How to register

Students are automatically registered with the Library.

Your College ID card is your library card - use it to swipe into the library, borrow books and operate our printer-copiers.

You can use all campus libraries, e-journals, e-books and databases.

Borrowing and requests

You may borrow:

Undergraduates
Total itemsNumber of weeks
 40 (from all libraries)  1 week
Taught postgraduates (Master's)
Total itemsNumber of weeks
 40 (from all libraries)  3 week
Research postgraduates (PhD)
Total itemsNumber of weeks
 40 (from all libraries)  3 weeks 

We will automatically renew your items for up to 12 months before they must be returned, unless they have been requested.

If an item is recalled you will need to return it by the due date. The Library charges fines on recalled items.

You can return items to any campus library.

Sign in to Library Search to request an item which is out on loan or at another campus. We will email you when it is available for collection. Your request limit is 10 at one time.

You can use the Document Delivery to request items which are not available in the Library. The service is unlimited and free.

Pre-sessional English language course students

You may borrow up to 5 items (excluding 24 hour loans) from the library at the campus where your course is based. Items are issued for 1 week and may be renewed on request.

You may use the other Imperial College London Libraries by appointment for the consultation of specific items.

Writing up students

Writing-Up research postgraduates continue to have full membership of the Library once their status is updated by Registry. When the writing-up period is ended you may register with the Library as a former student.

Students taking resits

Students taking resits may use the Library provided that their status can be confirmed with Registry.