FAQs

There are one million volumes in total in the Library's collection; the majority of books and periodicals are housed on-site at 14 St James's Square, although we do hold a small number of publications in an off-site store. These are usually duplicates of titles which are available electronically through our catalogue, although we can bring volumes back to site for consultation on request.​

The subject range is mainly within the humanities, and the collection is particularly strong in history, literature (including fiction), biography, art, philosophy, religion and related fields. Our Science & Miscellaneous collections are frequently cited by our members as their favourite for serendipitous research. Textbooks are not within the Library's scope nor titles that may be regarded as 'how to' or 'self-help' in any of our collected subjects. Works on current technology, business, law, medicine and the hard sciences are not within the Library's scope, although material on the history of all of these subjects is held.

Find out more about the collection.

Yes; approximately 5,000 volumes are added to the Library each year across all of the subject areas of the collection (see above). Members are invited to make suggestions for books that they wish to consult to be acquired by the Library. Find out more about growing the collection. 

The Library maintains current subscriptions to over 400 print and online journals and also holds extensive collections of 19th and 20th century journals and magazines. Most back numbers of periodicals - excluding the most recent issues - are available for loan. There is also online access to thousands of titles through our subscription to JSTOR, an online archive of journals.

We also subscribe a selection of online resources and databases that complement our print holdings; these include key newspaper archives, collections of 18th century materials, art history research materials, British History Online and many more.

Find out more about the collection.

The vast majority of the stock is on open shelves to which members have free access; a small number of rarer or more fragile items are available only on request, which can then be consulted under invigilation. Some items are housed in an off-site store but can be brought back for consultation on request.

Almost all Library materials may be borrowed.

We allow a maximum loan allowance of 15 for all members. Those who wish to borrow more than 15 books at any one time are able to increase their allowance for an additional fee in sets of five up to 40.

Books may be kept on loan for at least one month and are automatically renewed unless requested by another member. After two months loans should be renewed (online or by email, telephone, or letter): it is not necessary to bring books to the Library in order to renew them. New books (acquired in the last four months) may be kept for two weeks. 

Books must be returned to the Library for renewal once a year so that we can assess their condition.

Yes; there is free WiFi across the Library.

A growing range of subscription electronic reference works, databases and e-journal titles, databases and e-journal titles (including JSTOR) are available both from within the Library and to members using their computers from anywhere, at any time.

Approximately 95% of the Library's collection can be found by searching our online catalogue. Work is continuing to make the remaining 5% of our holdings available online as soon as possible.

Yes; there are four Reading Rooms where laptops can be used at all the desks, and there are tables in the bookstacks where laptops can also be used. Laptops may not be used in The Study, which is a laptop-free space. 

There is a level entrance into the Library from Mason's Yard and a platform lift may be used from that entrance to the Reception area. A wheelchair-accessible passenger lift transports members to most parts of the building, but some of the older historic parts are only reachable by stairs. Staff are happy to retrieve books for members on request and can do this ahead of your visit so that materials are ready for consultation as soon as you arrive. Accessible toilets are provided in the Basement of the building, and an induction loop is installed in the Issue Hall. If you have particular access-related queries please contact Reception who will be happy to help.

Read accessibility information. 

The 6th Floor Members' suite is available for members to eat food they bring in and a coffee machine is provided.

While most of the Library is a silent zone where phone calls are not permitted, the 6th Floor Members' suite is an area where members can make calls and hold conversations. For heavy phone/Skype use, special booths are provided where members can make calls without disturbing others and these can be booked in advance.

The 6th floor meeting room is only available to Library members and can be booked by contacting us. We cannot reserve this space for visitors with a Daily or Weekly Pass and it is not available for hire. 

Yes. we have an active programme of talks and events with paid-for talks for members and non-members in the Reading Room. See our what's on page.

A cycle shed is currently provided next to the Mason's Yard entrance. Please enquire at Reception for further details. Please note the Library cannot safely accommodate eBikes or their batteries inside the building.