Abdus Salam Library

We provide different types of study space to suit your style of working.

• Silent study zone - levels 2 and 3
• Whispering zone - levels 1, 4 and 5
• Group study zone - levels 1 and 4
• height-adjustable desks - levels 1, 2 and 3
• Assistive Technology Rooms on levels 1 and 4, and priority desks for students registered with the Disability Advisory Service
• training rooms which can be used for study when not in use for training

The GoStudy spaces in the Chemistry building also offer Group study, Silent study and Breakout spaces and you can use the student space on level 4 of the Sherfield Building.

Please respect the zones and do not carry out group discussion in Silent study or Whispering zones.

Our Library Attendants regularly patrol all floors and will be pleased to help maintain the study environment.

Our book collection

Our book collection supports taught courses and research. We also hold a wide range of recreational reading both fiction and non-fiction. Books are arranged in classmark order.

• Level 2 0 - 529

To borrow a book, use the self-service machines on level 1.

If you have received an email letting you know that your requested book is available you can pick it up from the Guest PC access room and use the self-service machine to borrow it.

Returning books

To return a book, place it through the slot near the self-issue machines. it will immediately be removed from your account. 

When the library is closed you can return books via the book drop box outside the main entrance.

Flat maps are available in the map cabinet on level 4 and music scores on level 5.

Print journals and theses are kept in the Store and are fetched on request.

You can borrow whiteboard pens, headphones, keyboards, scientific calculators and coloured overlays at the Information Hub during staffed hours.

Study rooms

Our study rooms are open 08.30 - 22.00 (Saturdays from 10.00) and are only available to students.

To book a study room visit Libary bookings and sign in with your Imperial username and password (do not include ic.ac.uk or imperial.ac.uk).

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Students may book two sessions in any seven days (maximum booking of two hours allowed per day). Please arrive on time, after 15 minutes Library Services may reassign the slot to another user.

Non-members of Imperial will not be permitted to enter the library to join a group of students who have booked a room without prior permission from Library Services.

Training rooms 1 and 2

Training rooms 1 and 2 can only be booked by library staff and priority is given to library training events. Bookings by other departments are at the discretion of the Head of User Services. To make a request ASK the Library.

Training room 3 (formerly ICT training room 204)

All Imperial staff may book training room 3 via Library bookings.

The room has 24 seats with PCs, a teaching PC and a projector.

Level 4 lecture rooms

Requests to book ASL 401 - Library Seminar Room and ASL 402 - Library Lecture Theatre should be made through the Celcat Room Booker.

Meeting room ASL-04-408

Staff from Imperial departments taking part in the shared rooms scheme can book room ASL-04-408 via Outlook. See Meeting room bookings for details.

The room seats 16 boardroom layout and 30 classroom layout.

If you are inviting external attendees, email libsec@imperial.ac.uk and Wunmi Agunbiade m.agunbiade@imperial.ac.uk with the name of the meeting, date and time, location, list of attendees and your contact details. Your attendees will not be permitted access to the library unless you provide this information or meet them personally at the library entrance. Members of Imperial will need to use their swipe cards to enter the library on level 1 and again to enter the room on level 4.

Catering should be delivered directly to the meeting room and not served in the adjoining library staff area.

Printer-copiers are located on levels 1, 2, 4 and 5 - use them to print, scan or photocopy.

All printer-copiers output to black and white (mono) or colour. 

Visit ICT for instructions on uploading documents or topping-up your print credit online.

You will find PCs on all levels of the library.

You are not able to book these PCs. There are a small number of PCs in our Business Zone on level 1 which you can book for using Bloomberg only Book a Business PC.

Students registered with the Disability Advisory Service may book PCs in our Assistive Technology Rooms on levels 1 and 2, find out more at Disability support.

We have iPads and laptops for students to borrow, see Laptops and iPads.

We also lend keyboards and mice, just ask at the Information Hub.

Keep your phone on silent wherever you are in the library and only make and receive calls in our phone zones.

• Level 1 - group study area, main entrance
• Level 2 - near stairs
• Level 3 - near stairs
• Level 4 - group study area

If you need to charge your phone please ask to borrow a charger at the Information Hub.

The best place for eating and drinking is the Library Cafe.

You can bring drinks with lids and cold food. Hot food is permitted in the level 4 Group study space where you will also find a tea point with a vending machine and hot water tap.

Microwaves are available in the level 4 kitchen in the GoStudy spaces in the Chemistry Building.

ICT support is available at the Service Desk on level 1.

The contemplation room, accessed via the Wellbeing Room on level 4, is available for prayers.

Inside you will find prayer mats and a shoe rack. A coat stand is available in the wellbeing Room.

Our new Wellbeing Room on level 4 is for you to  take a break from your studies, relax and contemplate.

The room offers:

• relaxed seating
• low lighting
• a wellbeing book collection
• crafts, games and activities
• ear defenders

It is open to all students.

There is also a tea point on level 4 in the Group Study zone.

Library Wellbeing Room