ Explore and discuss the social and cultural contexts in which Glasgow's libraries developed

■ Examine and explain the broader role of libraries in society, and in particular in Glasgow

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Describe the purpose and features of some of Glasgow's most notable libraries

■ Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the social and cultural contexts in which these libraries were developed

■ Evaluate the role of libraries in society, and in particular in Glasgow

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions