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.
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.
Contact
Enquiries can be emailed to the Library or tel + 44 (0)20 7395 9122.
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 August 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 £5 (£2 for students); it is not necessary to make an appointment in order to use the Library.
Conditions of use
Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted.
Mobile phones and personal music players may not be used in the Library.
Bags must be deposited in the cupboard provided.
All users of the Library are required to sign in on arrival.
Enquiry Desk
A qualified Librarian with knowledge of the subject area and the Library stock is available for consultation during opening hours.
Borrowing
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 responsibilty to ensure that items are returned to the Library on time (please see "Renewals and fines" below).
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 should 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.
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 while on loan will be charged to the borrower at the full replacement cost, including delivery charges where applicable.
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 – photocopies are charged at 5p per A4 sheet and 10p per A3 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.
