The Library is staffed by our team of qualified librarians who are always available to assist you.
Access
The Library entrance is located at 5 South Square. There is a specially adapted lift at ground level for wheelchair users. In the foyer there is an accessible toilet and a lift to the first and second floors.
We have two height-adjustable desks so that wheelchair users or those with back problems can easily adjust their working position.
Should you have any special requirements please call us in advance to discuss how we may assist you.
View the Library floor plan (PDF).
Library rules
- Please show respect at all times for Library Staff and other users of the Library
- Library users must not cause disturbance or distraction to others
- Mobile phones must be switched to silent and any calls taken outside the Library
- Food and drink (except bottled water) may not be brought into the Library
- No computer should be used for the viewing of material which may be inappropriate or likely to cause offence to others
- Any copying from books must be done using the Library’s photocopiers
- Personal property is brought into the Library at your own risk – if left unattended, the Library assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage
Computer facilities
Our suite of computers provides access to a wide range of online services, in addition to the Library catalogue, Internet, Microsoft Office, and printing facilities.
Free WiFi is available throughout The Library.
The WiFi password is available at the enquiry desk.
You are welcome to use your own laptop or mobile device; power points are situated under the tables on the main floor and in the upper gallery.
Please note access to online services is not possible from personal devices.
Frequently-used services such as Westlaw and Lexis Library are available from our Intranet homepage.
Staff are happy to assist with using any of these services, and the Library holds free CPD-accredited training sessions with the major legal database providers annually. See the News section of our website and our social media pages for details.
To assist those with visual impairments, there is a dedicated workstation with a large screen and large print keyboard. It is also equipped with a specialised viewer which allows you to magnify hardcopy reading material, increase the contrast and alter colours to best suit your needs.
Specialist software is installed on the PC which is designed to give access to all our online services as well as Windows and MS Office generally. It is suitable for all visually impaired users, from low vision to blind, and can be used to magnify the screen or listen to documents.
A large print version of our Library User Guide is available on request.
Library staff are always happy to help users with the assistive technology and to obtain and copy items from the collection.
Loans
All Library users may borrow ordinary books and bound periodicals for either an hour during opening times or overnight from an hour before closing until an hour after opening, on the production of appropriate ID.
Benchers may borrow items for a longer period in person or through an intermediary on production of a note bearing the Bencher’s signature.
Students
Student members of all four Inns of Court are welcome to use the Library. We have a discounted student rate for our document supply service and can set up printing/photocopy accounts for students to use in the library.
We also hold the Bar Manuals and other introductory law texts.
Tours
Library tours for Bar Course students are generally arranged at the start of each academic year, but staff are happy to provide tours of the Library to any member of the Inn on an ad hoc basis.