Books and Pamphlets
The Library holds over 80,000 books and pamphlets which are split into four collections
- Main Collection
The main collection makes up the bulk of the Library’s book collection and contains items relating to the School’s research and teaching interests.
Books published from 2005 to the present are shelved in the Barnard Room. Those published between 1989 and 2004 are shelved in the Gallery. Details of all of these items can be found on the Library Catalogue.
Books published before 1970 are listed in the printed catalogue and can be requested at the Library Enquiries Desk. There is a retrospective cataloguing project which is placing items before 1970 on the online Library Catalogue.
Copies of heavily used texts are available for Overnight Loan from the Enquiries Desk. These must be returned by 09.30am the following week day. Overnight loans incur a fine of 50p per day if returned late.
Reference copies of books are also available at the Enquiries Desk. These cannot be removed from the Library.
Dictionaries and directories for Quick Reference are shelved opposite the Enquiries Desk. - Pamphlet Collection
Monograph items of less than 100 pages bound in a paper cover are added to the pamphlet collection. Pamphlets published from 1970 to present are shelved in the Special Collections Room. Details of all of these items can be found on the Library Catalogue.
Pamphlets published before 1970 are listed in the printed catalogue and can be ordered from the Library Enquiries Desk. - Rare Book Collections
The Library holds an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts covering a variety of topics relating to smallpox and vaccination, public health, and tropical medicine. More information is available on this collection.
Finding a book or pamphlet on the shelf
The Library Catalogue gives a call number and location for each item. Books and pamphlets are shelved using the Barnard Classification Scheme which groups items together by subject. You will need the location, call number and year of publication to find an item in the Library. Ask at the Enquiries Desk if you are having problems finding something.
Borrowing books or pamphlets
Books and pamphlets are available for loan for two weeks, one week or overnight. Overnight Loan books may be borrowed after 9.45am, and must be returned the next working day before 9.30am. Late return of Overnight Loan books will incur a fine of 50p per day.
School staff and students can borrow up to 10 items at once (only one of the 10 can be an Overnight Loan). External members may borrow up to 5 items at once (no Overnight Loans). Just take your items to the Enquiries Desk together with your School ID or External Member Library Card.
Suggesting new items to purchase
Student reading lists
The Library relies on academic and TSO staff to ensure that student reading lists are passed to the Library as soon as possible. It can take several weeks for items to be ordered, received and processed so please ensure you let us know which items your students will be asked to read well before the module starts. Please send all copies of reading lists to the Systems Librarian.
We can create an ORC (Online Readings for Courses) for your module. This is an electronic version of your reading list, mounted under your module’s space on Blackboard. Please contact the Systems Librarian for more information.
Stock suggestion form
If you would like to suggest an item for the Library to purchase, please complete our stock suggestion form. Library staff will email you to inform you of the process of your suggested purchase.
