SOAS Library

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SOAS Library is a world-leading resource for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East and is one of only five designated National Research Libraries in England

Through our collections, expertise and partnerships, we support research, learning and public engagement for scholars and communities worldwide.

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Discover SOAS Digital Collections

Explore over 50,000 digitised and born-digital items from our extraordinary collections.

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Library services

Library & Special Collections

Using the Library

SOAS Library is open 7 days a week. Plan your visit, including opening hours and accessibility support.

Library & Special Collections

Special Collections

The UK's leading collection of archives, manuscripts and rare books on Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Library

Catalogues and e-resources

Explore over 1.3 million volumes at SOAS Library together with a major collection of e-books and e-journals.

Library

Study and subject support

Detailed guides to help you find resources, develop your research skills and make the most of the library.

Library

About SOAS Library

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

Library

Library membership

SOAS Library is open to all. Discover membership options and apply online.

Exhibitions

SOAS Gallery

Presenting a programme of contemporary art exhibitions showcasing work from across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Wolfson Gallery

The Wolfson Gallery is a unique gallery in the SOAS Library that plays host to a number of diverse exhibitions.

What's on

Library blogs

Library

In pictures: SOAS Library Main Reading Room, 1973 to today

As SOAS Library's Main Reading Room reopens after refurbishment, SOAS Librarian Dawn Wright looks back at how this much-loved space has evolved since 1973.

Library

Library Appeal: the immense value of Special Collections

Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts Alex Kither explains why you should support the SOAS Library.

Library

Library Appeal: what the SOAS Library means to students

Ellis Taylor's academic journey has been shaped by the unique opportunities provided by the Library and its Special Collections work.

Get in touch

Email: library@soas.ac.uk
Telephone: 0207 898 4163
Social media: Visit the Facebook page Visit the Bluesky page

In this section

Library

A radical reading list: How can we decolonise our education?

Co-creator intern Shloka Murarka describes her work with the SOAS Library in creating a 'radical reading list', highlighting independent publishing from around the work.

Library

Fond memories of the SOAS Library

As part of the celebrations surrounding the SOAS Library’s 50th anniversary, we asked the SOAS community to share their memories of their time spent studying, researching, hunting for books, and “chair racing”.

12 December 2024

Imaging of Asian women in historical photography

Author Elaine Chiew will discuss the academic research she conducted as an early historian into the self-imaging of Chinese women in early Singapore photography as a limited exercise of agency that formed the background of her novel The Light Between Us.

SOAS Library

Search Library resources

Discover SOAS Digital Collections

Library services

Using the Library

Special Collections

Catalogues and e-resources

Study and subject support

About SOAS Library

Library membership

Exhibitions

SOAS Gallery

Wolfson Gallery

What's on

Library blogs

In pictures: SOAS Library Main Reading Room, 1973 to today

Library Appeal: the immense value of Special Collections

Library Appeal: what the SOAS Library means to students

Get in touch

In this section

Related content

A radical reading list: How can we decolonise our education?

Fond memories of the SOAS Library

Imaging of Asian women in historical photography