Using the Library

This page contains everything you need to visit, borrow and use SOAS Library.

New visitor?

If you’re an existing SOAS student or staff member you’re already set up – just use your SOAS ID card.

We also welcome external students and researchers as well as members of the general public. Please visit our Library membership page to explore your options and apply online before you visit.

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*Appointment required. Please see Special Collections for more information.

Please note that hours may change during university closure periods and bank holidays. Get in touch for more information.

Temporary closure: Saturday 29 August

The library will be closed on the morning of Saturday 29 August due to essential maintenance work. SOAS Library will instead be open from 12 noon to 10:00pm on Saturday 29 August. We apologise for the short notice.

Who can borrow books?

• SOAS students and staff have automatic borrowing rights.
• Other users (including visiting academics and external members) may borrow depending on their membership type.

How many books can I borrow and how long for?

• SOAS postgraduates, staff and visiting scholars: up to 30 items for 1 month
• SOAS undergraduates: up to 15 items for 2 weeks
• External members (including alumni, SCONUL and others): up to 5 items for 2 weeks depending on membership type. Full eligibility is shown when you register for membership

Some items are reference-only and must stay in the Library (you’ll see which items in Library Search).

Choose from a range of study environments, including:

• silent study areas
• PC study spaces
• group study areas

All study spaces are available on a first come, first served basis.

Accessible study spaces

Priority study spaces are available for users with accessibility requirements.

If you'd like information about these spaces or need help finding the most suitable place to study, get in touch before you visit or speak to the Library team at the Welcome Desk.

We are committed to making the Library accessible to everyone and are happy to help you make the most of our collections, services and spaces.

The Library team can advise on:

• access to and around the Library
• accessibility support and facilities
• who to contact for additional assistance
• alternative ways to access our collections

If you have any questions before your visit or need support while you're here, please get in touch.

Accessible formats 

If our resources are not accessible for your needs, we may be able to provide alternative formats or adjustments, including coloured paper and screen overlays.

Assistance dogs 

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Library. Drinking water is available on request, and there is a grassy area immediately outside the building for toileting.

SOAS requires documentation confirming that an assistance dog has completed training with an accredited organisation. Please refer to SOAS EDI Policies and Procedures for full details.

Item fetching 

If you are unable to access parts of the Library or would benefit from additional support, you can request books in advance and our staff will retrieve them for you.

This service is particularly useful if:

• materials are located in inaccessible areas
• you need help navigating the Library's classification system

Orientation tours 

We offer one-to-one orientation tours to help you become familiar with the Library and its facilities.

Tours are available throughout the year and are particularly helpful for students with accessibility requirements. Prospective students who have accepted an offer from SOAS are also welcome to arrange a visit before enrolment.

Get in touch to book an appointment.

If your home institution uses Eduroam, you can connect using your usual username and password, provided your device has already been configured for Eduroam. If you don't have Eduroam access, you can register for Guest Wi-Fi.