Abdus Salam Library

We provide different types of study space to suit your style of working.

• Silent study - levels 2 and 3
• Quiet study - levels 1, 4 and 5
• Group study - levels 1 and 4
• height-adjustable desks - levels 1, 2 and 3
• an Assistive Technology Room and priority desks for students registered with the Disability Advisory Service
• training rooms which can be used for study when not in use for training

The GoStudy spaces in the Chemistry building also offer Group study, Silent study and Breakout spaces.

Our Library Attendants regularly patrol all floors and will be pleased to help maintain the study environment.

Our book collection

Our book collection supports taught courses and research. We also hold a wide range of recreational reading both fiction and non-fiction. Books are arranged in classmark order.

• Level 2 0 - 529

To borrow a book, use the self-service machines on level 1.

If you have received an email letting you know that your requested book is available you can pick it up from the Guest PC access room and use the self-service machine to borrow it.

Returning books

To return a book, place it through the slot near the self-issue machines. it will immediately be removed from your account. 

When the library is closed you can return books via the book drop box outside the main entrance.

Flat maps are available in the map cabinet on level 4 and music scores on level 5.

Print journals and theses are kept in the Store and are fetched on request.

You can borrow whiteboard pens, headphones, keyboards, scientific calculators and coloured overlays at the Information Hub during staffed hours.

Study rooms

The following study rooms are open 08.30 - 22.00 (Saturdays from 10.00) and are only available to students.

To book a study room visit Libary bookings (sign in with your Imperial username and password).

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Students may book two sessions in any seven days (maximum booking of two hours allowed per day). Please arrive on time, after 15 minutes Library Services may reassign the slot to another user.

Non-members of Imperial will not be permitted to enter the library to join a group of students who have booked a room without prior permission from Library Services.

Training and meeting rooms

For our training room and meeting room booking policy see Room bookings.

Printer-copiers are located on levels 1, 2, 4 and 5 - use them to print, scan or photocopy.

All printer-copiers output to black and white (mono) or colour. 

Visit ICT for instructions on uploading documents or topping-up your print credit online.

You will find PCs on all levels of the library.

You are not able to book these PCs. There are a small number of PCs in our Business Zone on level 1 which you can book for using Bloomberg only Book a Business PC.

We have iPads and laptops for students to borrow, see Laptops and iPads.

We also lend keyboards and mice, just ask at the Information Hub.

Keep your phone on silent wherever you are in the library and only make and receive calls in our phone zones.

• Level 1 - group study area, main entrance
• Level 2 - near stairs
• Level 3 - near stairs
• Level 4 - group study area

If you need to charge your phone please ask to borrow a charger at the Information Hub.

The best place for eating and drinking is the Library Cafe.

You can bring drinks with lids and cold food. Hot food is permitted in the level 4 Group study space where you will also find a tea point with a vending machine and hot water tap.

Microwaves are available in the level 4 kitchen in the GoStudy spaces in the Chemistry Building.

ICT support is available at the Service Desk on level 1.