Using the space and facilities

We now have socially distanced study spaces available for booking in the Library.

Group study rooms are currently not available for use. 

How to make an individual study space booking

LSE staff and students can make a booking for a Library study space.

You should confirm your booking via the automated email you'll receive.

Staying safe

To ensure the safety of everyone using the Library, you must:

• only use the study space you've booked
• clean the desk before and after using it
• wear a face covering at all times
• maintain social distancing
• wash your hands regularly

 Email us with any issues.

Should you visit?

• Only visit to use pre-booked services (a study space; a 1-1 consultation) or to browse and borrow books.
• Don’t visit if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

When you are in the Library

• Wear a face covering at all times.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Maintain social distancing.
• Follow the signposted one-way system.
• Only use the lifts where necessary.
• You must only use a study space if you have booked it in advance.
• Use our wipes to clean study spaces and other touch points before and after use.

Emergency situations

• Evacuate if there is a fire alarm without waiting for further instruction. The evacuation point is outside the Saw Swee Hock building.
• Call 999 in any life-threatening situation.
• If you need LSE Security, call them on 020 7955 6904.

Welfare 

Remember to take regular breaks and seek help if you have any issues with your welfare.

Contact the Student Wellbeing Service.

Reporting issues

If you come across any issues while in the Library, contact us. 

For all IT queries you should contact Tech Support.

You can also check the LSE IT FAQ.

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 providing full 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 1st floor study rooms, equipped with assistive IT equipment as well as two IT work station areas (ground and 1st floor), are all reserved for LSE students.
• A braille printer and video magnifying systems (CCTV) are located within the 1st floor study rooms. 
• A book retrieval service (Monday to Friday) to facilitate easy access to the collections. We are able to fetch up to 20 items per week for you and can guarantee that requests placed before 11am will be ready for collection by 3pm the next day.
• 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

For further information, email us. 

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. 

It is also possible to use Interlending services, or request LSE purchases material by filling in the Recommend material form.