Using the space and facilities

Our building is open for LSE students and staff only for the purpose of research and study.

All other potential visitors should contact us in advance with their requirements.

• single use, socially distanced study spaces on all floors
• computer workstations and printers
• physical collections and borrowing available
• group study spaces are not available
• food is not allowed

If you need help using the Library and its resources, you should contact your department librarian.

They can meet you remotely and assist you with:

• finding the resources on your reading list
• finding resources for your assignments
• finding data and other specialist information.
• citing and referencing enquiries

Contact a librarian to discuss.

• You can also contact specialists on publishing, data management and research impact. Explore our research support guides.

We are working on our plans for the Library locker service and will update on this when we have further detail. 

Students with Inclusion Plans (IPs) should contact us for details of the arrangements we have made for them.

We are committed to enabling access to the range of services and facilities that we offer. 

AccessAble guide to the Library

AccessAble provide short reports that outline the disabled and access features at a particular venue. There is a AccessAble guide for LSE Library that provides information to help people in using the building and services. 

Services we offer

• Three study rooms, equipped with assistive IT equipment, located on the 1st floor.
• Two IT work station areas comprising of standard workstations on the 1st floor as well as quick access, height-adjustable standing PCs on the ground floor are all reserved for LSE students with Inclusion Plans.
• A braille printer and video magnifying systems (CCTV) are located within the 1st floor study rooms. 
• A resource request service to facilitate easy access to the collections. 
• Flexible borrowing arrangements, including extended loan periods and increased borrowing allowances to suit individual needs.
• Free book lockers which can be allocated for the duration of your course.
• Free photocopying and printing is available via the Reprographics department for LSE students who have been referred by the Disability and Wellbeing Service.
• A Buddy service which provides you with a designated member of staff who will advise and assist you throughout your time at LSE.

Contact

To request room and space bookings as well as requests for accessing the Library collections, use the IP Resource and Study Space Request Form.

You can also email us. 

The LSE LIFE reception, located on the ground floor of the Library, is open from 11am to 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

One-to-one appointments with LSE LIFE Study Advisers - both online and on-campus - can be booked via Student Hub.

LSE LIFE workshops are all currently taking place online.

Contact LSE LIFE at lselife@lse.ac.uk if you have any queries.

For all IT queries you should contact Tech Support.

You can also check the LSE IT FAQ.

Libraries in London

There are many libraries in London that you can use.

Two of the most useful to LSE students and staff are: 

Senate House Library

• Central library for the University of London
• LSE members can borrow books 
• Full access to electronic resources
• Use study space and facilities                                        

Where is it?

Apply for access

British Library

• National Library of the UK
• Anyone can visit but borrowing is not possible 
• View rare and unique collections
• Visit exhibitions and events 

Where is it?

Apply for access

There are many specialist libraries across London covering a wide range of subjects. Contact your librarian for advice about specialist libraries which may be ideal for you. 

Other libraries in the UK

LSE staff and students can sign up to a scheme to use many libraries across the UK.

• Search the libraries you can access using SCONUL Access.
• Plan your visit and your requirements with the host library.

Can I borrow?

Under SCONUL Access, borrowing is available to staff, research students, and part-time students. Taught course students can mostly only use the scheme for reference access.

LSE Library has a separate agreement with SOAS allowing MSc students to borrow.

Search other libraries collections

Search across major UK research libraries collections using Library Hub Discover and identify where material you need is located. Ask Library staff if you need assistance accessing material.