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Library

The IISS Library

The Library has been at the heart of The International Institute for Strategic Studies since it was founded in 1958. Today it has built up a comprehensive collection of books, journals, pamphlets and online resources covering a broad range of current international relations, security and defence topics. The collection reflects the Institute’s forward-looking outlook and therefore contains very little historical material.

Opening hours

Normal opening hours are Monday–Friday 10:00am–5:00pm, with the exception of public holidays.

We occasionally have to close the Library in order to accommodate official functions. We endeavour to limit such closures and give as much prior warning as possible, but please do check the notices on this webpage regularly if you are thinking of conducting research at Arundel House. Please accept our apologies in advance for any inconvenience caused.

The Library is closed for 2-3 weeks each summer for the annual stocktake, and for up to 2 weeks over the Christmas/New Year period. Notices of the dates for these closures will be posted on this webpage.

Access

Access to the Library is free for IISS members.

Non-members may use the Library for a daily entrance fee of £10 (£5 with student ID). Season tickets are available at reduced rates:-

Weekly: £40 (£20 with student ID)

Monthly: £100 (£50 with student ID)

For information on becoming a member of the IISS, please visit the membership webpages.

Please check our online catalogue before visiting to ensure that we have relevant material for your research.

It is not necessary to make an appointment in order to use the Library.

Terms and Conditions of Library Use

General Conditions

All users of the Library are required to sign in and out on arrival and departure.
Bags must be deposited in the cupboard provided.
Mobile phones and personal music players may not be used in the Library.
Conversation should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing other users.
Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted.

Borrowing Conditions

Members of the Institute may borrow up to five items for a three-week loan period. Items may be renewed for another two loan periods of three weeks each, provided that the items have not been requested by another user.

Once an item has reached its renewal limit, it must be returned to the Library and may not be borrowed again by the same user until it has been back in the Library and available to other users for at least one week.

It is the borrower's responsibility to ensure that items are returned to the Library on time; overdue fines will be charged on late returns or renewals (please see "Renewals and fines" below).

Persistent failure to adhere to the borrowing policy may result in the permanent withdrawal of borrowing privileges.

Non-members paying the daily fee may use the Library for reference but may not borrow items.

Certain publications such as IISS publications, Janes Yearbooks, SIPRI Yearbooks and all journals are for reference only.

Renewals and fines

Borrowed items must be returned or renewed by 5:00pm on the due date.

Renewals may be made in person, by telephone and by email during Library opening hours. Alternatively renewals can be made via the Library catalogue; this requires a borrowing card number and a PIN. Please contact Library staff if a new PIN is required.

Fines for overdue items are charged at a rate of 20p per item per day.

Fines must be paid before further books are borrowed or existing loans renewed.

Items lost or damaged while on loan will be charged to the borrower at the full replacement cost, together with delivery charges where applicable, plus a £5.00 administrative fee.

Items not renewed (if applicable) or returned to the Library after 3 reminder notices have been issued will be deemed to have been lost by the borrower and will be charged as above.

Photocopying and printing

A self-service photocopier is available for use – black & white photocopies are charged at 5p per A4 sheet. All photocopying must comply with copyright legislation.
A printer is available for print-outs from the computers – this is charged at 5p per A4 sheet.

Services for members

The Library provides a range of services exclusively for members of The IISS.

Enquiry Desk

A qualified Librarian with knowledge of the subject area and the Library stock is available for consultation during opening hours.

Contact

Enquiries can be emailed to the Library or tel + 44 (0)20 7395 9122.

Location

The Library is situated on the ground floor and basement of The IISS, Arundel House, 13 –15 Arundel Street, Temple Place, London WC2R 3DX.

Stocktaking closure 2012

The Library will be closed for stocktaking between Monday 18 June and Friday 29 June inclusive. Library books may be returned via Reception while the Library is closed.

Journals relocation

Please note that the former Journals Room in the basement is no longer part of the Library. The current year's journals have been moved into the bay behind the Weapons book section in the main reading room. Please ask Library Staff for older issues as these are no longer on the open shelves; owing to the reduction in space available we are now only able to keep the last ten years' worth of journal issues.