students-working-in-library

Using the space and facilities

Read about services and facilities available to LSE staff and students.

Library services

Book a study seat, room or booth

LSE staff and students can book a study room in the Library for group use. Single rooms are also available for interviews.

Study booths are available on the ground and 4th floors. Each has capacity for four people.

Individual study seats can be booked for up to six hours per week. 

Find out more and book a study seat, room or booth.

Printing and copying

LSE staff and students can use the Multi-Functional Devices for printing and copying. They are available on all floors of the Library (except the 4th floor).

Once you have set up your IT account and have credit, you can print or copy. 

Add credit to your account online.

You can also add credit to your account with coins via value loaders on the lower ground floor and 1st floor.

Further information about the Mobile Printing service.

Get help

For in person help with printing or copying in the Library, go to the Print and Copy Helpdesk on the 1st floor.

Meet with your librarian

Contact your librarian if you need any help using the Library or resources.

They can 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.

Support for disabled people

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 for the duration of your course. Contact us for details.
  • 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

Using our collections

Our collections combine print and online material. Where possible and appropriate, we prioritise the purchase of online material so we can provide access to the widest possible audience. However, we remain flexible and will always try to acquire material in the most appropriate format. We try to ensure that all online material is accessible and easy to access.

All ebook platforms provide an accessibility statement, guided by Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and most submit to the ASPIRE assessment, to demonstrate they are as accessible as possible. Most platforms support screen-reading using the most widely-used browsers and software.Ebooks can be viewed online and/or downloaded. If ebooks cannot be downloaded, you should use the view online feature (a built-in ereader) and whilst this is usually accessible, there may be limits to how much you can customise your reading experience. 

If ebooks can be downloaded, some may be more accessible than others, due to limits placed by publishers, the types of files and which software needs to be used to open the ebooks. You may have different experiences accessing ebooks.

As a rule, we aim to purchase the most accessible formats possible, which usually means fully downloadable with no restrictions, and for users to be able to use their preferred screen-reading software to make their experience as beneficial for them as possible.Contact us if you cannot access any ebooks or other online material that you download or access online.

Computers for alumni and visitors

PCs are available for alumni and visitors on the 1st floor of the Library. If you need help logging on, email us at library.enquiries@lse.ac.uk.

There is currently no printing or photocopying services available for alumni or visitors in the Library at this time.

Other useful services

Get support from LSE LIFE

The LSE LIFE reception, located on the Ground floor of the Library, is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

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

Most LSE LIFE workshops are taking place online with some small group activities on campus.

Contact LSE LIFE if you have any queries.

Need IT help? Contact Tech Support

For all IT queries you should contact Tech Support.

You can also check the LSE IT FAQ.

Using other libraries

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. 

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. 

 

If you can't find the information you need, please get in touch.

Find out more