Our libraries

Central Library

The Central Library is the primary home for our print collections and is open 24 hours every day except Friday 23.00 to Saturday 10.00. The Library offers an extensive collection of electronic journals and databases, most of which you can access off-campus.

Subject librarians for your department can help you find what you need. There is a free document delivery service to help you find books and articles from around the UK and the rest of the world.

Specialist research support for postgraduate students will help you with copyright guidance, plagiarism awareness and reference management.

The Disability Advisory Service works with the Library to provide support for disabled students, including additional software and a book fetching service.


Specialist libraries

Medical libraries are found across several of our campuses. Each library has books relating to general medicine, as well as its specialist collection, such as medical ethics, neuroscience, psychiatry, paediatrics and more.

A life sciences library is found at the Silwood Park Campus, specialising in ecology, evolution, biodiversity, conservation, plant and animal biology, and entomology.

Computing facilities

You will have access to over 3,500 desktop computers, 150 computer rooms and over 250 multipurpose scanning, copying and printing machines. Our machines include Microsoft, Mac and Linux systems.

Find an available computer easily with the College’s mobile app.

High-speed internet and wireless access let you use the Imperial network on your laptop or mobile.

Free installation of Microsoft Office software is available (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint), as well as antivirus protection and free or discounted software from our software shop.

IT support

If you have difficulties you can get help from our ICT Service Desk.

There are a number of ways to access support, including online, by phone, in person or via Twitter.

Online resources

Easily access resources such as lecture notes and lecture recordings at a time that's convenient for you.

• Lecture recording: Most lecture theatres are equipped with lecture recording software so you can revisit your lectures, talks and tutorials as many times as you want.

• Virtual learning environments (VLEs): Our VLEs offer 24/7 access to lecture notes, reading lists and practice tests. Our primary VLE (Blackboard) includes tools to support your learning, such as lecture notes, assignment, tests and discussion boards.