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Welcome to SOAS Library

As a leading UK research library (RLUK), we have over 1.3 million volumes, periodicals and audio-visual materials in 400 languages, and special collections of manuscripts, rare books, and archives – all focusing on the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Visit us

Library Opening Hours

Mon-Fri	8:00am-11:00pm
Sat-Sun	9:30am-10:00pm

Existing members

External members with valid SOAS Library card do not need to book to visit SOAS Library.

If you don't yet have an up-to-date membership, please apply for membership. We will contact you to arrange an appointment for you to collect your new ID card when it is ready.

Search the library collections

Library catalogue

Our resources

Electronic resources

The Library provides access to many resources in electronic format.

Special Collections

Archives, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audio-visual material, rare books and SOAS PhD theses relating to Africa, Asia, the Middle East.

Subject guides

Discover our SOAS subject guides, and find out more about the Library collection, other useful libraries, recommended web-sites and electronic journals for that subject.

Explore our subject guides

Discover SOAS Library

About SOAS Library

One of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Scholarly Communications

Scholarly communications is the process of legally disseminating publications, datasets and research findings to maximise re-use, visibility and impact within the academic community and wider society.

Decolonisation Operational Group

An ongoing effort to de-centre the European or Western canon of knowledge within SOAS.

SOAS Library Bulletin

Library & Special Collections

Statement on potentially offensive materials and descriptions at SOAS Library

Content warning for library users regarding materials held by SOAS Library and Special Collections, and the language that describes them.