In the library

At Imperial, we have seven libraries, with over 188,000 books, maps and other material. We subscribe to over 567,000 electronic journals, databases and e-books, so a huge amount of our collection is available to you online wherever you are. The Abdus Salam Library covers 5 floors and also has bookable study rooms, areas for group work, as well as over 250 student PCs and a Library Café.

You can navigate and access the library collections via the Library website. You can search for books and journal articles as well as reserve and renew items.  

These are available at each library, and some PCs have specialist software installed. There are also spaces and power sockets for you to use your own laptop if you prefer. Find out how to access the Wireless in the Library.

We understand that not all learning takes place in silence and students need a place to meet with peers for group study and discussion. Most of our libraries have different zones for group study, quiet study and silent study. Please respect other people's needs and use the floor or area that is right for the work you are doing.

You can book study rooms via the library's room bookings page.

Your books will be issued for one week then automatically renewed until you return them. If a book you have is reserved by another student we’ll email you and ask you to return it sooner. 

If Library Services doesn't hold the publication you are looking for, the Document Delivery may be able to obtain it for you.

Our Subject Librarians are here to help you get the most out of our collections as well as advise on any aspect of your information needs. There are regular bookable lunchtime workshops available that cover everything from specific databases to general reference management skills. We also have regular drop-in sessions throughout the year and can offer one-to-one sessions too. It’s simple – just get in touch.