Imperial staff and students
Borrowing books in person
If you can visit our libraries you may borrow books in person.
Imperial students and staff may borrow up to 40 books and we will renew them automatically for you provided they are not requested by another user, see Recalled and overdue items.
You may borrow items for 1 week to 3 weeks depending on your status, for further information see membership.
Use Library Search to find the book you need. The information will tell you which library it is at and where in the library it is located. Note the shelf location to find it. Our shelf locations are in number and letter format e.g. 657 JON.
Once you have found the book use the self-service machines to borrow it or take it to a member of library staff for assistance.
If you are unable to find the book on Library Search or on the shelf please talk to a member of library staff.
If we do not have the book you need you can also suggest a book for purchase or use our Document Delivery service, see Get items not available at Imperial.
If you are unable to visit us in person
If you are unable to visit a campus to borrow a book you can request a book for pick up from another campus.
Many of our books are available as e-books. You can find the title you need using Library Search - look out for the green 'online access' button. If we do not have the e-book you need please contact Your librarian who will be able to assist you further.
For queries about your library account email as-library@imperial.ac.uk.
Returning books
Books can be returned to any Imperial library or to the book locker at the White City campus.
At the Abdus Salam Library simply push them through the slot between the two self-service machines and they will be removed from your account.
Most of our libraries have book boxes for you to return books outside opening hours, see our libraries for further information.
Non-members of Imperial
If you are not a student or member of staff at Imperial see membership for further information about who can join.