LSE Library, also known as the British Library of Political and Economic Science, is the major international library of the social sciences. It has been recognised by the Higher Education Funding Council as one of only five National Research Libraries in England and its collections have been 'designated' by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council as being of outstanding national and international importance.
The Library subscribes to over 50,000 e-journals as part of its electronic information provision and has over four million separate printed items, including over 33,000 past and present journal titles. Unusually for an academic library all materials are housed in a single site, the Lionel Robbins Building, named after the prestigious economist who studied, taught and was a governor of LSE.
The Library's collections cover the social sciences in the widest sense; being particularly strong in economics, sociology, political science and the social, economic and international aspects of history. There are rich international collections of government publications, a wealth of statistical materials, important collections of manuscripts, archives and rare books. Primary materials supporting graduate study and original research are one of the Library's greatest strengths.
However, the Library is more than just a collection of books and journals; it is an ideal place to study with hundreds of study spaces and PC's, laptop points, a free laptop loan service, wireless access, group study rooms and photocopying and printing facilities. It is a focal point at the School and used extensively by both students and academics. The Library is open for long hours, seven days a week in term time and vacation and for 24 hours from the beginning of the Lent term until the end of the examination period, excluding Easter week.
The Library is committed to user satisfaction and has achieved satisfaction ratings in excess of 90% in recent user surveys. Constantly looking to improve, new services are added regularly, often in direct response to feedback to enhance the user experience.
Founded in 1896, the Library today is truly a 21st century resource.